13A.17.16.04

.04 Preliminary Conference.

A. A preliminary conference may be held before a hearing on an action if an appellant requests the conference.

B. The conference is optional and does not replace the hearing process.

C. The conference may be attended by a representative of the Office and the appellant.

D. The conference may lead to an informal resolution of the dispute. However, a hearing shall be held unless one of the parties submits a written withdrawal of the hearing request to the Office of Administrative Hearings.