Following a hearing request, there is no direct or indirect contact regarding the merits of the case between the AHO and a person with a direct or indirect interest in the case unless there is notice to all parties and an opportunity to participate in the communication, except the AHO may:

1. (1) be contacted on matters of an informational or procedural nature; or

2. (2) contact the local office in order to obtain information regarding:

   1. (A) timeliness of the hearing request; or
   2. (B) whether an appealable issue exists.

Added at 19 Ok Reg 2199, eff 6-27-02