Arizona Administrative Appeals and Hearings

The attorneys at Chelle Law provide quality assistance with Arizona Administrative Appeals and Hearings with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings. Arizona Professional Licensing Boards (Boards) issue licenses, registrations and certificates to professionals in Arizona. Many of these Boards also receive complaints and act to determine if there has been a violation of the law. For instance, a Board may decide to issue disciplinary action when necessary. A professional can appeal the decision and request a hearing.

The Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) also handles administrative appeals and hearings for many other Arizona State Agencies (Agency) such as:

• Department of Economic Security (DES)
• Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
• Department of Child Safety (DCS)
• Adult Protective Services (APS)
• Department of Health Services (DHS)
• Registrar of Contractors (ROC)
• Department of Health Services (ADHS)
• Arizona Unemployment Insurance Benefits
• Department of Real Estate (ADRE)
• Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
• Department of Insurance

Licensing Board Discipline and Arizona Agency Actions

After investigating a complaint, the licensing board or agency will then determine what disciplinary action is necessary and implement as they see fit.  This can mean a letter of reprimand, probation, decree of censure, denial, civil penalties, suspension or revocation. Furthermore, an agency may also make a decision that negatively effects the rights of the person. For some, this can be a denial of insurance benefits, substantiated claim of child abuse or the removal of a health care facility license.  The individual or facility has the right to appeal and request an administrative hearing.

Arizona Administrative Appeals

When a Board or Agency decides to issue formal discipline as a result of their investigation, the individual has the right to appeal the final decision and request a hearing. Therefore, the subject of the complaint can either consent to the discipline by signing an agreement or can request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Appeals and Hearings with OAH

In most cases an administrative hearing is conducted by the Office of Administrative Hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). However, a few Arizona professional licensing boards hear their own appeals. In this instance, the hearing is not as formal as a trial, but it’s similar. Each party presents evidence using documents or sworn testimony. Each party also gives an opening statement and a closing argument. Both of which should explain why the judge should rule one way or the other. The respondent can cross examine witnesses and testify on his or her own behalf. After the hearing, the ALJ reviews the transcripts and evidence. From here, they’ll make a recommendation to the board or agency.  Usually, the board or agency makes a decision to either accept, reject or modify the ALJ’s decision. A rehearing can be requested if an error is made by the Board.

Administrative Hearing Attorney

Individuals who wish to appeal a decision shouldn’t discuss their case with friends, co-workers or anyone who could end up testifying against them. At the hearing, these people may be witnesses. Your attorney should be the only person you discuss your case with.

If you have questions about how Arizona Administrative Appeals and Hearings procedures work or if  you would like to learn more about the services we offer, contact Chelle Law today.