[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 42, Volume 3] [Revised as of October 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 42CFR498.54] [Page 1097] TITLE 42--PUBLIC HEALTH CHAPTER IV--CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) PART 498_APPEALS PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINATIONS THAT AFFECT PARTICIPATION Subpart D_Hearings Sec. 498.54 Joint hearings. When two or more affected parties have requested hearings and the same or substantially similar matters are at issue, the ALJ may, if all parties agree, fix a single time and place for the prehearing conference or hearing and conduct all proceedings jointly. If joint hearings are held, a single record of the preceedings is made and a separate decision issued with respect to each affected party.