(a) The administrative law judge, on his or her own motion or on request of a party, may direct the parties to participate in a prehearing conference, either in person or by telephone, to consider:
- (1) Simplification of issues;
- (2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings;
- (3) Obtaining stipulations of fact and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof; or
- (4) Such other matters as may expedite the disposition of the proceedings.