Appendix B Responsibilities of the Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) | SNAP

provide at least ten days prior to the hearing of advance written notice to all responsible parties and representatives involved to permit adequate preparation of the case

change the time and place of the hearing upon its own motion or for good cause shown by the AU

adjourn, postpone, or reopen the hearing for receipt of additional information at any time prior to the mailing of the state’s decision on the case

conduct a single group hearing, consolidating cases where the sole issue involved is one of state and/or federal law, regulation, or policy

conduct a single hearing for both programs if a change in the AU’s TANF circumstances requires a reduction or termination of SNAP benefits

conduct the hearing on a newly emerged issue if at the hearing it becomes evident that the issue involved is different from the one on which the hearing was originally requested

order an independent medical assessment or professional evaluation at the agency’s expense if the hearing involves medical issues such as a diagnosis, an examining physician’s report, or a medical review team’s decision. The source of the evaluation must be satisfactory to the AU and the agency.

determine the number of persons who may attend the hearing

deny or dismiss a hearing request

utilize only those facts or opinions which are evidence of the record, or which may be officially noticed and are therefore, subject to the rights of objection, rebuttal, and/or cross-examination by the parties. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is the sole trier of fact.

complete the hearing and make a decision within 60 days from the date of receipt of the oral or written hearing request

mail the hearing decision to the claimant and the local office

inform the claimant of appeal rights and that an appeal may result in a reversal of the decision.

comply with federal law, regulations, or policy

take into consideration only those issues directly related to the action being appealed

be based on evidence and other material introduced at the hearing

be accessible to the public, with the identity of the AU protected

become part of the case record.

contain the substance of what transpired at the hearing and all papers and requests filed in the official proceedings

be available to the AU or its representative by appointment for copying and inspection.