The degree of formality in an administrative hearing differs between departments and agencies. Some, like the Employment folks, are quite informal and just have a hearing officer sit at a conference table with the parties and their attorneys. Others, e.g. the Public Utilities Commission, sometimes have black-robed administrative law judges and more of a courtroom atmosphere, often with a reporter taking minutes.

It would be interesting to know the rule cited, so we could check into whether it followed regulation, didn't need to follow for some reason, or was sufficiently off-base to serve as a basis for appeal. Sometimes hearing officers and ALJs may cite rules that are valid and pertinent, even though not to be found in the rules of procedure or administrative code. At other times, they may make up stuff to bring the hearing to a close by quitting time.

If (or when) you receive a written decision from the hearing, it may include instructions regarding appeal. I would tend to think you need to follow these, particularly with respect to timing and deadlines.

The degree of formality in an administrative hearing differs between departments and agencies. Some, like the Employment folks, are quite informal and just have a hearing officer sit at a conference table with the parties and their attorneys. Others, e.g. the Public Utilities Commission, sometimes have black-robed administrative law judges and more of a courtroom atmosphere, often with a reporter taking minutes.

It would be interesting to know the rule cited, so we could check into whether it followed regulation, didn't need to follow for some reason, or was sufficiently off-base to serve as a basis for appeal. Sometimes hearing officers and ALJs may cite rules that are valid and pertinent, even though not to be found in the rules of procedure or administrative code. At other times, they may make up stuff to bring the hearing to a close by quitting time.

If (or when) you receive a written decision from the hearing, it may include instructions regarding appeal. I would tend to think you need to follow these, particularly with respect to timing and deadlines.