Section 17.15 - Parties to the hearing(a) The parties to the hearing shall be the respondent and the Center(s) with jurisdiction over the matter at issue. No other person may participate.(b) The parties may at any time prior to a final decision by the entity deciding any appeal agree to a settlement of all or a part of the matter. The settlement agreement shall be filed in the docket and shall constitute complete or partial resolution of the administrative case as so designated by the settlement agreement. The settlement document shall be effective upon filing in the docket and need not be ratified by the presiding officer or the Commissioner of Food and Drugs.(c) The parties may be represented by counsel, who may be present at the hearing.