Sec. 514.

(1) All appeals under this part shall be held before an independent hearing officer. The state court administrator shall compile and maintain a list of individuals possessing all of the following qualifications:

(a) Is a retired circuit court judge.

(b) Is a resident of this state.

(c) Is not engaged in the provision of health care services.

(d) Is not an officer or employee of a health care provider, health care corporation, or an employee of this state. For purposes of this subdivision, an employee of an educational institution shall not be considered to be employed by this state.

(2) The hearing officer shall be selected at random by the commissioner from the list described in subsection (1), on a per appeal basis. If the individual selected is performing judicial duties, another individual shall be selected.

(3) The hearing officer shall have the power to consolidate appeals related to a provider class.

(4) The commissioner shall prepare and file with the appropriate standing committees of the legislature an annual report regarding the operation of the appeals procedure prescribed in this part, including data regarding the identity of individuals available to serve as independent hearing officers whose names are on the administrator's list; the number of appeals heard; the nature of the controversy involved; the disposition of the appeal; and whether a judicial appeal was subsequently taken, and the disposition of that appeal.

History: 1980, Act 350, Eff. Apr. 3, 1981 Popular Name: Blue Cross-Blue ShieldPopular Name: Act 350