HAR §17-602.1-28. Prehearing conference

(a) The household shall be informed of its right to a prehearing conference with branch staff and of its right to a hearing if the household disagrees with the branch’s plan to reduce, terminate, or deny benefits. (b) The household or its authorized representative shall be notified of the time and place of the conference. (c) During the conference, the household or its authorized representative shall have the opportunity to discuss the situation, receive additional explanation of the reasons for the proposed action, and present any information the household feels would support its position that the action should not be taken. (d) The branch may be represented by the eligibility worker responsible for the branch’s action, and a supervisor or the branch administrator shall attend the conference. (e) If the branch determines the proposed action was in error, appropriate steps shall be taken to continue assistance in the correct amount or to establish eligibility. (f) A household that requests a conference shall be advised that the conference is optional and that the conference does not in any way delay or replace the hearing process. (g) Although a prehearing conference may lead to an informal resolution of the dispute, a hearing shall still be held unless the household makes a written withdrawal of its request for a hearing. [Eff 3/19/93;