Section 200.408  Requirement to File an Answer

a)         In each contested case instituted by the Department, each respondent shall file with the Department an Answer within thirty (30) days after the service of the Notice of Hearing or within ten (10) days after each amended Notice of Hearing which materially alters the Notice of Hearing or within ten (10) days after service of a Notice of Hearing issued pursuant to Section 200.404(c) of this Part.  Each Answer shall be in writing, signed by each respondent or the respondent's representative, and shall contain a specific response to each allegation in the Notice of Hearing or each new allegation contained in a materially altered Notice of Hearing and set forth affirmative defenses, if any.  The response shall either admit or deny each allegation, or shall state that the respondent has insufficient information to admit or deny the allegation.

b)         Any Answer which states that the respondent has insufficient information to admit or deny any allegation shall be accompanied by an affidavit attesting to the truth of this assertion.

c)         If, within thirty (30) days after service of such Notice of Hearing, the respondent does not answer or otherwise file a responsive pleading, the respondent shall be held in default.