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CHAPTER 126 Department of Health and Human Services (Statutory Authority: 1976 Code § 44–6–90) ARTICLE 1 ADMINISTRATION SUBARTICLE 2 NONDISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES 126–125. General. The State Health and Human Services Finance Commission shall administer its programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, to the end that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap or age, either directly or through contractual or other arrange- ment. Any individual who feels he has been subjected to such discrimination may, within one hundred eighty (180) days of the alleged discriminatory act, file a signed written complaint with: State Health & Human Services Finance Commission Post Office Box 8206 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 -OR- S.C. Department of Social Services Post Office Box 1520 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 -OR- Local County Department of Social Services Such complaint will be investigated in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. SUBARTICLE 3 APPEALS AND HEARINGS 126–150. Definitions. A. Agency—The Department of Health and Human Services and its employees. B. Appeal—The formal process of review and adjudication of Agency determinations, which shall be afforded to any person possessing a right to appeal pursuant to statutory, regulatory and/or contractual law; Provided, that to the extent that an appellant’s appellate rights are in any way limited by contract with the Agency or assigned to the Agency, said contractual provision shall control. C. Hearing Officer—Any Agency employee appointed by the Director to make Decisions either affirming or reversing Agency program determinations by setting forth findings of fact and conclusions of law in appeals arising under this regulation. D. Person—An individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private agency or organization.