Section 1.19 - Status Conferences(1) The Board may, in its discretion, schedule one or more status conferences in pending appeals. Status conferences are designed to bring the parties together to discuss, among other topics: the progress of discussions regarding settlement; the formal or informal exchange of relevant information; the option of a mediation conference; a schedule for discovery, expert report exchange, submission of an agreed statement of facts, and a hearing date; and the narrowing of issues for hearing.(2) If the Board determines that a status conference is warranted, the Clerk will contact the parties to schedule the conference. In addition, if the parties believe that a status conference would be beneficial, they may contact the Clerk to request the scheduling of a conference.(3) Status conferences may be held by video conference, telephone, or in-person at the Board's offices. The Clerk will inform the parties of the medium by which the conference will be held, but the parties may request a particular medium for the conference.(4) Prior to the commencement of the status conference, the parties are expected to: confer regarding the topics to be discussed at the conference; agree on a date for a further status conference if they believe one will be beneficial; and, if necessary, provide a proposed scheduling order covering the matters outlined in this Rule.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1512, eff. 1/5/2024.Amended by Mass Register Issue 1514, eff. 1/5/2024.