(1) Within thirty (30) days from the date that your request is received by the board, staff will review the request and determine if your request is accepted or rejected. If rejected, the staff must notify you of the rejection and why it was rejected.

(2) The executive secretary, or his or her designee, will have thirty (30) days from the date of receipt to review the request and request additional documentation and/or medical exams to help resolve the dispute prior to an administrative hearing.

(a) If the staff requests additional medical exams, the agency shall pay for the cost of the examinations and any mileage to and from such examination appointments.

(b) If the executive secretary, or his or her designee, is able to resolve the dispute, the request for an appeal will be closed.

(c) If the executive secretary, or his or her designee, is unable to resolve the dispute, a notice of hearing will be issued.