27-14-607. Rights of director to defend against claim; no waiver.
The director or his designee may for any reason appear before the hearing examiner or in the district court and defend against any claim and shall in all respects have the same rights of defense as the employer. Failure to contest a claim does not constitute waiver by the director of his right to participate in further proceedings concerning the award where he does not appear and defend at the original hearing or trial.