1. a) After a case is instituted, upon the written motion of either party, or on his or her own motion, the Comptroller or the hearing officer shall direct the parties to attend a prehearing conference. The prehearing conference may be conducted by telephone at the discretion of the hearing officer.
2. b) Unless waived by the parties, the conference will be conducted as a matter of record. Participation by the Director, the Comptroller or a hearing officer will not affect his or her rights to participate in a subsequent hearing on the matter.

3. c) The purposes of the conference include:

   1. 1) Simplification of issues;
   2. 2) Limitation of issues;
   3. 3) Negotiating admissions or stipulations;
   4. 4) Limitation of witnesses or evidence;
   5. 5) Exchange of exhibits; or
   6. 6) Discussion of any other matter that may aid in efficient disposition of the case.

(Source: Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 16010, effective August 1, 2018)