The manner in which disputed claims, appeals and petitions shall be presented, the reports required thereon from the claimant and from any employing unit and the conduct of hearings and appeals shall be in accordance with rules prescribed by the appeals board. The appeals board shall require administrative law judges to consolidate for hearing cases with respect to which the alleged facts and the points of law are the same. The appeals board shall permit a party or representative to participate in a hearing by telephone upon the party’s or representative’s request and showing a good cause, in accordance with regulations adopted by the board.

(Amended by Stats. 2009, 3rd Ex. Sess., Ch. 23, Sec. 7. (AB 29 3x) Effective January 25, 2010.)