The designation of a presiding officer must be consistent with the requirements of RCW 34.05.485 and the presiding officer must not have personally participated in the decision made by the school employees benefits board (SEBB) organization, employer group, or SEBB program.

1. (1) The presiding officer will decide the issue based on the information provided by the parties during the presiding officer's review of the appeal.
2. (2) A presiding officer is limited to those powers granted by the state constitution, statutes, rules, or applicable case law.
3. (3) A presiding officer may not decide that a rule is invalid or unenforceable.
4. (4) In addition to the record, the presiding officer may employ the authority's expertise as a basis for the decision.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160, 41.05.740, 2023 c 13 § 2, and 2023 c 51 § 3. WSR 24-15-107 (Admin #2024-01), § 182-32-2140, filed 7/22/24, effective 1/1/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160 and 2020 c 231. WSR 20-16-067 (Admin #2020-04), § 182-32-2140, filed 7/28/20, effective 8/28/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 41.05.021, 41.05.160 and SEBB policy resolutions. WSR 19-01-055 (Admin #2018-01), § 182-32-2140, filed 12/14/18, effective 1/14/19.]