Following a hearing request, there is no direct or indirect contact regarding the merits of the case between the AHO and a person with a direct or indirect interest in the case unless there is notice to all parties and an opportunity to participate in the communication, except the AHO may:
- (1) be contacted on matters of an informational or procedural nature; or
- (2) contact the local office in order to obtain information regarding:
- (A) timeliness of the hearing request; or
- (B) whether an appealable issue exists.