Assignment of actions to panel

(a) The commissioner shall assign to each panel at least the first three, but no more than six, actions pending on the arbitration calendar. (b) If an action is settled or discontinued before the hearing, the attorney for the plaintiff shall immediately notify the chairperson and the commissioner. If the plaintiff is not represented by an attorney, the chairperson, upon receiving notice of such settlement or discontinuance, shall immediately notify the commissioner. The commissioner, upon receiving such notice, shall assign the next available action to the panel.