Section 310.160  Prehearing Conference

a)         After a case is instituted, upon the written motion of either party, or on his or her own motion, the Comptroller or the hearing officer shall direct the parties to attend a prehearing conference.  The prehearing conference may be conducted by telephone at the discretion of the hearing officer.

b)         Unless waived by the parties, the conference will be conducted as a matter of record.  Participation by the Director, the Comptroller or a hearing officer will not affect his or her rights to participate in a subsequent hearing on the matter.

c)         The purposes of the conference include:

1)         Simplification of issues;

2)         Limitation of issues;

3)         Negotiating admissions or stipulations;

4)         Limitation of witnesses or evidence;

5)         Exchange of exhibits; or

6)         Discussion of any other matter that may aid in efficient disposition of the case.

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 16010, effective August 1, 2018)