1. (a) The Committee, at its sole discretion, may invite the Respondent and the Complainant to an informal conference. The purpose of the conference is to assist the Committee in the investigation. An informal conference is voluntary and is not a prerequisite to a hearing in a disciplinary action.
2. (b) The Committee will request the Respondent to appear at a specified time and place for an informal conference. If the Committee determines that the Complainant's presence will aide in the investigation, then the Committee will invite the Complainant to appear at the informal conference.
3. (c) The notice of an informal conference will state the date, time and place of the informal conference. The notice will be mailed to the Respondent and Complainant at least 10 days prior to the informal conference.
4. (d) At an informal conference, the Respondent may appear in person and with counsel.
5. (e) During an informal conference, each party is given the opportunity to make a brief presentation to the Committee. The Committee may ask questions regarding the matter being investigated and any matter of interest to the Committee. The Committee chair may call upon board staff at any time for assistance during the informal conference.
6. (f) The Committee may invite a non-party who has relevant information to the investigation to participate in the informal conference.

Source Note:The provisions of this §519.23 adopted to be effective June 9, 2004, 29 TexReg 5628.