Two or more proceedings may be consolidated upon written notice by the hearing examiner or upon written motion of a party filed as provided in §17.3 of this title (relating to Filing of Documents) and served on all parties of record prior to the hearing date. Protest to such motion and to the examiner's ruling shall be made as provided in §17.12 of this title (relating to Pleadings). No proceedings shall be consolidated or heard jointly without either consent of all parties involved or a finding by the examiner that the proceedings to be consolidated or heard jointly involve common questions of law or fact, or both, and that separate hearings would result in unwarranted expense, delay, or injustice. Separate hearings on specific issues may be allowed by the examiner after consolidation of proceedings.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §17.18 adopted to be effective April 22, 1992, 17 TexReg 2472.