(a) When hearings involving a common question of law or fact or multiple proceedings involving the same or related parties are pending, the hearing officer may order a joint hearing of any matters at issue in the cases, order the cases consolidated, or make other orders to reduce costs or delay in the proceedings.

(b) Cases may be consolidated on the motion of any party, or on the hearing officer's own motion where there exists common parties, common questions of law or fact, or both, in such other circumstances as justice and the administration of the Act require.

History Note: Authority G.S. 18C-114(a)(14);

Previously adopted as Rule 1C-023;

Eff. January 8, 2024;

Readopted Eff. March 27, 2024.