OAR 461-025-0325: Informal Conference

(1) The Department representative and the claimant may have an informal conference to discuss any of the matters listed in OAR 137-003-0575(4). The informal conference may also be used to: (a) Provide an opportunity for the Department and the claimant to settle the matter; (b) Ensure the claimant understands the reason for the action that is the subject of the hearing request; (c) Give the claimant an opportunity to review the information that is the basis for that action; (d) Inform the claimant of the rules that serve as the basis for the contested action; (e) Give the claimant and the Department the chance to correct any misunderstanding of the facts; (f) Determine if the claimant wishes to have any witness subpoenas issued; and (g) Give the Department an opportunity to review its action. (2) The claimant may, at any time prior to the hearing date, request an additional conference with the Department representative. (3) The Department may provide to the claimant the relief sought at any time before the Final Order is served. (4) Notwithstanding any rule in this chapter of rules, prehearing conferences are governed by OAR 137-003-0575.