Section 336.130  Consolidation and Severing Issues and Parties

a)         When common issues of fact or law are raised in more than one appeal, the Chief Administrative Law Judge may consolidate the appeals into a single group hearing.  Individuals shall be permitted to present their own cases separately.  Nothing in this Section shall override confidentiality considerations.

b)         The Chief Administrative Law Judge may also combine all appeals and issues involving a single appellant, whether arising under this Part or any other Part, into one hearing.

c)         The Chief Administrative Law Judge, if required for the fair and efficient administration of the hearing or to prevent possible prejudice to the appellant, may sever any party or any issue from the consolidated hearing.  The party or issue severed from the consolidated hearing shall be heard separately.

d)         The Chief Administrative Law Judge shall decide the order in which to hear any appeal or issue which has been severed.

e)         The Chief Administrative Law Judge may delegate any decision under this section to any Administrative Law Judge who has been assigned to hear one or more of the appeals.

(Source:  Amended at 24 Ill. Reg. 7660, effective June 1, 2000)