Part IX. Hearings Procedures
22VAC40-80-390. Scope.
The appeal process as set forth in this part shall apply whenever the Department of Social Services takes adverse action on a license for an assisted living facility, adult day center or child welfare agency. Therefore, whenever the department either revokes or refuses to issue or renew a license or imposes any other sanction for an assisted living facility, adult day center, or child welfare agency, the procedures specified in this part to produce a case decision shall be initiated.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004; amended, Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 24, eff. August 14, 2024.
22VAC40-80-400. Statutory basis for appeal process.
The Department of Social Services is mandated by statute to enforce the standards adopted by the State Board of Social Services pursuant to §§ 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia, regarding facilities required to be licensed under Chapter 17 (§ 63.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 63.2 of the Code of Virginia. As part of this enforcement duty, §§ 63.2-1709 D and 63.2-1710 of the Code of Virginia require that the procedures under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq., of the Code of Virginia) shall apply whenever the department takes adverse action.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004; amended, Virginia Register Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. October 13, 2021.
22VAC40-80-410. Duties of the hearing coordinator.
The hearing coordinator is the person designated by the Department of Social Services to perform certain administrative functions involved in setting up and carrying out the appeal process. The hearing coordinator's duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Making a request to the Supreme Court for a hearing officer upon timely request for a formal administrative hearing.
2. Scheduling the date, time and location for the hearing.
3. Ensuring that a court reporter has been hired to record the hearing.
4. Preparing appropriate material for distribution to all participants. This includes the appointment of the hearing officer, preparing the notice of the hearing, and preparing the forms for the hearing officer to subpoena witnesses. It also includes submission of documents in the record, appropriate standards and any other pertinent information to all participants.
5. Monitoring the status of proceedings and the observance of timeframes throughout the appeal process.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-420. Informal conference.
A. Section 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia provides the aggrieved party the right to request an informal conference. In the case of administrative sanctions that include a provision for an administrative hearing, the named party and the agency may consent to waive such a conference to go directly to the hearing.
B. The informal conference is a fact-finding process. The purpose of an informal conference is to give the aggrieved party an opportunity to present information or evidence he believes indicates that the intended sanction was based on factual error or on misinterpretation of facts, or to determine if the dispute may be resolved by consent. The department will decide if the conference will be open to the public.
C. If the aggrieved party presents exhibits or other documents that contain facts previously unknown to the conference chair, the conference chair may determine that the new information requires verification. Upon making such a determination, the conference chair shall notify the aggrieved party that the information needs to be verified. The report on the informal conference shall be held open for 14 days to allow for the verification of the exhibits or other documents. The conference chair has the option to require the aggrieved party to provide such verification.
D. If the aggrieved party believes the matter can be resolved by consent, a written proposal must be submitted to the department-appointed chair of the conference no later than five work days prior to the conference unless different arrangements are agreed upon with the chair. In no case may a proposed consent agreement be submitted later than the day of the conference.
E. Following the informal conference, the chair will prepare a written report and recommended decision to the department that will include statutory authority or legal basis for the remaining steps in the administrative appeals process; a summary of the conference; the previous disposition as set out in the notice of adverse action, i.e., those issues on appeal; the findings of fact; the description of evidence; and the recommended decision or options. Within 90 days from the date of the informal conference, or from a later date agreed to by the aggrieved party and the agency, the department will issue its official decision in writing to the aggrieved party, including information concerning the named party's right to continue his appeal. The written report prepared by the chair will be attached to the letter and will be incorporated by reference.
F. When an informal conference is conducted following notification of an intent to issue a special order, the issuance of the special order shall be considered a case decision as defined in § 2.2-4001 of the Code of Virginia. Service of the decision following the informal conference shall be achieved by mailing the decision to the licensee, unless service is made by other means and acknowledged in writing by the licensee. If the licensee wishes to appeal the decision, he shall have 30 days after service of the notice to make such a request. If service is accomplished by mail, three days shall be added to the 30-day period. Any appeal following an informal conference related to special orders shall be made to the circuit court. All other appeals shall follow procedures set forth in the Administrative Process Act.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-430. Consent agreements.
A. A consent agreement may be proposed by a licensee in lieu of adverse action. The proposed consent agreement shall be submitted no later than five work days prior to the conference unless different arrangements are agreed upon with the chair. In no case may a proposed consent agreement be submitted later than the day of the informal conference.
B. An acceptable consent agreement shall contain the following specific elements:
1. Dates of key actions, such as letter of sanction, timely appeal, the informal conference (if already held), and the names of the parties;
2. The assertion that all violations detailed in the letter of denial or revocation have been corrected or will be corrected by a time specified in the proposed agreement;
3. A description in detail of the case-specific systemic solution proposed that addresses the causes of the past history of violations, including the methods the licensee has in place to prevent violations and to monitor results;
4. A stipulation by the licensee to the validity of the violations enumerated in the specified correspondence and waiver of right to hearing under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) solely with respect to those violations.
5. The duration of the consent agreement, including the information that the period begins when the division director signs;
6. A statement that when the division director signs the agreement, signifying final acceptance, the division director is also agreeing to rescind the outstanding adverse action and that the licensee is agreeing to withdraw all appeals to that action; and
7. A statement outlining conditions for termination of the final agreement for cause and the nature of the licensee's appeal rights in that event.
C. Throughout the duration of the consent agreement, licensing staff will make frequent inspections to determine whether the terms of the consent agreement are being implemented and whether its intended results are being achieved.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004; amended, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 6, eff. December 28, 2006; Volume 38, Issue 2, eff. October 13, 2021.
22VAC40-80-440. Acknowledgment of request for an administrative hearing.
Upon receipt of the written request from the aggrieved party for an administrative hearing pursuant to §§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia, a hearing will be scheduled in the locality where the aggrieved party operates unless he expressly waives this venue provision (§ 8.01-261 of the Code of Virginia). The hearing coordinator will request appointment of a hearing officer from the list of qualified attorneys kept by the Supreme Court of Virginia. After a hearing officer is appointed and duly designated by the commissioner, a notice of hearing will be sent to the aggrieved party with a copy to the agency representative for the case. The department may be represented either by counsel or by agency staff authorized by § 2.2-509 of the Code of Virginia. After the hearing officer is appointed, the hearing coordinator will forward a copy of the relevant licensing standards and appeal procedures to the hearing officer. The hearing coordinator will not be directly involved in any investigation or litigation function in connection with the case.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-450. Continuances.
A request for continuance shall be made to the hearing officer at least five days prior to the time designated for the hearing, except in cases of emergency. No continuance of an administrative hearing shall be granted except at the discretion of the hearing officer, for good cause shown and with due consideration of the potential risks to residents, participants or children in the facility from extended exposure to conditions detailed in the agency's revocation or denial letter. All parties involved in a hearing shall avoid delay caused by unnecessary postponements or continuances so that a decision can be made expeditiously.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-460. Recesses and postponements.
The hearing officer has authority to grant recesses and postponements where necessary for the convenience and comfort of the parties, witnesses, and the court reporter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-470. Prehearing conferences.
The hearing officer has the statutory power to hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of issues by the parties. The hearing officer may hold a prehearing conference for the stipulation of certain facts or for any other purposes that might be accomplished by such a preliminary process. It may be useful for the hearing officer to direct the parties to submit to him and exchange in advance of the conference: proposed statements of issues, proposed stipulations, requests for information, statements of position, proposed procedural data, and the exchange of exhibits. The notice for such a prehearing conference must be established by the hearing officer as to the date, time and place for such conference. It will not be necessary to provide a verbatim reporting of the prehearing conference. A report summarizing the results of this conference must be prepared, consisting of a list of appearances, agreements reached, the hearing officer's rulings, and other matters decided. A copy of this report shall be provided to all persons who entered appearances, which shall become part of the agency record.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-480. Conduct of hearing.
A. To initiate the proceedings, the hearing officer will call the hearing to order and make a brief statement giving the name of the proceeding, its case number, the names of all persons present and involved in the proceeding, and other appropriate introductory remarks such as the general rules of decorum and conduct. The parties shall be entitled to be accompanied by and represented by counsel. Before the formal presentation of evidence begins, the parties should be given an opportunity to bring up any preliminary matters or motions. If a hearing officer has questions or issues regarding the procedures in the hearing or his role in conducting the hearing, these questions shall be directed to the hearing coordinator. The parties at administrative hearings have the right to conduct cross-examination to obtain full and fair disclosure of the facts. The hearing officer will decide if the hearing will be open to the public.
B. The following shall be the order of proceedings at all hearings, subject to modification by the hearing officer before such hearing is commenced, for good cause:
1. Presentation, argument, and disposition of all preliminary matters and motions.
2. Presentation of opening statements. Such statements are not subject to cross-examination or an opportunity to present argumentative testimony.
3. Agency representative presents the case, calling witnesses in such order as is seen fit. Each witness should be subject to direct, cross, and redirect examination. Both the counsel for the adverse party and the hearing officer may direct questions to the witness.
4. The aggrieved party should present its case, using the same guidelines as established in subdivision 3 of this subsection.
5. Rebuttal evidence by the agency representative should be permitted.
6. At the close of the presentation of evidence, the parties may exercise their rights pursuant to §§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia. The parties, on request, shall be given the opportunity for closing argument and may submit for the record, in writing, proposed findings and conclusions.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-490. Rules of evidence.
A. The burden of proof shall be upon the proponent. Therefore, if this is a situation where the department has revoked a license or imposed another administrative sanction subject to appeal by administrative hearing, the department is the proponent and has the burden of proof. However, in cases where the department has refused to grant an initial or renewal license, the proponent is the applicant and has the burden of proving that it should be granted a license.
B. The formal rules of evidence shall not apply. The hearing officer shall receive any probative evidence, and should strike, on objection or own motion, evidence that is irrelevant, immaterial, insubstantial, privileged, or repetitive, as required by §§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia. If a question or answer at hearing is irrelevant, improper, or excludable, the hearing officer may strike it without waiting for an objection.
C. A party to the hearing may conduct examinations or cross examinations without rigid adherence to formal rules of evidence, provided the examination or cross examination does not become abusive or constitute harassment of the witness, and the examination can be shown to be necessary to result in full and fair disclosure of the facts bearing upon matters in issue. The hearing officer may examine all or any of the witnesses at the hearing.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-500. The record at hearing.
All testimony in the administrative hearing must be recorded either stenographically or by mechanical means. All documents or other evidence received are also part of the record and must be maintained. In addition, a record must be maintained of all evidence offered but excluded. See Rule 2A: 3 (c) of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia. As a matter of practice, it would be appropriate for the hearing officer to conditionally receive evidence and thereafter, if it is excludable, to avoid considering it in making the decision. In this way, if it is determined on judicial review that the hearing officer erroneously decided that the evidence was excludable, the case can be remanded for reconsideration of the evidence submitted but rejected as exhibits.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.
22VAC40-80-510. Recommendations of the hearing officer.
A. By statute, the hearing officer shall recommend findings of fact and a decision upon the preponderance of the evidence presented by the record and relevant to the basic law under which the agency is operating (§§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia.). The recommended decision of the hearing officer shall be made upon consideration and review of the record as a whole or such portions of the record as may be cited by any party to the proceedings. The findings of fact shall be based exclusively on admissible evidence or matters that are officially noticed. The recommendation shall be in writing and shall include specific findings on all the major facts in issue.
B. The hearing officer shall provide a recommendation within 90 days from the date the agency record is closed (that is, the date of the final hearing or the date by which the hearing officer prescribes that all evidence shall be submitted) or from a later date if agreed to by the aggrieved party and the agency (§ 2.2-4024 of the Code of Virginia). If the hearing officer does not render a recommended decision within 90 days, the named party to the case decision may provide written notice to the hearing officer and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court that a decision is due. If no recommended decision is made by the hearing officer within 30 days from receipt of the notice, then the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, pursuant to § 2.2-4024 of the Code of Virginia, shall remove the hearing officer from the hearing officer list and report the hearing officer to the Virginia State Bar for possible disciplinary action, unless good cause can be shown for the delay.
C. The available remedies offered by the hearing officer shall be to (i) uphold the decision of the department; (ii) recommend reversing the decision; or (iii) recommend issuance of a different sanction as provided in § 63.2-1709.2 B of the Code of Virginia.
D. The findings, conclusions and recommended decision shall be provided to the parties and thereafter either party has 10 days to submit any exceptions in writing to the hearing coordinator for review by the commissioner regarding the recommended decision of the hearing officer. The hearing officer may incorporate the procedure for making exceptions to his recommended decision within the text of his report and recommendation.
E. The hearing officer shall forward the agency record, including the recommendation; all documents submitted by the parties; a listing of all exhibits presented, received and rejected; and the transcript of the hearing to the hearing coordinator.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 10, eff. February 16, 2011.
22VAC40-80-520. Case decision.
A. The commissioner, after review of the findings of fact and recommended decision of the hearing officer, shall make a case decision and issue an order in the case within 30 days from the date that the commissioner receives the hearing officer's recommendation (§§ 2.2-4020 and 2.2-4021 of the Code of Virginia). The commissioner shall provide notification to the aggrieved party of the decision within 30 days of receipt of the hearing officer's recommendation. If the commissioner does not render a decision within 30 days, the aggrieved party to the case decision may provide a written notice to the commissioner that a decision is due. If no decision is made within 30 days from the commissioner's receipt of the notice, the decision is deemed to be in favor of the aggrieved party. Service of the notice of the commissioner's decision is achieved by mailing the notice of the case decision to the licensee, unless service is made by other means and acknowledged in writing by the licensee. If service is accomplished by mail, three days shall be added to the 30-day period. If the licensee wishes to appeal the decision, he shall have 30 days after service of the notice of case decision to make such request.
B. The signed original case decision shall remain in the custody of the agency as a public record, subject to the agency's records retention policy. The signed originals or facsimiles thereof, together with the full record or file of the case, shall be made available for public inspection or copying except as the agency may, in its discretion under § 2.2-4023 of the Code of Virginia, decide to withhold part or all of the records.
C. The provisions for appealing the commissioner's order in accordance with the Administrative Process Act are found at §§ 2.2-4025 through 2.2-4030 of the Code of Virginia.
D. When issuance or renewal of a license as an adult care facility has been refused by the commissioner, the applicant shall not thereafter for a period of one year apply again for such license. When issuance or renewal of a license for a child welfare agency has been refused by the commissioner, the applicant shall not thereafter for a period of six months apply again for such license.
EXCEPTION: An adult care facility or a child welfare agency may apply again for such license before the end of the applicable specified period if the commissioner in his sole discretion believes that there has been such a change in the conditions on account of which he refused the prior application as to justify considering the new application.
Statutory Authority
§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1732, 63.2-1733 and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 20, Issue 24, eff. November 1, 2004.