Clarifying Information:

See WAC 388-02-0215 through WAC 388-02-0245 for the responsibilities of the Administrative Law Judge.

The case is presented to the ALJ and generally consists of the following sections:

a) Opening statement

b) Presentation of the evidence

c) Closing statement

3. The ALJ's decision can only consider documents that have been formally entered into the record of the hearing.

4. Either the client or the department may object to the admission of any document into the record. The ALJ will usually rule immediately regarding an objection.

5. An objection should be raised if a document:

a) Has been altered, or

b) Is not what it is purported to be, or

c) Is not relevant to the issue for hearing e.g. a medical report, which is not current.