Temporary Scheduling Changes
Goal
The goal of this temporary procedure is to reduce community spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota by limiting the number of people gathering in OAH’s public spaces, including hearing rooms.
All Stipulation Status Conferences suspended
Beginning Monday, March 16, all Stipulation Status Conferences are cancelled until further notice. Notices on individual cases will not be re-issued.
All conferences by phone
- Beginning Monday, March 16, all settlement conferences, 239 conferences, 106 conferences, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, and attorney fee hearings in workers’ compensation will be held by telephone until further notice.
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Notices on individual cases will not be re-issued to show an updated location.
- OAH’s Online Docket Calendar will list the location as TP-TELEPHONE.
- OAH’s docket calendar in our reception area on the first floor will list the location as TP-TELEPHONE.
- It is your responsibility to ensure the assigned judge has the correct phone number to reach you in advance of the conference, motion hearing, or fee hearing. If the judge needs to contact you on a cell phone, or call an associate, email the telephone number to the assigned judge in advance of the conference.
- Workers’ Compensation Judges will call parties and join them together on a telephone call at the already scheduled time.
- If individuals appear in person, OAH receptionists will direct them to a telephone room at OAH. Alternatively, individuals may choose to have the judge call them on their cell phone. OAH receptionists will email the judge to notify them what number to call to reach that person.
- Scheduled interpreters will continue to appear in person with the judge, with all other parties appearing by phone. CDC-recommended social distancing (maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals) will be utilized.
Mediations
Mediations may also be held by telephone upon agreement of the parties and the judge. Mediations held in-person at OAH will utilize CDC-recommended social distancing (maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals).
Hearings
At this time, scheduled evidentiary hearings will proceed in person, except hearings on attorney fees, which will proceed by telephone. Hearings held in person at OAH will utilize CDC-recommended social distancing (maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals).
What to do if you're sick
Please do not come to court if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or have been directed to self-quarantine as a precaution. If your client or a witness is experiencing these symptoms, please do not bring them to court.
If you cannot attend court because you are sick or quarantined, call or email the assigned judge.
We will keep you informed
We will use this GovDelivery system to notify court users of any other changes caused by COVID-19. If you need to register, visit OAH's website and use the popup window to sign up.
Questions
If you have any questions, please reply to this email.
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