Okla. Admin. Code § 612:25-4-73

Current through Vol. 41, No. 19, June 17, 2024

Section 612:25-4-73 - Due process

(a)Due process overview. The SLA provides procedures for fair hearings of licensed managers' grievances. These procedures provide each licensed manager the opportunity to seek remediation of dissatisfaction with any SLA action arising from the operation of the BEP.

(b)Informal administrative review. It is the policy of the SLA to resolve complaints in an expeditious and facilitative manner. These resolutions shall be accomplished through the informal administrative review process whenever possible. A licensed manager has the right to request a full evidentiary hearing at any time within established due process time lines. These timelines are identified later in this policy.

(1) Informal administrative reviews are conducted by the SLA staff person closest to the problem who was not involved in the action resulting in the complaint, and who can resolve the complaint in the most expeditious manner.

(2) The informal administrative review is to be completed within 30 calendar days of receipt of the complaint to the appropriate SLA staff person.

(3) The results of the informal administrative review are to be reported in writing within 15 calendar days to the BEP Operations Coordinator, with a copy going to the licensed manager affected.

(c)Full evidentiary hearings. Licensed managers have the right to a full evidentiary hearing to resolve dissatisfaction with any SLA action arising from the operation or administration of the Business Enterprise Program.

(1) If the complaint cannot be resolved with an informal administrative review, or in the absence of an informal administrative review, the licensed manager may request a full evidentiary hearing. The request for a full evidentiary hearing must be made to the BEP Operations Coordinator in writing within 30 calendar days from the date the licensed manager receives the notification of adverse action, or the written report of the informal administrative review. The request for a full evidentiary hearing is to be sent by certified mail. Upon receipt, the BEP Operations Coordinator will immediately forward the request to the Visual Services Division Administrator. The Licensed Manager submitting the request for full evidentiary hearing will be notified of the date it was forwarded.

(2) The licensed manager may be represented in the evidentiary hearing by legal counsel, or other representation of the licensed manager's choice, and at the licensed manager's expense.

(3) Reasonable accommodations will be arranged by the SLA upon the request of the licensed manager.

(4) The hearing will be scheduled by the SLA for a time and place convenient and accessible to the licensed manager and the SLA staff involved in the hearing. The licensed manager will be notified of the place and time of the hearing and the right to be represented by legal or other counsel in writing.

(5) The hearing will be conducted by an impartial and qualified official with no involvement or vested interest in the SLA, action at issue, or with the operation of the affected business enterprise. The presiding officer will conduct the hearing in accordance with State and/or Federal laws and rules governing the conduct of such proceedings. In any case, the hearing will be conducted in a manner that avoids delay, maintains order, and provides for a full recording and reporting of the proceedings so that a full and true disclosure of the facts and issues occurs.

(6) The hearing officer's determination will be based upon the facts as presented by both parties and upon applicable law and the existing rules of the SLA. The hearing officer does not have the power to rule upon the legality or construction of the rules themselves. The officer's decision will determine the relevant issues and facts to be ruled upon.

(7) The hearing officer shall make a written report of the evidence presented, the laws and rules used in determining a resolution, and the resolution itself. This report shall be issued to the BEP Operations Coordinator and the licensed manager, or his/her authorized representative within 15 calendar days of the conclusion of the full evidentiary hearing.

(8) The hearing officer's report shall be issued to the Director of the SLA within 15 calendar days of the conclusion of the full evidentiary hearing. The SLA Director issues his or her final written decision to the BEP Operations Coordinator and the licensed manager within 30 calendar days of the date on which he or she receives the hearing officer's report.

(9) If the licensed manager is dissatisfied with the decision, she or he may request that the Secretary (USDE) convene an arbitration panel.

Okla. Admin. Code § 612:25-4-73

Added at 14 Ok Reg 1472, eff 7-1-97; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 2222, eff 7-1-05; Amended at 29 Ok Reg 1447, eff 7-1-12

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 31, Issue 24, September 2, 2014, eff. 9/12/2014

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 32, Issue 23, August 17, 2015, eff. 8/27/2015

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 34, Issue 24, September 1, 2017, eff. 9/11/2017