(a)

1. (1) All member appeals of a review determination shall be assigned to a hearing officer.
2. (2) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System or his or her designee shall appoint a hearing officer from a list of qualified individuals approved by the executive director.
3. (3) The hearing officer shall conduct an administrative hearing, recommend factual and legal determinations, and prepare a proposed order for the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law, separately stated.

(b)

1. (1) Following appointment, the hearing officer shall issue a written scheduling order to the member, executive director, and legal counsel for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System.
2. (2) The scheduling order shall include all information required under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Arkansas Code § 25-19-201 et seq.
3. (3) The hearing officer, at his or her discretion, may include in the scheduling order reasonable deadlines for the submission and exchange of exhibits, witness lists, and related materials before the hearing, including without limitation, any requested proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
4. (4) The hearing officer may continue any scheduled matter at his or her discretion for good cause shown by any party or counsel of record.