(a) When granted. Continuances shall only be granted in cases where the requester has a prior judicial commitment or can demonstrate undue hardship, or a showing of other good cause.

(b) Time limit for requesting. Except for good cause arising thereafter, requests for continuances must be filed not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the scheduled proceeding.

(c) How filed. Motions for continuances shall be in writing, unless made during the prehearing conference or the hearing. Copies shall be served on all parties. Any motions for continuances filed fewer than fourteen (14) days before the date of the scheduled proceeding shall, in addition to the written request, be telephonically communicated to the Administrative Law Judge or a member of the Judge's staff and to all other parties.

(d) Ruling. Time permitting, the Administrative Law Judge shall enter a written order in advance of the scheduled proceeding date that either grants or denies the request. Otherwise, the ruling shall be made orally by telephonic communication to the party requesting the continuance, who shall be responsible for telephonically notifying all other parties. Oral orders shall be confirmed in writing by the Administrative Law Judge.

[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7077, Feb. 12, 1999]