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BAM 600 38 of 50 HEARINGS BPB 2026-014 5-1-2026

BRIDGES ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

determines that space limitations prohibit multiple persons in attendance. The local office that initiated the case action that leads to the hearing request must present the case. If the client moved to another county, the county where the client resides must host the client, however, the office that took the action must present the case. Interim Assistance Recovery State-funded FIP and SDA Only For Interim Assistance Recovery disputes, the local office IAR liaison must arrange for central office payment reconciliation staff to participate in the hearing by telephone. Presentation of the Case All Programs The local office and client or AHR will each present their position to the ALJ, who will determine whether the actions taken by the local office are correct according to fact, law, policy and procedure. In most cases, the client or AHR and local office staff will be together in the hearing room and will speak into a speaker telephone. The ALJ will be on the other end of the phone line. Following the opening statement(s), if any, the ALJ directs the MDHHS case presenter to explain the position of the local office. The hearing summary, or highlights of it, may be read into the record at this time. The hearing summary may be used as a guide in presenting the evidence, witnesses and exhibits that support the department's position. Always include the following in planning the case presentation: • An explanation of the action(s) taken. • A summary of the policy or laws used to determine that the action taken was correct. • Any clarifications by central office staff of the policy or laws used.