(a) The ALJ may decide on his or her own, or at the request of the enrollee to the hearing, to hold a prehearing or posthearing conference to facilitate the hearing or the hearing decision.
(b) For non-expedited hearings, the ALJ informs the enrollee of the time, place, and purpose of the conference at least 7 calendar days before the conference date, unless the enrollee indicates in writing that he or she does not wish to receive a written notice of the conference.
(c) For expedited hearings, the ALJ informs the enrollee of the time, place, and purpose of the conference at least 2 calendar days before the conference date, unless the enrollee indicates orally or in writing that he or she does not wish to receive a written notice of the conference.
(d) The ALJ hearing office must document all oral requests not to receive written notice of the conference in writing and maintain the documentation in the case files.
(e) At the conference, the ALJ may consider matters in addition to those stated in the notice of hearing, if the enrollee consents in writing. A record of the conference is made.
(f) The ALJ issues an order stating all agreements and actions resulting from the conference. If the enrollee does not object, the agreements and actions become part of the hearing record and are binding.