1. A. Employees who have completed the probationary period as required by Subsection A of 1.7.2.8 NMAC and have been demoted, dismissed, or suspended have the right to appeal to the board for a public hearing before a hearing officer designated by the board.
2. B. A notice of appeal must be in writing and filed with the director no later than 30 calendar days from the effective date of the dismissal, demotion, or suspension. A copy of the notice of final action and a statement of the grounds for the appeal must accompany the notice of appeal. Appeals not filed within 30 calendar days shall be dismissed by the hearing officer for lack of jurisdiction.
3. C. Within fifteen days from the date of dismissal, an appellant may request a hearing in which to present evidence challenging a dismissal for lack of jurisdiction. If a hearing on the dismissal is held, the hearing officer shall submit a recommended decision to the board which shall contain a summary of the evidence and findings of fact and conclusions of law. The board, at a regularly scheduled meeting, shall then issue a final decision.

4. D. Upon acceptance of a notice of appeal, the hearing officer shall send the agency a copy of the notice of appeal and issue a scheduling order directing the parties, in part, to submit to the hearing officer a stipulated pre-hearing order for his/her approval, which shall contain at least: a statement of any contested facts and issues; proposed stipulation of those facts not in dispute; the relief or remedy requested by the appellant; a deadline for disclosure of all probable witnesses with a brief summary of their anticipated testimony and documentary evidence; a list of exhibits; a deadline for the completion of discovery and filing of motions; a deadline for requesting subpoenas; and whether the parties agree to participate in voluntary alternative dispute resolution.

   (1) The hearing officer may further revise the pre-hearing order.

   (2) Any discussion concerning possible settlement of an appeal shall not be a part of the pre-hearing order and may not be introduced at the hearing.

[1.7.12.8 NMAC - Rp, 1 NMAC 7.12.8, 07/07/01; A, 7-15-05; A, 5/15/07]