For the purposes of this section, the term "agency" includes the agency's designee.

1. (1) An administrative hearing to contest action under this chapter determines only:

   1. (a) In the case of a lien filed during the client's lifetime under WAC 182-527-2734:

      1. (i) Whether the client can reasonably be expected to return home from the medical institution;
      2. (ii) Whether the client, or the client's estate, holds legal title to the identified property; and
      3. (iii) Whether the client received services subject to recovery.

   2. (b) In the case of a lien filed after the client's death:

      1. (i) The cost the agency correctly paid for services subject to recovery;
      2. (ii) Whether the client, or the client's estate, holds legal title to the identified property; and
      3. (iii) Whether the agency's denial of an heir's request for a delay of recovery for undue hardship under WAC 182-527-2750 was correct.

2. (2) A request for an administrative hearing must:

   1. (a) Be in writing;
   2. (b) State the basis for contesting the agency's proposed action;
   3. (c) Be signed by the requestor and include the client's name, the requestor's address and telephone number; and

   4. (d) Within twenty-eight days of the date on the agency's notice, be filed with the office of financial recovery either:

      1. (i) In person at the Office of Financial Recovery, 712 Pear St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-0001; or
      2. (ii) By certified mail, return receipt requested, to Office of Financial Recovery, P.O. Box 9501, Olympia, WA 98507-9501.
3. (3) Upon receiving a request for an administrative hearing, the office of administrative hearings notifies any known titleholder of the time and place of the administrative hearing.
4. (4) An administrative hearing under this subsection is governed by chapters 34.05 RCW and 182-526 WAC and this section. If a provision in this section conflicts with a provision in chapter 182-526 WAC, the provision in this section governs.
5. (5) Disputed assets must not be distributed while in litigation.
6. (6) Absent an administrative or court order to the contrary, the agency may file a lien twenty-eight calendar days after the date the agency mailed notice of its intent to file a lien.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 41.05.021 and 41.05.160. WSR 16-05-054, § 182-527-2753, filed 2/12/16, effective 3/14/16.]