263—9.9(368) Continuance. Hearings or proceedings relating to matters that are within the jurisdiction of the committee may be continued by the committee, and notice thereof shall be given to all parties. Prior to the commencement of the hearing or other proceeding, a party may, upon written motion to the committee, request a continuance. Copies of said written motion must include proof of service upon all parties to the proceedings. All parties shall have an opportunity to file resistances to said motion, and the committee may, in its discretion, allow the parties to present oral arguments relative to the motion pursuant to rule 263—9.4(368). A party may, during said hearing or proceeding, but not ex parte, request a continuance. All parties shall have an opportunity to comment on a request for a continuance made at the hearing either orally or in writing as specified by the committee.
	9.9(1) A written application for a continuance shall:
	a. 	Be made at the earliest possible time and no less than seven days before the hearing except in case of unanticipated emergencies;
	b. 	State the specific reasons for the request; and
	c. 	Be signed by the requesting party or the party’s representative.
	9.9(2) An oral application for a continuance may be made if the committee waives the requirement for a written motion. However, a party making such an oral application for a continuance must confirm that request by written application within five days after the oral request unless that requirement is waived by the committee. No application for continuance shall be made or granted without notice to all parties except in an emergency where notice is not feasible.
	9.9(3) In determining whether to grant a continuance, the committee may require documentation of any grounds for continuance, and may consider:
	a. 	Prior continuances;
	b. 	The interests of all parties;
	c. 	The likelihood of informal settlement;
	d. 	The existence of an emergency;
	e. 	Any objection;
	f. 	Any applicable time requirements;
	g. 	The existence of a conflict in the schedules of counsel, parties or witnesses;
	h. 	The timeliness of the request; and
	i. 	Other relevant factors.
	9.9(4) Board staff may enter an order granting an uncontested application for a continuance. Upon consultation with the committee chairperson or the chairperson’s designee, board staff may deny an uncontested application for a continuance or rule on a contested application for continuance.
	9.9(5) If a hearing is continued prior to the commencement of the hearing, notice of the continued hearing will be given as required in rule 263—9.8(368).
[ARC 7707C, IAB 3/6/24, effective 4/10/24]