Ex parte communication
Ex parte communication means an oral or written communication not on the public record with respect to which reasonable prior notice to all parties is not given, but does not include:
(1) A discussion, after consent has been obtained from all of the named parties, between a party and an Administrative Judge or Administrative Law Judge, or the staffs of the foregoing, pertaining solely to the possibility of settling the case without the need for a decision;
(2) Requests for status reports, including questions relating to service of the complaint, and the registration status of any persons, on any matter or proceeding covered by this part; or
(3) Requests made to the Office of Proceedings or the Office of the General Counsel for interpretation of this part.