(a) Sua sponte or on the motion of any party, the administrative law judge may direct that the parties or their authorized representatives appear at a prehearing conference to consider any of the matters specified in Rule 166, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (other than those matters having to do with trial by jury).(b) In the administrative law judge's discretion, the prehearing conference may be formal or informal, may be conducted in person or by telephone, and may be conducted with or without a court reporter. In the event that no court reporter is used, the administrative law judge shall prepare or may direct the parties to prepare a memorandum encompassing any agreements reached and decisions made.