The Department may respond to a group of individual hearing requests by conducting a single group hearing where the sole issue is a State or Federal law or policy or a change in State or Federal law or policy. In all group hearings, the policies governing hearings must be followed. Thus, each individual claimant shall be permitted to present his/her own case or be represented by his/her authorized representative.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-301 et seq., 71-1-105(12), and 71-1-111; 7 C.F.R. § 273.15(e); 42 C.F.R. § 431.222; and 45 C.F.R. § 205.10(a)(5)(iv). Administrative History: Original rule filed January 19, 1977; effective February 18, 1977. Amendment filed December 17, 1982; effective March 16, 1983. Amendment filed February 26, 2007; effective May 12, 2007.