D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 31, r. 31-344
If all parties waive their right to appear before the hearing panel and present evidence personally or by representative, it shall not be necessary for the panel to give notice of and conduct an oral hearing.
A waiver of the right to appear shall be made in writing and filed with the Chairperson.
The waiver may be withdrawn by a party at any time prior to the mailing of the notice of decision in the case.
If the hearing panel believes that the personal appearance and testimony of the party or parties would assist it to ascertain the facts in issue in any proceeding, it may give notice of a time and place and conduct a hearing notwithstanding the filing of a written waiver as described in this section.
If a hearing is called and a party waiving oral hearing fails to appear before the Chairperson personally or by representative, the Chairperson shall make a record of the relevant written evidence, including applications, written statements, certificates, affidavits, reports, and other documents which were considered in connection with the proceeding, and shall consider such documents as all of the evidence in the proceeding and the decision shall be based on such documents as are made part of the record.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 31, r. 31-344