§ 12-18-805 - Video teleconferencing and teleconferencing options. - Arkansas Statutes

12-18-805. Video teleconferencing and teleconferencing options.

(a) (1) An administrative law judge may conduct an administrative hearing under this chapter by video teleconference in lieu of an in-person hearing.

(2) If neither party requests that the administrative hearing be conducted in person, the administrative hearing shall be conducted telephonically.

(b) If any party requests an in-person administrative hearing within thirty (30) days from the date that the party receives notification, the in-person administrative hearing shall be conducted in an office of the Department of Human Services nearest to the petitioner's residence unless the administrative law judge notifies the parties that the administrative hearing will be conducted via video teleconference.

(c) (1) The Office of Appeals and Hearings of the Department of Human Services shall designate the sites to be used for video teleconference administrative hearings.

(2) The office shall designate sites within ten (10) miles of the following cities:

(A) Arkadelphia;

(B) Booneville;

(C) Conway;

(D) Fayetteville;

(E) Jonesboro;

(F) Little Rock; and

(G) Warren.

(3) The office may designate additional sites for video teleconference administrative hearings.

(4) A site for a video teleconference administrative hearing shall include the location designated by the office that is nearest to the petitioner's residence.

(5) The administrative law judge and other parties may agree to appear at the location designated by the office or at any other designated administrative hearing locations that are convenient to them.