Section 176.520  Continuances

A hearing officer may, for good cause, grant a continuance at the request of a party or a continuance on the hearing officer's own motion. Good cause may include, but is not limited to, death or hospitalization of a party or assigned counsel, natural disasters prohibiting attendance, and other unforeseen circumstances.  Requests by a party for continuances must be preceded by contacting the opposing party and asking for agreement to the continuance. At the direction of the hearing officer, a hearing may be adjourned to permit further testimony or argument when beneficial to the development of a clear and complete record.  Scheduling conflicts of an attorney constitute grounds for a continuance only when the conflict is with another judicial body. Any grant by the Hearing Officer of a continuance sought by a party on less than two days notice prior to the assigned hearing date may be conditioned upon that party bearing any court reporting or other recording costs resulting from the continuance.