§ 93.511 Prehearing conferences.

(a) The ALJ must schedule an initial prehearing conference with the parties within 30 days of the DAB Chair's assignment of the case.

(b) The ALJ may use the initial prehearing conference to discuss—

(1) Identification and simplification of the issues, specification of disputes of fact and their materiality to the ORI findings of research misconduct and any HHS administrative actions, and amendments to the pleadings, including any need for a more definite statement;