R305-7-310. Disclosures and Discovery

  (1) The ALJ shall allow reasonable formal discovery if requested by any party. The ALJ may limit the scope of formal discovery for the reasons stated in Rules 26 and 37(a)(7) of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure. The ALJ may also enter an order imposing sanctions provided in Rule 37(b) of the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, except that the ALJ has no power of contempt and may not impose financial sanctions under Rule 37. By stipulation or upon motion, the ALJ may enter a protective order imposing protections and limitations governing records of information produced in the adjudicative proceeding. The ALJ is encouraged to use a form of Standard Protective Order typically used in Utah state or federal court proceedings.

  (2)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section R305-7-310, the time periods, limitations and other requirements for discovery in the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ after consideration of the specific formal discovery proposed.

  (b) Initial disclosures shall be required as provided in Utah Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26(a)(1)(B) through (D), except that the Director's preparation of the Initial Record as provided in R305-7-309 will be deemed to be adequate to satisfy the Director's duty to provide initial disclosure of records under Rule 26. Unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ, initial disclosures must be filed within twenty-eight (28) days of the date of service of the Director's Initial Disclosures.

  (3) If applicable, expert disclosures, as defined under Rule 26, Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, will also be required in connection with an evidentiary hearing on the merits. The due dates as provided in Rule 26 shall apply, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ.

  (4) Prehearing disclosures and related matters will be governed by R305-7-313, or by order of the ALJ, and not by Rule 26, Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.