Sec. 01.03.01.10. Prehearing Conference

A. Time. At least 60 days before the hearings on a claim begin, unless mutually waived, all parties shall meet with the chairman of the arbitration panel in a prehearing conference.

B. Purpose.

(1) At the prehearing conference, the parties shall consider all of the following:

(a) Simplification and identification of the issues;

(b) Exchange of exhibits, other documentary evidence proposed to be offered in evidence, and the identity of all proposed medical witnesses;

(c) Obtaining admissions to or stipulation of facts not remaining in dispute and the authenticity of documents;

(d) Limitation of the number of expert witnesses to be called and scheduling of the witnesses' appearances;

(e) Estimation of the length of the hearing;

(f) The first date for the hearing and successive hearings; and

(g) Any other matters that may aid in expeditious consideration and determination of the claim.

(2) Each party is expected to be prepared fully for a useful discussion of, and authorized fully to make commitments with respect to, all problems likely to arise in the proceedings. Preparation should include advance study of all relevant material and advance information communication between participants, including requests for additional information, to the extent that it appears feasible and desirable.

C. Order. The chairman of the arbitration panel shall prepare an order that specifies the agreements made at the prehearing conference. A copy of the order shall be filed with the Director and served on each party. The order shall control subsequent consideration of the controversy unless, within 7 days after service of the order, a party submits to the chairman written objections to the order specifying an error or unless all parties and the chairman agree on modification of the order.