1. (a) At any time prior to the entry of a decision on the merits, all parties may agree to the terms and conditions of a settlement.

2. (b) No settlement agreement shall become final and binding until a document containing the terms of the agreement is:

   1. (1) Signed by each party;
   2. (2) Each party receives a copy of the fully executed document;
   3. (3) The executed document is filed with the presiding officer;
   4. (4) The presiding officer finds that the terms of the proposed settlement are consistent with applicable law; and
   5. (5) The presiding officer incorporates the settlement agreement into an order.
3. (c) A settlement agreement that is incorporated into a final order shall conclude the proceeding, and constitute a waiver of the rights of any party to further hearing or appeal in the matter.
4. (d) If the presiding officer finds that the terms of the proposed settlement are not consistent with applicable law, and refuses to incorporate the proposed settlement agreement into a final order, the proceeding shall continue until a final order is rendered, subject to the right of any party to file a further appeal as provided by statute.

Source. #7927-A, eff 7-26-03