<br><br> <br>Page 1 of 1 <br>13B.070 Prehearing conference -- Mediation and informal settlement procedures. <br>(1) A hearing officer may convene and conduct a prehearing conference upon <br>reasonable notice to all parties to explore jurisdictional matters, mediation and <br>settlement possibilities, preparation of stipulations, clarification of issues, rulings on <br>witnesses, taking of evidence, issuance of subpoenas and orders, and other matters <br>that will promote the orderly and prompt conduct of the hearing. <br>(2) Upon conclusion of a prehearing conference, the hearing officer shall issue a <br>prehearing order incorporating all matters determined at the prehearing conference. <br>If a prehearing conference is not held, the hearing officer may issue a prehearing <br>order, based on the pleadings, to regulate the conduct of the hearing. <br>(3) Except to the extent precluded by another provision of law, mediation or informal <br>settlement of matters that may make unnecessary more elaborate proceedings under <br>this chapter is encouraged. Agencies that employ informal settlement procedures <br>shall establish by administrative regulation the specific procedures to be used. This <br>subsection shall not be construed, however, as requiring any party to settle a matter <br>pursuant to informal procedures when the right to an administrative hearing is <br>conferred. <br>Effective: July 15, 1998 <br>History: Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 261, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended <br>1996 Ky. Acts ch. 318, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1994 Ky. Acts <br>ch. 382, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1996. <br><br>