Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 131.53a - Consolidated hearing procedure(a) One day trials or other consolidated hearing procedures may be scheduled and conducted pursuant to this chapter to the extent practical. The judge may waive or modify this chapter as may be appropriate and adopt and direct procedures which are fair and just for a determination of the issues consistent with the act.(b) Subject to § 131.3(a) (relating to waiver and modification of rules) in cases proceeding under a consolidated hearing procedure:(1) Upon request, or on the judge's own motion, testimony from a party or witness may be taken by a trial deposition prior to the obligation of a party to conduct medical depositions, or at another appropriate time to clarify the issues.(2) Upon request, a party shall have the opportunity to testify before the judge at the pretrial or other hearing prior to the obligation of a party to conduct medical depositions, or at another appropriate time to clarify the issues.(c) Subsections (a) and (b) supersede 1 Pa. Code §§ 35.101-35.106, 35.111-35.116, 35.121-35.128, 35.137, 35.138, 35.155 and 35.161-35.169.The provisions of this §131.53a adopted December 6, 2002, effective 12/7/2002, 32 Pa.B. 6043; amended October 16, 2009, effective 10/17/2009, 39 Pa.B. 6038.The provisions of this §131.53a issued under sections 401.1 and 435(a) and (c) of the Workers' Compensation Act (77 P. S. §§ 710 and 991(a) and (c)); section 2205 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 565); and section 414 of The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act (77 P. S. § 1514).