653—25.16 (17A) Continuances. Unless otherwise provided, applications for continuances shall be filed with the board at least seven days before the date scheduled for hearing. If the application for continuance is not contested, the executive director or designee shall issue the appropriate order. If the application for continuance is contested, the matter shall be heard by the board as presiding officer or may be delegated by the board to an administrative law judge. No continuance shall be granted within seven days of the date of hearing except for extraordinary, extenuating or emergency circumstances.
	 25.16(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 for continuance; and
	  c.   	 Be signed by the requesting party or the party’s representative.
An oral application for a continuance may be made if the board or the presiding officer 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 two days after the oral request unless that requirement is waived by the board or the presiding officer. No application for continuance shall be made or granted without notice to all parties except in an emergency where notice is not feasible.
	 25.16(2) The board or presiding officer may require documentation of any grounds for continuance. In determining whether to grant a continuance, the presiding officer may consider:
	  a.   	 Prior continuances;
	  b.   	 The interests of all parties;
	  c.   	 The public interest;
	  d.   	 The likelihood of informal settlement;
	  e.   	 The existence of an emergency;
	  f.   	 Any objection;
	  g.   	 Any applicable time requirements;
	  h.   	 The existence of a conflict in the schedules of counsel, parties, or witnesses;
	  i.   	 The timeliness of the request; and
	  j.   	 Other relevant factors.