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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION HEARINGS FNS 700 FAIR HEARINGS

9 Section 700 Change #03-2022 July 01, 2022 3. Bring to the hearing, the original and two copies of all other supportive material and information helpful in establishing facts, including relevant copies of the application/recertification/affidavits/screen shots from NC FAST showing relevant amounts/information keyed in the system, and notices sent to the household. Information presented at the hearing must clearly document the reasons for the county’s action(s).

700.16

ATTENDANCE AT THE HEARING The hearing will be attended only by persons directly concerned with the issue and will not be open to the public unless specifically requested by the appellant. The appellant may bring any friends or witnesses, as well as legal counsel at his expense. Persons required to be in attendance are: A. The appellant and/or his representative; B. The worker or workers directly involved in the issue; and C. The worker's supervisor. 700.17

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE HEARING OFFICER The Hearing Officer will: A. Administer an oath to all participants; B. Ensure that all relevant issues are considered; C. Request, receive, and make part of the record all evidence determined necessary to decide the issues being appealed; D. Regulate the conduct and course of the hearing consistent with the appellant's rights to ensure an orderly hearing; E. Limit the number of persons in attendance at the hearing if space limitations exist; F. Order, where relevant and useful, an independent medical assessment or professional evaluation from a source mutually satisfactory to the household and the county department; and G. Provide a hearing record and recommendation for the decision. 700.18

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOUSEHOLD The FNS unit may not be familiar with the rules of order, and it may be necessary to make particular efforts to arrive at the facts of the case in a way that makes the FNS unit feel most at ease. The FNS unit or its representative must be given adequate opportunity to: