42 CFR §498.47

1. (a)At any time before the hearing, the ALJ may call a prehearing conference for the purpose of delineating the issues in controversy, identifying the evidence and witnesses to be presented at the hearing, and obtaining stipulations accordingly.
2. (b)On the request of either party or on his or her own motion, the ALJ may adjourn the prehearing conference and reconvene at a later date.