If a food stamp household wants to contest a denial of expedited service under DSSM 9041, the agency must offer the household an agency conference. A conference may also be offered to a recipient of any program who is adversely affected by an agency action. In appropriate cases the hearing officer may direct the parties to participate in one or more conferences to address any matter that may aid in the disposition of the proceedings. A conference may be conducted in person or by telephone and may be presided over by the hearing officer or by another person designated by the hearing officer for that purpose. As a result of a conference the hearing officer may enter an order controlling the course of the proceedings or implementing any settlement agreement. A conference may not delay or be used as a substitute for a hearing.

A State agency conference may include the eligibility worker or staff person responsible for an action or decision and will include an eligibility supervisor and the appellant and/or a representative. An agency conference for households contesting a denial of Food Stamp Program expedited services must be scheduled within two (2) working days unless the household requests that it be scheduled later or states that it does not wish to have a conference.