(a) An informal conference may be held in order to provide a respondent with the opportunity to appear and answer a charge against the respondent in person.     
      (b) An informal conference shall be attended by the respondent and each person designated by the Executive Director to attend the conference. The respondent shall have the right to employ legal counsel to attend the informal conference at the respondent's expense.     
      (c) An informal conference shall be voluntary and shall not be a prerequisite to a formal hearing.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §5.176 adopted to be effective January 8, 2002, 27 TexReg 168