(a) Any appellant who files an appeal pursuant to Section 12693.85 shall receive an initial administrative review of the appeal.

(b) Administrative reviews of appeals shall be conducted in two steps. Each appeal will be reviewed by the program to determine if the requested resolution is required by the statutes and regulations governing the program, or required in order to be consistent with a written representation of program policy made by the program or the board. If so, the appropriate action will be taken within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal, and the appellant will be notified. If not, the appellant will be so notified within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal and informed that he or she may request review by the executive director. This request must be filed in writing with the executive director within 30 days of the date of the notice of the program determination and shall include the information specified in subdivision (b) of Section 12693.86.

(c) In conducting an administrative review of an appeal, the executive director may contact the appellant and any other party for further information.

(d) The executive director’s decision shall be in writing.

(e) The appellant retains the right to request an administrative hearing if the appellant is not satisfied with the decision of the executive director. Such a request shall be filed within 30 calendar days of receipt of the executive director’s decision. It shall include a clear and concise statement of what action is being appealed, and the reasons the executive director’s decision is not correct.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 623, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)