SECTION 850.63. Informal Dispute Resolution

(a) The Agency shall provide an opportunity for informal resolution of an appeal.

(b) Informal resolution may include, but is not limited to:

(1) informal meetings with VR counselors or their supervisors;

(2) second reviews of the case file and case decisions by VR management;

(3) telephone calls to or conference calls that include the affected parties; or

(4) written explanations or summaries of the policies, laws, or regulations involved in the complaint.

(c) If the informal resolution procedure results in a final agreement between the parties, no hearing shall be held.

(d) If no final informal resolution is reached, the Agency shall provide an opportunity for a hearing to resolve an appeal.

(e) Either a final agreement resulting from informal resolution or a hearing and impartial hearing officer decision shall be completed within 60 calendar days of the original filing of the appeal, unless the parties agree to a specific extension of time.

Source Note: The provisions of this §850.63 adopted to be effective May 13, 2019, 44 TexReg 2364