Prior to hearing a complaint, but not later than 45 days after the filing of the complaint, the board shall require the parties to attend a prehearing conference with the chair to discuss the possibility of settlement. If the matter is not resolved through the conference, the matter must be placed on the board's calendar for hearing. Settlement conference discussions remain confidential and may not be disclosed or used as an admission in any subsequent hearing.   [PL 2003, c. 356, §12 (NEW).]