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Oklahoma Administrative Code (Last Updated: March 11, 2021) |
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TITLE 260. Office of Management and Enterprise Services |
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Chapter 45. Employees Group Insurance Division - Administrative and General Provisions |
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Subchapter 5. Grievance Panel procedures |
SECTION 260:45-5-4. Grievance hearings conducted by the three [3] member Grievance Panel
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- (a) Witness list. Each party must submit, in writing, at least forty-eight [48] hours prior to the date of a grievance hearing a complete list of witnesses he or she intends to call, along with a brief comment as to the nature of the testimony. Witnesses shall not be called to testify at the hearing unless notice has been given to the opposing parties.(b) Assignment of Panel and Chairman. All hearings shall be held before a three-member Grievance Panel, as assigned by the Office of the Administrative Director of the Courts. All hearings shall be conducted in accordance with and be governed by the provisions of the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act, 75 O.S. §301-326. At each convening of the Panel, one member shall be designated to act as the Chairman.(c) Admissibility of evidence. Rulings on admissibility of evidence shall be made by the Panel Chairman; provided, however, that the remaining members of the Panel may, by affirmative vote, overrule the Chairman's decision, on their own motion or upon motion of any party to the hearing.(d) Oaths and subpoena. The Chairman of the Panel shall have the authority to administer oaths for obtaining testimony for the hearing; and any member of the Panel or the Attorney representing EGID shall have the authority to issue subpoenas for witnesses or subpoenas duces tecum to compel the production of books, records, papers and other objects for the hearing. Said subpoenas may be served by any duly qualified officer of the law, or any employee of EGID in any manner prescribed for the service of a subpoena in a civil action.(e) Court reporter. The Attorney representing EGID shall cause a recording of the proceedings to be made by a certified court reporter at EGID's expense. If transcribed, such written transcript shall become a part of the official record of the hearing, and a copy shall be furnished to any other party having a direct interest therein at the request and expense of such party. The cost of preparing the written transcript of the hearing and providing a copy of the transcript to the other party shall be paid by the party on whose behalf the written transcript is requested.(f) Procedure. In all hearings, opportunity shall be afforded the party or parties requesting same to respond and present evidence and argument on all issues involved. The hearing shall be conducted in an orderly manner. The party or parties requesting the hearing shall appear in person or through licensed counsel and be heard first; those, if any, who oppose the relief sought by the requesting party shall next be heard. Each party shall have the opportunity to present closing arguments.(g) Standard of review. When considering complaints by insured members, the three [3] member Grievance Panel shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether EGID has followed its statutes, rules, plan documents, policies and internal procedures. The Grievance Panel shall not expand upon or override any EGID statutes, rules, plan documents, policies and internal procedures.