(a) Continuances may be permitted in the following circumstances: (1) once a petition for arbitration has been filed with the Director and a determination has been made that arbitration panel will be convened, but prior to a panel being convened, each party may request a maximum of two (2) continuances upon a showing of good cause; and, (2) once the panel has been convened, any party may request a continuance to the arbitration panel upon a showing of good cause. Before granting a continuance for good cause, the Director or the arbitration panel shall consider fairness to all parties. In either circumstance, a continuance of more than sixty (60) days shall not be approved. The basis for any continuance shall be set forth in the record.

(b) The arbitrators may take adjournments on the request of a party or on their own initiative provided that, to the fullest extent practicable, the arbitration hearing shall not be adjourned prior to the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing on the merits.

(c) An arbitration hearing shall be dismissed by the Director on its own motion or on motion of a party, after notice to the parties, if a final arbitration decision is not issued within two (2) years after notice is mailed pursuant to section 28009.