418.1 The Board may wait a reasonable length of time for a party to appear before beginning a proceeding. After a reasonable time, however, if a party who has received notice has not appeared, the Chairperson may proceed as follows:

(a) The Chairman may adjourn the case without taking testimony; provided, that there is no inconvenience to the party who appeared and no objection to an adjournment; or

(b) If the default appears deliberate, the Chairperson may proceed with the hearing, obtain the testimony of those persons present, and, on the basis of the testimony and the record, issue a decision in the case.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 45 DCR 432 (January 23, 1998).