29- 250 C.M.R. ch. 2, § 8
Prior to any hearing, the Hearing Examiner may, at the request of a party or in the Examiner's discretion, confer with the parties. If a pre-hearing conference is scheduled, all parties will be notified and given an opportunity to participate. Conferences may be held by telephone or in person or may be conducted in writing. Frequently, such conferences are held immediately prior to the scheduled hearing and may include such matters as: the parties' estimation of the time required for the hearing; the identification of the legal issues likely to arise at hearing; the development of stipulations and admissions; the identification and, if possible, agreement as to admissibility of any evidence; the clarification of the issues; the resolution of disputes as to evidence requested to be produced by subpoena or otherwise; or any other action which will aid in the proper and fair conduct of the hearing.
29- 250 C.M.R. ch. 2, § 8