(1) When a brief adjudicative proceeding is converted to a formal administrative hearing consistent with WAC 182-16-2160, the director designates a hearing officer to conduct the formal administrative hearing.

(2) Formal administrative hearings are conducted consistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, RCW 34.05.413 through 34.05.476.

(3) Part III describes the general rules and procedures that apply to public employees benefits board (PEBB) benefits formal administrative hearings.

(a) Part III supplements the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), chapter 34.05 RCW, and the model rules of procedure in chapter 10-08 WAC. The model rules of procedure adopted by the chief administrative law judge pursuant to RCW 34.05.250, as now or hereafter amended, are hereby adopted for use by the authority in public employees benefits board (PEBB) benefits formal administrative hearings. Other procedural rules adopted in chapters 182-08, 182-12, and 182-16 WAC are supplementary to the model rules of procedure.

(b) In the case of a conflict between the model rules of procedure and Part III, the procedural rules adopted in Part III must govern.

(c) If there is a conflict between Part III and specific PEBB program rules, the specific PEBB program rules prevail. PEBB program rules are found in chapters 182-08 and 182-12 WAC.

(d) Nothing in Part III is intended to affect the constitutional rights of any person or to limit or change additional requirements imposed by statute or other rule. Other laws or rules determine if a hearing right exists, including the APA and program rules or laws.