(a) The impartial hearing officer, at his or her discretion,
may grant a continuance to further the interests of justice. No motion
for continuance shall be granted, unless it is made in writing or
stated in the record, and the motion shall set forth the specific
grounds upon which the party seeks the continuance.
(b) Unless made during a prehearing or hearing, a party
seeking a continuance, cancellation of a scheduled proceeding, or
extension of an established deadline must file such motion no later
than 10 days before the date or deadline in question. A motion filed
fewer than 10 days before the date or deadline in question must contain
a certification that the movant contacted the other party or party's
authorized representative and whether it is opposed by the party or
party's authorized representative. Further, if a continuance to a
certain date is sought, the motion must include a proposed date or
dates and must indicate whether the other party or party's authorized
representative contacted agrees on the proposed new date or dates.
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