Administrative Hearing Coordinator (AHC) Procedures:

When the appellant and the department (AHC and their supervisor) agree that equitable estoppel should be applied, the AHC:

Completes and signs The Agreed Order and Stipulation, DSHS-EE ORDER 1/98 (currently available from CSD headquarters) and,

Contacts the appellant to review and sign the stipulation, and

Submits the stipulation to the ALJ for review and signature at least 3 days prior to the administrative hearing.

Although it is best to obtain agreement for the stipulation before the administrative hearing, it is not always be possible. The order can be done either in pre-hearing meeting with the appellant (and representative) on the day of the administrative hearing or on the record with the ALJ presiding. It still saves time required for administrative hearing and written decision.

When the signed order is received from the ALJ, the AHC must forward a copy to the Office of Financial Recovery (OFR).