R590-160-4. Designations of Proceedings

  (1) Any of the following proceedings may be commenced as an informal adjudicative proceeding:

  (a) the Department's initial decision on an application for a license or a certificate of authority;

  (b) the Department's decision on a petition to remove an existing disability;

  (c) the Department's decision to disapprove a rate;

  (d) the Department's decision to disapprove a form;

  (e) when it appears to the Department that the matter may have no issues;

  (f) when it appears to the Department that the matter involves technical or minor violations of law; or

  (g) proceedings for the purpose of entering stipulated findings of fact, conclusions of law and orders.

  (2) A complainant may commence an informal or formal adjudicative proceeding pursuant to this rule.

  (3) Any petitioner may commence a formal adjudicative proceeding pursuant to this rule.

  (4) The presiding officer shall conduct any informal or formal adjudicative proceeding.

  (5) Any time before a final order is issued, the presiding officer may, sua sponte or upon motion of any party, convert any adjudicative proceeding from a formal to an informal adjudicative proceeding or from an informal to a formal adjudicative proceeding, provided the conversion is in the public interest and does not unfairly prejudice the rights of any party.