(a) The ALJ may decide on his or her own, or at the request of any party to the hearing, to hold a prehearing or posthearing conference to facilitate the hearing or the hearing decision.
(b) The ALJ informs the parties of the time, place, and purpose of the conference at least 7 calendar days before the conference date, unless a party indicates in writing that it does not wish to receive a written notice of the conference.
(c) At the conference, the ALJ may consider matters in addition to those stated in the notice of hearing, if the parties consent in writing. A record of the conference is made.
(d) The ALJ issues an order stating all agreements and actions resulting from the conference. If the parties do not object, the agreements and actions become part of the hearing record and are binding on all parties.