(b) A person other than the Bureau and the health care facility or employer may request to intervene in a hearing under the following conditions:

1. (1) He can demonstrate any of the following:

   1. (i) A right conferred by law.

   2. (ii) An interest which may be so directly affected and which is not adequately represented by the existing parties, and as to which petitioners may be bound by the Department’s actions. The following may have an interest:

      1. (A) Complainants’ union or trade association representatives.
      2. (B) Consumers, patients or other patrons served by the respondent.
      3. (C) Holders of securities of the health care facility or employer.
      4. (D) Employees of the health care facility or employer.
      5. (E) Competitors of the respondent.
   3. (iii) Any other interest of a nature so that participation of the petitioner may be in the public interest.
2. (2) The party files a petition to intervene with the hearing officer and the existing parties in the hearing under 1 Pa. Code § 35.29 (relating to form and contents of petitions to intervene) no later than 10 days before the scheduled hearing unless the party shows good cause and there is no prejudice to the existing parties from the late filing. Existing parties may file an answer under 1 Pa. Code § 35.36 (relating to answers to petitions to intervene) within 20 days or other time set by the hearing officer.