Administrative Review Process

(1) The assigned administrative review officer shall contact the individual who has requested an administrative review and the appropriate Commission representatives to arrange a time to meet and discuss the individual's grievance concerning issues which may be appealed. (2) The individual or his or her authorized representative may review either prior to or at the administrative review, such portions of the individual's record as are pertinent to the issues presented, subject to 112 CMR 1.08(3). (3) Before the dayon which an administrative review meeting is scheduled, an administrative review officer may change the date, time or place of the review or meetings with the parties upon notice to the parties involved. (4) In the event either party fails to appear at the administrative review without notice, the administrative review officer may reschedule the meeting or issue a decision in order to resolve the matter on a timely basis. (5) The individual or the individual's representative and the Commission staff responsible for the decision shall participate in the administrative review. Others may participate, but the form, duration and extent of their participation is within the discretion of the review officer in the interests of achieving timely resolution of the issues in dispute. (6) The administrativereview officer may facilitate a mutually agreeable resolution, or reach a decision considering the information presented, the defined issues, good case management practice and the Commission regulations and policies. (7) The administrative review officer has the authority and the discretion to terminate an administrative review because of lack of cooperation or failure to present relevant information by either party.