23-3, Updates Section 1000, Appendix II , Appendix IV and Contact Information

Revision 23-1; Effective July 31, 2023

The following changes were made:

SectionTitleChange
1100Legal Base/DefinitionsUpdates title to Legal Basis/ Fair Hearings Policy and Procedures.
1110Federal Statutes and RegulationsUpdates title to Statutes and Regulations. Moves information to new section 1111.
1111Federal Statutes and RegulationsAdds a new section for applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.
1112Texas Statutes and RegulationsAdds a new section on Texas statutes and regulations.
1112.1Texas Human Resources CodeAdds new section detailing Texas Human Resources Code.
1112.2Texas Administrative Code (TAC)Adds new section detailing fair hearing information in TAC.
1120Texas LawsMoves Texas Laws to Section 1112 and updates title to Reserved for Future Use.
1121Financial, Medical and Social Service AssistanceDeletes section.
1130Texas Rule and Regulation AuthorityChanges title to Burden of Proof. Adds policy on burden of proof in fair hearings.
1131Authority and the Right to AppealDeletes section. Moves information on HHSC authority and appeals to new section 1112.2.
1140DefinitionsChanges title to Private (Ex Parte) Communication. Removes definitions and updates and adds policy on Private (Ex Parte) Communication.
1150Judicial NoticeAdds a new section on judicial notice.
1160Obtaining a Legal Opinion or ClarificationAdds a new section on obtaining a legal opinion or clarification.
1170Requesting a Case FileAdds a new section on how appellants can request a case file. Incorporates information formerly in section 1562.3.
1180Records and Confidential InformationAdds a new section on Records and Confidential Information.
1181PrivilegesAdds a new section on privileged information.
1182Public Access to DecisionsAdds a new section and subsections on Public Access to Decisions.
1182.1Confidential InformationAdds new section detailing what qualifies as confidential information, incorporating information formerly in Section 1900.
1182.2Disclosure of Hearings Recordings and RecordsAdds new section detailing recordings of hearings incorporating information previously in Section 1932.
1183Official RecordAdds a new section detailing the official record of a hearing.
1184Record RetentionAdds a new section on hearings record retention incorporating information previously in Section 1950.
1185Prohibition of Use of Information Regarding Alien StatusAdds a new section on alien status disclosure using information formerly in Section 1960.
1190Decision ReviewsAdds a new section detailing hearings managers’ responsibility to review decisions.
1200NoticeUpdates title to Participant Rights, Roles and Responsibilities.
1210Notice of Proposed Adverse ActionUpdates title to Hearings Officer. Adds new section information. Deletes adverse action information and moves it to Section 1310.
1211Hearings Officer's Powers, Duties and ResponsibilitiesAdds a new section on Hearings Officer's Powers, Duties and Responsibilities.
1212Limitation of Authority of Hearings OfficersAdds a new section on Limitation of Authority of Hearings Officers.
1220Content of NoticeChanges title to Agency and creates subsections. Moves notice requirement information to Section 1300.
1221Agency ResponsibilitiesAdds a new section on agency responsibilities using information formerly in Section 1562.5.
1230Right to a Fair HearingChanges section title to Appellant. Moves information on the right to a fair hearing to Section 1410.
1231Appellant’s RightsAdds a new section on appellant’s rights.
1232Appellant’s ResponsibilitiesAdds a new section on appellant’s responsibilities incorporating information formerly in Section 1562.4.
1240Time Period for Requesting a Fair HearingUpdates section information and title to Attorney-involved Hearings. Moves fair hearing information to Section 1420.
1250MediaAdds a new section on media representatives.
1260InterpretersAdds a new section on interpreters using information formerly in Section 1580.
1261Right to Request an InterpreterAdds a new section detailing an appellant’s right to request an interpreter. Incorporates information formerly in Section 1583.
1262Determination of Necessity for InterpreterAdds a new section on how to determination the necessity for an interpreter using information from Section 1584.
1263LEP InterpretersAdds a new section on interpreters for appellants with limited English proficiency.
1264Sign Language InterpretersAdds a new section on sign language interpreters.
1265Requirements for InterpretersAdds a new section on requirements for interpreters.
1266Procedures for Hearings Officers Related to InterpretersAdds a new section on procedures for hearings officers related to interpreters.
1266.1The Role of the InterpreterAdds new section on the role of the interpreter in a hearing.
1266.2Interpreter Oaths or AffirmationsAdds new section on the oath administered to interpreters.
1266.3Curing InaccuraciesAdds new section on the hearings officer’s responsibility to remedy inaccuracies in the interpretation.
1267Complaints Regarding Quality of InterpretationAdds a new section on complaints regarding quality of interpretation.
1300Submitting a Fair Hearing Request SummaryUpdates section title to Notice. Moves fair hearing summary information to Section 1400.
1310Forwarding the Request to the Hearing OfficerUpdates section title to Notice of Proposed Adverse Action and incorporates information that was previously in Section 1210. Moves hearings request information to Section 1440.
1320Continued BenefitsChanges title to Content of Notice and incorporates information that was formerly in Section 1220. Moves benefits information to Section 1450.
1321MedicaidAdds a new section on Medicaid.
1322Alberto N. SettlementAdds a new section on Alberto N. Settlement incorporating information formerly in Section 1722.
1323Nursing Facility DischargeAdds a new section on nursing facility discharge.
1324SNAPAdds a new section on SNAP.
1325TANFAdds a new section on TANF.
1330Agency Action Notice IssuesAdds a new section on agency action notice issues incorporating information previously in Section 1565.
1331When Appellant Raises a Notice IssueAdds a new section on when an appellant raises a notice issue using information formerly in Section 1565.1.
1340Receipt of Agency NoticesAdds a new section on receiving agency notices.
1400Scheduling the HearingChanges title to Submitting a Fair Hearing Request Summary. Moves scheduling information to Section 1500.
1410Notice of Fair HearingChanges title to Right to a Fair Hearing and adds information regarding fair hearings rights. Moves notice information to Section 1510.
1411Date and LocationDeletes this section.
1420Exception —Transient/Expedited AppealsChanges title to Period for Requesting a Fair Hearing. Updates section information. Moves transient and expedited appeals information to Section 1521.
1430When an Attorney Is InvolvedChanges section information and title to Determining Good Cause for Appealing Past 90-Day Period. Moves attorney-involved information to Section 1241.
1431Time Frames for Processing Requests to ReopenDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1930.
1440Continuances/PostponementsChanges title to Creating and Submitting a Fair Hearing Request, and updates information. Moves information on postponements to Section 1560.
1450Continued BenefitsAdds new section on continued benefits incorporating information that was formerly in Section 1320.
1500The HearingChanges title to Scheduling the Hearing and updates information.
1510Hearings Officer's Powers and DutiesChanges title to Notice of Fair Hearing. Moves information on hearings officer duties to Section 1211.
1511ResponsibilitiesDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1211.
1512General DutiesDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1211.
1513Limitation of Authority of Hearings OfficersDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1212.
1514Preparing for the HearingDeletes this section.
1515Pre-hearing Conference — GeneralDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1610.
1520Group HearingsChanges title to Expedited Hearings. Updates information. Moves group hearings information to Section 1550.
1521Expedited Hearings for Transient AppealsAdds new section of Expedited Hearings for Transient Appeals incorporating information formerly in Section 1420.
1522Expedited Hearings for Individuals Whose Health is JeopardizedAdds new section on expedited hearings for individuals whose health is jeopardized.
1530Attendance at HearingChanges title to Hearing Setting. Updates section information.
1540Burden of ProofUpdates title and section information to Attendance at Hearing. Moves burden of proof information to Section 1130.
1550Private (Ex Parte) CommunicationUpdates section to Group Hearings and adds information formerly in Section 1520. Moves ex parte communication information to Section 1140.
1560Conducting the HearingChanges title to Continuances or Postponements and adds information formerly in Section 1440. Moves information on conducting the hearing to Section 1700.
1561Starting the HearingDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1710.
1562During the HearingDeletes this section.
1562.1Hearings Officer's ResponsibilityDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1211.
1562.2Appellant's RightsDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1231.
1562.3Requesting a Case FileDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1170.
1562.4Appellant's ResponsibilitiesDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1232.
1562.5Agency ResponsibilitiesDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1221.
1563Short HearingsDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1760.
1564Developing the RecordDeletes this section.
1564.1When the Agency Representative Does Not Appear for the HearingDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1740.
1562.2When the Appellant Does Not Appear for the HearingDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1750.
1564.2.1Hearings Held Via a Conference CallDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1751.
1564.2.2Face-to-Face HearingsDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1752.
1565Agency Action Notice IssuesDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1330.
1565.1When Appellant Raises a Notice IssueDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1331. 
1565.2When Appellant Does Not Raise a Notice IssueDeletes this section. 
1566Receipt of Program NoticesDeletes this section. 
1566.1Testimony and EvidenceDeletes this section. Incorporates information into Section 1633.
1566.2Exhibits Offered and AdmittedDeletes this section. Incorporates information into Section 1633.1.
1566.3Exhibits Offered and Not AdmittedDeletes this section. Incorporates information into Section 1633.3.
1566.4Exhibits Provided But Not Offered into EvidenceDeletes this section.
1566.5Duplicates of the Same ExhibitDeletes this section.
1566.6Labeling ExhibitsDeletes this section. Moves some information to Section 1633.4.
1566.7Handling ObjectionsDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1633.2.
1566.8When to Admit ExhibitsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1633.1.
1567Closing the HearingDeletes this section.
1568Requesting Additional DocumentsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1634.
1569Obtaining a Legal ClarificationDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1770.
1570Recessed HearingsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1770.
1571Example of a Recessed HearingDeletes this section and incorporates information into Section 1770.
1580InterpretersDeletes this section. Moves interpreter information to Section 1260.
1581Spanish/English InterpretersDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1260.
1582Other InterpretersDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1260.
1583Right to Request an InterpreterDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1260.
1584Determination of Necessity for InterpreterDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1260.
1585When an Interpreter is Not NeededDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1260.
1586Requirements for InterpretersDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1265.
1587Procedures for Hearings Officers Related to InterpretersDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1266.
1587.1The Role of the InterpreterDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1266.1.
1587.2Interpreter Oaths or AffirmationsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1266.2.
1587.2.1Examples of Conflicts of InterestDeletes this section.
1587.3Curing InaccuraciesDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1266.3.
1588Complaints Regarding Quality of InterpretationDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1267.
1600EvidenceUpdates title to Prior to Conducting a Hearing. Moves evidence information to Section 1630.
1610DiscoveryUpdates title to Pre-hearing Conference – General. Moves discovery information to Section 1630.
1620Written InterrogatoriesUpdates title to Special Hearing Situations. Moves written interrogatories to Section 1632.
1621Hearings for Programs with Program Cost LimitsAdds this new section.
1621.1Exceptional CircumstancesAdds this new section.
1622Hearings Concerning OverpaymentsAdds this new section.
1630EvidenceUpdates section to Discovery, Evidence, and Exhibits. Incorporates information from former Section 1566.
1631DiscoveryAdds this new section incorporating information from former Section 1610.
1632Written InterrogatoriesAdds this new section using information previously in Section 1620.
1633EvidenceAdds this new section.
1633.1Exhibits AdmittedAdds this new section using information previously in Section 1566.2.
1633.2Handling ObjectionsAdds this new section using information previously in Section 1566.7.
1633.3Exhibits Not AdmittedAdds new section with information moved from Section 1566.3.
1633.4Labeling ExhibitsAdds this new section using some information from former Section 1566.6.
1634Requesting Additional DocumentsAdds new section incorporating information from Section 1568.
1640Additional Medical AssessmentDeletes this section.
1700DecisionsUpdates title to Conducting the Hearing. Moves decision information to Section.
1710Decision ProcessChanges title to Starting the Hearing incorporating information formerly in Section 1561.
1711Time FramesDeletes this section. Moves information to Section 1820.
1720DecisionsChanges title to Invoking the Rule and adds new information. Moves decisions information to Section 1800. 
1721Components of a Hearing DecisionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1840.
1721.1Signing the Hearings DecisionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1870.
1722Hearings Covered by the Alberto N. SettlementDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1322.
1723Delays in Issuing a DecisionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1830.
1724DismissalsDeletes this section.
1724.1Appellant Did Not Appear Initial DismissalDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1750.
1724.2Determining Good CauseDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1921.1.
1724.3Action on Good Cause StatementDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1921.2.
1724.4Past 90-day Time FrameDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1430.
1725Withdrawn AppealsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1862.1.
1725.1Oral Withdrawal Received During the HearingDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1862.3.
1725.2ReservedDeletes this section.
1725.3If an Appellant Dies During the Appeal ProcessDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1862.4.
1726Reversed AppealsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1863.
1727Sustained AppealsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1864.
1728Request to ReopenDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1920.
1729Amended or Re-issued DecisionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1940.
1730Hearing Manager ResponsibilitiesChanges title to Controlling the Hearing and incorporates information previously in Section 1560.
1731When a Party Disconnects from the HearingAdds new section on disconnection policies.
1731.1If All Parties Disconnect from the HearingAdds new section on disconnection policies.
1731.2If Only the Appellant Disconnects from the HearingAdds new section on disconnection policies.
1731.3If Only the Agency Representative Disconnects from the HearingAdds new section on disconnection policies.
1734.4If Only a Witness Disconnects from the HearingAdds new section on disconnection policies.
1740Decision Formats for Certain DecisionsChanges title to When the Agency Representative Does Not Appear for the Hearing and incorporates information formerly in Section 1564. Moves decision formats to Section 1860.
1741Decisions to DismissDeletes this section
1742Decisions to WithdrawDeletes this section
1743Decisions to Sustain or ReverseDeletes this section
1744Sustained and Reversed Decisions for Albert N. or THSteps AppealsDeletes this section
1745Decision to Uphold the Original DecisionDeletes this section
1746Short Form for Reversed DecisionsDeletes this section
1750Decision RoutingChanges title to When the Appellant Does Not Appear for the Hearing. Moves information formerly in Section 1564.2. Moves decision routing information to Section 1880.
1751Hearings Held Via a Conference CallAdds new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1564.2.1.
1752Face-to-Face HearingsAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1564.2.2.
1760Short HearingsAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1563.
1770Recessed HearingsAdds this new section using information from Section 1570.
1771When a Party Does Not Appear at a Reconvened HearingAdds new section incorporating information previously in Section 1564.
1800Implementing the Hearing DecisionChanges title to Decisions.
1810Responsibility of the Agency Representative for Implementing DecisionsChanges title to Before Writing the Decision and incorporates information from Section 1720. Moves implementation information to Section 1911.
1811Delays in Implementing a Hearings DecisionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1912.
1820Responsibility of the Agency Representative's SupervisorUpdates section to Decision Issuance Time Frames incorporating information formerly in Section 1711.
1830Delays in Issuing a DecisionAdds this new section using information formerly in Section 1723.
1840Components of a Hearing DecisionAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1721.
1850Writing the DecisionAdds new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1721.
1860Decision Formats for Certain DecisionsAdds new section incorporating information previously in Section 1740.
1861Decisions to DismissAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1741.
1862Decisions to WithdrawAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1742.
1862.1Withdrawn AppealsAdds new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1725.
1862.2Withdrawal Received Prior to the HearingAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1725.
1862.3Oral Withdrawal Received During the HearingAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1725.1.
1862.4If an Appellant Dies During the Appeal ProcessAdds this new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1725.3.
1863Decisions to ReverseAdds this new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1726.
1864Decisions to SustainAdds this new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1726.
1870Signing the Hearing DecisionAdds this new section using information formerly in Section 1721.1.
1880Decision RoutingAdds this new section using information formerly in Section 1750.
1900Records and Confidential InformationChanges title to Post-Hearing Activities.
1910Confidential MaterialChanges title to Implementing the Hearing Decision. Move confidential materials information to Section 1180.
1911Responsibility of the Agency Representative for Implementing DecisionsAdds new section using information formerly in Section 1810.
1912Delays in Implementing a Hearings DecisionAdds this new section using information formerly in Section 1811.
1920PrivilegesUpdates section to Requests to Reopen and moves information formerly from Section 1728. Moves Privileges information to Section 1811.
1921Request to Reopen Following Dismissal for Failure to AppearAdds this new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1728.
1921.1Determining Good Cause for Failure to AppearAdds this new section incorporating information formerly in Section 1724.3.
1921.2Action on Reopen RequestAdds new section detailing actions taken on reopen requests.
1922Request to Reopen Following Sustained DecisionAdds this new section incorporating information previously in Section 1728.
1930Public Access to DecisionsChanges title to Time Frames for Processing Requests to Reopen.
1931Confidential InformationDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1182.
1932Disclosure of Hearings Recordings and RecordsDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1182.
1940Official RecordChanges title to Amended or Re-issued Decision incorporating information previously in Section 1729. Moves official records information to Section 1183.
1950Record RetentionDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1184.
1960Prohibition of Use of Information Regarding Alien StatusDeletes this section and moves information to Section 1185.
Appendix IIarea Boxes and E-Mail AddressesUpdates title and updates content.
Appendix VIDecision Issuance CodesChanges title and updates content.
FFHH Contact UsFFHH Contact UsDeletes Appeals Division calling phone number.