WAC 242-02-550   Prehearing conference.  A prehearing conference is optional at the discretion of the presiding officer. The purpose of a prehearing conference is to:

     (1) Determine the feasibility of and encourage settlement of the matter or any portion thereof;

     (2) Obtain a stipulation of relevant facts including a board's jurisdiction and the party's standing in the matter;

     (3) Obtain agreement as to the issues of law and fact presented and their simplification, limitation, or resolution;

     (4) Determine the qualifications of expert witnesses, if they are permitted to testify;

     (5) Receive any motions concerning qualification of individual board members to hear the matter;

     (6) Obtain information as to the number of expert and/or lay witnesses expected to be called by the parties and their names, addresses and telephone numbers;

     (7) Set subsequent deadlines, if and when appropriate, for filing final exhibit and witness lists, filing motions, and completing discovery; establish a briefing schedule, limit the length of briefs; and decide other matters related to the conduct of the hearing;

     (8) Determine the approximate time necessary for the presentation of evidence and/or argument of the respective parties; and

     (9) Obtain all other information which may aid in the prompt disposition of the matter.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.270(7). 97-04-008, § 242-02-550, filed 1/24/97, effective 3/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.270(6). 94-07-033, § 242-02-550, filed 3/9/94, effective 4/9/94; 92-21-034, § 242-02-550, filed 10/15/92, effective 10/15/92.]