The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Communication-A verbal, written or electronic correspondence.
Ex parte communication-A communication regarding the substantive merits of a petition, outside of a public hearing and without notice and opportunity for the other party to participate.
Waiver-An acknowledgement to the staff by a party or its representative that the party chooses not to participate in a communication between the staff and the other party and agrees not to thereafter object to the communication.
61 Pa. Code § 702.31