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estate planning

After exhausting all administrative remedies, the Applicant may file a Petition for Review in Superior Court. See O.C.G.A. § 49-4-153(c); O.C.G.A. § 50-13-19. The petition may be filed in the Superior Court of Fulton County or in the superior court of the county of residence of the petitioner. O.C.G.A. § 49-4-153(c). O.C.G.A. § 49-4-153(c) provides: […]

estate planning

After entry of an initial decision, the Clerk must certify the record, including the Initial Decision and any tapes or other recordings of the hearing, to the the parties upon request. Ga. R. & Regs. § 616-1-2-.33. The Applicant or the Department may appeal. In Georgia, the OSAH decision is an initial decision. O.C.G.A. § […]

estate planning

The ALJ is a representative of the Department throughout the hearing process. As such, the ALJ makes a written recommendation known as the initial decision. Greene v. Dep’t of Cmty. Health, 293 Ga. App. 201, 203 (2008). The initial decision is reviewable by the Department of Community Health. See O.C.G.A. § 49-4-153(b)(1); Ga. R. & […]

estate planning

Medicaid eligibility determinations must be based on “ascertainable standards.” See J. Perkins, Issue brief: Appeal Rights and Medicaid Benefits citing Holmes v. New York City Hous. Auth., 398 F.2d 262, 265 (2d Cir. 1968). In Holmes, in the context of housing authority decisions, the Court said “due process requires that selections among applicants be made […]

estate planning

A record must be kept in all contested cases. 42 C.F.R. § 431.244 provides: (b) The record must consist only of— (1) The transcript or recording of testimony and exhibits, or an official report containing the substance of what happened at the hearing; (2) All papers and requests filed in the proceeding; and (3) The […]

estate planning

In preparing the original version of these materials several years ago, I spoke with one of the Administrative Law Judges (the Hon. Patrick Woodard) regarding what Judges want advocates to know about hearings. Make copies. Although you may presume your judge knows Medicaid law, don’t presume your judge is a Medicaid expert. Make copies of […]

estate planning

Same rules as non-jury civil cases The rules of evidence applicable in civil nonjury trials apply in administrative hearings. O.C.G.A. § 24-1-2(d)(4); Ga. R. & Regs. § 616-1-2-.18(1)(a). Irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. When necessary to ascertain facts not reasonably susceptible of proof under such rules, evidence not admissible thereunder may […]

The Applicant and DFCS have the right to the following: 1. Bring and/or subpoena witnesses; 2. Establish all pertinent facts and circumstances; 3. Present arguments without undue interference; 4. Question or refute any testimony or evidence, including the opportunity to question and cross-examine adverse witnesses. 42 C.F.R. § 431.242(b) through (e). DFCS has the responsibility […]

elder law resources - ABLE Accounts - Additional Guidance - Trust Beneficiaries

The fair hearing or the appeal from agency review must give the applicant a de novo hearing if requested. 42 C.F.R. § 431.232(c). A de novo hearing means it starts over from the beginning. 42 C.F.R. § 431.201. The hearing includes consideration of the following: 1. Any agency action, including the following: a. Denial or […]

elder law resources - ABLE Accounts - Additional Guidance - Trust Beneficiaries

As a general rule, discovery is not permitted in any proceeding before an ALJ, except to the extent specifically authorized by law. Ga. R. & Regs. § 616-1-2-.38. In Bd. of Dental Examiners v. Daniels, 137 Ga. App. 706 (1976). Appellant/defendant contends that the Civil Practice Act is not applicable to proceedings under the Georgia […]

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