1. (a) Upon the motion of a party or upon the hearing officer's own motion, the hearing officer may consolidate for review and decision:

   1. (1) Any number of proceedings involving the same parties; and
   2. (2) Any number of proceedings involving common issues of law or fact where consolidation would expedite and simplify consideration of the issues and would not adversely affect the rights of the parties.
2. (b) Upon the motion of a party or upon the hearing officer's own motion, the hearing officer may, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, or when separate review proceedings will be conducive to expedition and economy, order a separate review proceeding of any issue or any number of issues, including issues raised in a party's response to a request for hearing.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 39600, 39601 and 43105.5(e) and (f), Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 43105.5(e) and (f), Health and Safety Code; Section 1969, title 13, California Code of Regulations; and Mathews v. Eldridge (1976) 424 U.S. 319.

History

1. New section filed 9-12-2002; operative 10-1-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2002, No. 37).