Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
AGENCY DESCRIPTION
Chapter 246-10 - Administrative procedure - Adjudicative proceedings
Section SECTION IV - SETTLEMENT AND PREHEARING PROCEEDINGS
Section 246-10-401 - Settlement conference

(1) Following a request for an adjudicative proceeding, a settlement conference may be held if settlement is not achieved through written documents. The parties shall arrange the date, time, and place of the settlement conference.

(2) The purpose of the settlement conference is to attempt to reach agreement on the issues and on a proposed order to be entered. Any agreement of the parties is subject to final approval by the presiding officer or review officer.

(3) The respondent shall attend the settlement conference as scheduled and may also be represented as provided in WAC 246-10-108. Representatives of the department will also attend. Other persons may attend by agreement of the parties. Attendance may be in person or by phone.

(4) Either party may bring documents or other materials to the settlement conference for the purpose of settlement negotiations. No testimony will be taken. No documents or information submitted at the settlement conference will be admitted at the adjudicative proceeding unless stipulated by the parties or otherwise admitted into evidence by the presiding officer.

(5) If a settlement offer has been made in writing to the respondent and it is signed and returned by the respondent to the adjudicative clerk's office, all subsequent dates set in the scheduling order are stayed or stricken pending final review of the settlement by the presiding officer.