1. (a) The hearing officer shall be responsible for preparing the memorandum of decision which shall be mailed within thirty (30) calendar days of the hearing to:

   1. (1) parties;
   2. (2) attorneys;
   3. (3) guardian ad litem;
   4. (4) director of children's protective and family services;
   5. (5) regional office administration and casework staff; and(6) hearings unit file.
2. (b) The standard of review in an administrative hearing is a preponderance of the evidence. The Department shall have the burden of proof.

3. (c) The memorandum of decision shall contain:

   1. (1) the names of the persons present;
   2. (2) the provisions of law, regulation and policy applicable to the case;
   3. (3) evidence relied on in making the decision;
   4. (4) findings of fact; and(5) a statement of the reasoning on which the decision is based.

(Adopted effective September 1, 1998)