Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part VIII - Bureau of Workers' Compensation
Chapter 131 - SPECIAL RULES OF ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE BEFORE WORKERS' COMPENSATION JUDGES
Subchapter C - FORMAL PROCEEDINGS
HEARING PROCEDURE
Section 131.53b - Bifurcation and motions for disposition of a petition
Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 38, September 21, 2024
(a) The judge may, upon request or upon the judge's own motion, consider bifurcation of issues to promote expeditious resolution of cases.
(b) A motion which may result in disposition of a petition may be filed at any time. A response shall be made within a time specified by the judge. The judge will issue an order granting or denying the motion, or will provide reasons why the motion will not be ruled upon, within 30 days of when the response is due. If the motion will not be ruled upon, the judge will articulate in writing or on the record the reasons for not ruling on the motion. Pendency of the motion will not operate as a stay.
(c) Subsections (a) and (b) supersede 1 Pa. Code §§ 35.54, 35.55, 35.177-35.180 and 35.225.
The provisions of this §131.53b issued under sections 401.1, 435(a) and (c) and 1608 of the Workers' Compensation Act (77 P. S. §§ 710, 991(a) and (c) and 2708); section 2205 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 565); and section 414 of The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act (77 P. S. § 1514).
