Section 1177.10  Impartial Hearing Officer Standards

An impartial hearing officer conducting a Department of Human Services-Office of Rehabilitation Services (DHS-ORS) hearing may not be an employee of DHS, a member of DHS' State Rehabilitation  Council, or an employee of any public agency, with the exceptions of administrative law judges, hearing examiners or employees of institutions of higher education, and shall have the following qualifications:

a)         attainment of at least 21 years of age;

b)         a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in the area of human services;

c)         knowledge of the delivery of vocational rehabilitation and other DHS-ORS services, the Title I State Plan and federal and DHS rules governing the provision of services;

d)         no personal, professional, or financial interest that would conflict with objectivity; and

e)         attendance at DHS-ORS Impartial Hearing Officer Training.

(Source:  Amended at 28 Ill. Reg. 1079, effective December 31, 2003)