1. (a) Except as agreed by the parties, the arbitration tribunal shall decide whether to:

   1. (1) hold oral hearings for the presentation of evidence or for oral argument; or
   2. (2) conduct the arbitration on the basis of documents and other materials.
2. (b) Unless the parties have agreed that oral hearings are not to be held, the arbitration tribunal shall, on request of a party, hold an oral hearing at an appropriate stage of the arbitration.
3. (c) Each party shall be given sufficient advance notice of a hearing or meeting of the arbitration tribunal to permit inspection of documents, goods, or other property.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 5.02, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.