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MS 0500 (2) 5. Making two copies of all pertinent manual sections that support the issue/action – one for the hearing officer and the other for the client. Use only Operation Manual Sections, including updates, and Family Support memorandums issued by the Division of Family Support Central Office. Do not submit training materials, forms, or items not issued or sanctioned by the Division of Family Support as evidence at the hearing. 6. Contacting individuals that may be witnesses for the Agency to notify them of the time and place for the hearing. Witnesses, if available, may agree to testify telephonically. These witnesses may include an individual from the MRT, Medicaid (MA), Targeted Assessment Project (TAP), Claims Management Section (CMS), Determining Eligibility through Extensive Review (DETER), etc. Witnesses should be briefed on the issue or action in order for them to testify effectively. When an individual agrees to testify as a witness for the Agency, information from the case record pertinent to the hearing issue is copied and forwarded to that individual. This will allow the individual to be prepared to testify. 7. If a collateral contact was used to verify a household situation and an administrative disqualification hearing is to be held, contact the persons who provided statements about the case to ask if they will attend the hearing. If the person will not attend, ask for a signed written statement supporting verbal information indicated in Worker Portal comments. Worker Portal comments alone are not acceptable sources of verification in a hearing. The worker who spoke to the collateral contact must also attend the hearing to verify statements made on Worker Portal and should be notified well in advance of the hearing date to ensure their attendance. 8. Taking the case record to the hearing to assist in responding to questions asked during the hearing. 9. Dressing professionally. 10. Using professional language when presenting the summary and evidence. When called upon to present the Agency’s position, speak clearly. Explain the policy and procedure used in terms that everyone attending the hearing can understand. If unsure of a response to a question, advise those present that the information is not available at the hearing but will be provided if necessary. E. If conclusive evidence is not produced at the hearing, the hearing officer may continue the hearing. If the hearing officer continues the hearing, the hearing process must still be completed within 60 calendar days of the hearing request for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or 90 calendar days for MA. If the hearing is continued, the client and workers are notified 10 days in advance of the time and place of the continued hearing. A client or representative may request the hearing officer to delay the recommended order for a reason beyond the control of the client. The decision to grant the delay and continue the hearing is made by the hearing officer.