WAC 182-16-3170. Office of administrative hearings — Initial or final order — Required information

(1) Initial order: When the office of administrative hearings is holding a formal administrative hearing on behalf of the authority, the hearing officer must render a written initial order that addresses the issue or issues raised by the appellant in their appeal. The hearing officer must serve a copy of the initial order on all parties and the initial order must contain information on how the appellant may request review of the initial order. (2) Final order: The final order will only be issued by the authority. After the reviewing officer or officers receives a request for review, the reviewing officer or officers has 20 calendar days to enter and serve a final order to all parties unless the reviewing officer serves notice allowing more time. (3) In the written final order, the hearing officer must: (a) Identify the order as a final order of the public employees benefits board (PEBB) program; (b) List the name and docket number of the case and the names of all parties and representatives; (c) Enter findings of fact used to resolve the dispute based on the evidence admitted in the record; (d) Explain why evidence is, or is not, credible when describing the weight given to evidence related to disputed facts; (e) State the law that applies to the dispute; (f) Apply the law to the facts of the case in the conclusions of law; (g) Discuss the reasons for the decision based on the facts and the law; (h) State the result and remedy ordered; and (i) Include any other information required by law or program rules.