WAC 388-526-0260 May the health care authority or the health care authority's authorized agent amend a notice? (Emergency rule effective 6/10/12.)

1. The administrative law judge (ALJ) must allow the health care authority (HCA) or HCA’s authorized agent to amend (change) the notice of an action before or during the hearing to match the evidence and facts.

2. HCA or HCA’s authorized agent must put the change in writing and give a copy to the ALJ and all parties.

3. The ALJ must offer to continue (postpone) the hearing to give the parties more time to prepare or present evidence or argument if there is a significant change from the earlier agency notice.

4. If the ALJ grants a continuance, the office of administrative hearings must send a new hearing notice at least fourteen calendar days before the hearing date.