Section 125.810  Ex Parte Communications

a)         Except in the disposition of matters which they are authorized by law to entertain or dispose of on an ex parte basis, neither members of the Board, employees of the Board nor Hearing Examiners shall, after the commencement of any proceeding pursuant to the Act or these Rules, communicate, directly or indirectly with any party in connection with any pending issue except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate.

b)         With respect to any complaint filed pursuant to Subpart B of these Rules, the prohibition provided for in paragraph (a) of this Rule shall commence with the filing of the complaint.

c)         Nothing in this Rule shall prohibit Board staff or Board members from communicating with each other, or a Hearing Examiner or Board member from communicating with employees of the Board to obtain their aid and advice on technical matters which fall within the area of expertise of the employee consulted.

d)         The Board may institute such sanctions against any violator of these provisions as it may deem appropriate and authorized by law.