(1) Where filed—Form. All requests for an adjudicative hearing must be filed with the department on the form provided by the department or on a form that is substantially similar.

(2) Time limits for request. The department must receive the request for an adjudicative hearing no later than twenty calendar days after the department serves the respondent with a written notice of an opportunity to request a hearing on the department's action or contemplated action. Service upon the respondent is completed when made in accordance with WAC 10-08-110 (2) and (3), 208-08-025, or as provided by the statute under which the department initiated the action. If the statute under which the department initiated the action specifically provides for a different time limit, the time limit in that statute governs unless it has been superseded by the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW, but in no case can the time limit for requesting an adjudicative hearing be less than twenty calendar days.

(3) Failure to request hearing. Failure of a respondent to file an application for an adjudicative hearing within the time limit set forth in subsection (2) of this section constitutes a default and results in the loss of the respondent's right to an adjudicative hearing. When a respondent defaults, the department may proceed to resolve the case pursuant to RCW 34.05.440(1).