1205 OPERATOR APPEAL TO DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY EDUCATION

(a) The following persons may appeal a decision of a Local Purchasing Agency or the Division to the Panel within 15 calendar days after having exhausted the appeals process at the appropriate Local Purchasing Agency or within 15 calendar days after the Division takes action as described in Subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this Paragraph: (1) an operator to whom a Local Purchasing Agency has issued a sanction pursuant to 10A NCAC 10 .0308; (2) an operator whom a Local Purchasing Agency or the Division has failed to approve for participation in or has terminated participation from the Subsidized Child Care Assistance Program pursuant to Section .0600 of this Chapter; or (3) an operator contesting the determination of an overpayment pursuant to 10A NCAC 10 .0309. (b) Upon notification of an appeal filed pursuant to this Section, the Local Purchasing Agency shall, within five business days of the date of notification, forward the appeal record to the Division Director or Subsidy Appeals Coordinator, with a copy to the appellant, consisting of the following: (1) a copy of its final decision; (2) the signed agreement between the Local Purchasing Agency and the operator, where applicable; and (3) all supplementary documentation considered during the local appeals process. (c) The Panel shall complete its review and notify the appealing party and the Local Purchasing Agency of its decision in writing within 30 business days of the Panel's receipt of the appeal record as follows: (1) the decision shall include the facts and conclusions that support the determination by the Panel; or (2) the decision may be delayed up to an additional 15 business days if the Panel lacks sufficient information to render a decision at the initial administrative review. The Panel may request additional information from the Local Purchasing Agency or the operator. (d) The appealing party may appeal the administrative review decision by filing a petition for a contested case hearing pursuant to G.S. 150B-23 and in accordance with G.S. 110-94. Appeals from the Panel shall be filed within 30 calendar days of notice of the Panel's decision, in accordance with G.S. 150B-23(f). (e) The administrative review decision may direct a Local Purchasing Agency to take an action or reverse an action based upon its review of the record as set forth in Paragraph (b) of this Rule. (f) An operator may appeal a final determination pursuant to 10A NCAC 10 .0308(k) by filing a petition for a contested case hearing pursuant to G.S. 150B-23 and in accordance with G.S. 110-94. History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-153; Eff. March 1, 2019.