In addition to the definitions contained in G.S. 150B-23.3, the following definitions apply to the rules in this Section:

1. (1) "Electronic filing" or "filed electronically" means the electronic transmission of the petition, notice of hearing, pleadings, or any other documents filed in a contested case with the Office of Administrative Hearings by uploading to the case docket using the OAH electronic filing system (e-OAH) accessed through a link on the OAH website at www.oah.nc.gov.
2. (2) "Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP)" means the service provided by the Office of Administrative Hearings for electronic filing and electronic service of documents by way of the Internet accessed through a link on the OAH website at www.oah.nc.gov.
3. (3) "Electronic signature" or "signed electronically" means a graphic version of the e-OAH user's signature or "s/" followed by the e-OAH user's typewritten name. This shall be the legal equivalent of the e-OAH user's handwritten signature.
4. (4) "Electronic service" or "served electronically" means the electronic transmission of the petition, notice of hearing, pleadings, or any other documents filed in a contested case with the Office of Administrative Hearings to an attorney, mediator, or party by means of the Electronic Filing Service Provider.
5. (5) "Filed" means received by the chief hearings clerk of the Office of Administrative Hearings in e-OAH.

History Note: Authority G.S. 7A-750; 150B-23; 150B-23.3;
Eff. March 1, 2016;
Amended Eff. January 1, 2025; October 1, 2016.