Department to appoint appeals referees

39-51-305 . Department to appoint appeals referees. To hear and decide disputed claims, the department shall appoint impartial salaried appeals referees who are necessary for the proper administration of this chapter in accordance with 39-51-304 . A person may not participate on behalf of the department in any case in which the person is an interested party. The department may designate alternates to serve in the absence or disqualification of an appeals referee.