OAR 808-008-0280: Conduct of Hearing; Authority of Arbitrator

(1) An arbitrator may conduct arbitration in such a manner as the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the proceeding. The authority conferred upon the arbitrator includes the power to hold conferences with the parties to the arbitration proceeding before the hearing and, among other matters, determine the admissibility, relevance, materiality and weight of any evidence. (2) The oral hearing may be waived and held by briefs and documents if the parties so stipulate. The arbitrator shall determine whether to grant waiver of oral hearing and that determination shall be final.