ARC 8382C

ARC 8382C

Proposing rulemaking related to contested cases
and providing an opportunity for public comment

A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on September 18, 2024. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●October 22, 2024

Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Division and advise of specific needs.

ITEM 1.Rescind 875—Chapter 84 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 84

CONTESTED CASES BEFORE THE BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL BOARD

875—84.1(17A,89) Reconsideration of inspection report. The owner or operator of a piece of equipment subject to a written inspection report may petition the director for reconsideration of the report within 30 days of the issuance of the report. Failure to seek timely reconsideration of the inspection report from the director is a waiver of all appeal rights under Iowa Code section 89.14(6). The burden of demonstrating compliance with all applicable statutory provisions, administrative rules, and ASME code sections rests upon the petitioning owner or operator.

84.1(1) A petition for reconsideration must be signed by the requesting party or a representative of that party. The required form for a petition for reconsideration is available on the board’s website. A petition for reconsideration shall specify:

a.The party seeking reconsideration, including mailing address and telephone number;

b.The location of the equipment subject to the challenged inspection report;

c.The inspection date;

d.The inspector who issued the challenged inspection report;

e.The specific findings or conclusions to which exception is taken;

f.The relief sought.

84.1(2) A copy of the challenged inspection report shall be attached to the petition for reconsideration along with all relevant documents that the petitioning party desires the director to consider when evaluating the petition.

84.1(3) The director or a designee of the director is authorized to seek additional information relating to a petition for reconsideration from the petitioning party or any other entity possessing information the director deems relevant to the petition. This subrule, however, does not impose any responsibility or duty on the director to discover documents or other information that was not submitted with the petition for reconsideration.

84.1(4) Any petition for reconsideration that is not received by the office of the director within 30 days of the issuance of the challenged inspection report is untimely and will not be considered by the director.

84.1(5) Requests for waivers of administrative rules may only be made to the board pursuant to the provisions of 875—Chapter 81.

84.1(6) In ruling on a petition for reconsideration, the director may:

a.Affirm the inspection report as issued;

b.Issue an amended inspection report;

c.Rescind the inspection report;

d.Deny the petition as untimely.

84.1(7) Any petition for reconsideration that is not ruled upon by the director within 20 days of receipt by the office of the director is denied by the director and the challenged inspection report will be considered affirmed as issued.

875—84.2(17A,89) Appeal to the board. The director’s ruling on a petition for reconsideration or the director’s deemed denial of a petition for reconsideration may be appealed to the board. An appeal must be filed in writing with the board within 30 calendar days of the earlier of either the issuance of the director’s written ruling on a petition for reconsideration or the director’s deemed denial of a petition for reconsideration. At a minimum, an appeal includes a short and concise statement of the basis for the appeal. The required form for an appeal is available on the board’s website. Consideration of an appeal of a ruling on a petition for reconsideration is a contested case proceeding subject to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 17A. The director has an automatic right of intervention in any appeal of the ruling on petition for reconsideration and may defend the ruling in a contested case proceeding.

875—84.3(17A,89) Informal review. If the appellant requests an informal review and the director does not object, the board may conduct an informal review of the facts and circumstances subject to the provisions of this rule.

84.3(1) In order to preserve the ability of board members to participate in decision making, parties who desire participation in an informal review must therefore waive their right to seek disqualification of a board member based solely on the board member’s participation in the informal review. Parties would not be waiving their right to seek disqualification on any other ground. By electing to participate in informal review, a party accordingly agrees that a participating board member is not disqualified from acting as a presiding officer in a later contested case proceeding.

84.3(2) The board may propose a preliminary order at the time of informal review. If a party does not consent to the preliminary order, a party must submit a request to proceed with formal contested case proceedings, including hearing, within ten days of the informal review.

84.3(3) Rules 875—84.4(17A,89) through 875—84.31(17A,89) do not apply during informal review.

875—84.4(17A,89) Delivery of notice. Delivery of the notice of hearing by the board constitutes the commencement of a contested case proceeding. Delivery may be executed by regular mail. The notice shall be delivered to the appellant, the appellant’s attorney, if known, and the director.

875—84.5(17A,89) Contents of notice. The notice of hearing will contain a statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing and a brief statement of the matters asserted. It is the appellant’s burden on appeal to prove compliance with all applicable statutory provisions, administrative rules, and ASME code sections. The notice shall contain a reference to the applicable statute and rules.

875—84.6(17A,89) Scope of issues. Only those issues raised before the director in the petition for reconsideration will be considered preserved for appeal to the board.

875—84.7(17A,89) File transmitted to the board. Upon receipt of a notice of hearing issued by the board, the director shall within 30 days forward to the board and all parties of record to the appeal copies of the challenged inspection report, the appellant’s petition for reconsideration and all supporting documents, all other documents collected by the director in ruling on the petition for reconsideration, and the director’s ruling on the petition for reconsideration.

875—84.8(17A,89) Legal representation. Any private party to a contested case is entitled to legal representation at the discretion and expense of that party.

875—84.9(17A,89) Presiding officer.

84.9(1) The presiding officer in all contested cases is the board, a panel of board members, or an administrative law judge assigned by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing. When board members act as presiding officer, they conduct the hearing and issue either a final decision or, if a quorum of the board is not present, a proposed decision. The board may be assisted by an administrative law judge when the board acts as presiding officer.

84.9(2) Any party to a contested case that wishes to request that the presiding officer assigned to render a proposed decision be an administrative law judge employed by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing must file a written request within 20 days after service of a notice of hearing that identifies the presiding officer as the board. The board may deny the request only upon a finding that one or more of the following apply:

a.Neither the board nor any officer of the board under whose authority the contested case is to take place is a named party to the proceeding or a real party in interest to that proceeding.

b.There is a compelling need to expedite issuance of a final decision to protect the public health, safety, or welfare.

c.The case involves significant policy issues of first impression that are inextricably intertwined with the factual issues presented.

d.The demeanor of the witnesses is likely to be dispositive in resolving the disputed factual issues.

e.Funds are unavailable to pay the costs of an administrative law judge and an interboard appeal.

f.The request was not timely filed.

g.The request is not consistent with a specified statute.

84.9(3) The board shall issue a written ruling specifying the grounds for its decision within 20 days after a request for an administrative law judge is filed. If the ruling is granted, the administrative law judge assigned to act as presiding officer and to issue a proposed decision in a contested case will have a J.D. degree unless this requirement is waived by the board.

84.9(4) The board or a panel of board members when acting as presiding officer may request that an administrative law judge perform certain functions as an aid to the board or board panel, such as ruling on prehearing motions, conducting the prehearing conference, ruling on evidentiary objections at hearing, assisting in deliberations, or drafting the written decision for review by the board or board panel.

84.9(5) All rulings by an administrative law judge who acts either as presiding officer or assistant to the board are subject to appeal to the board pursuant to rules 875—84.26(17A,89) and 875—84.27(17A,89). A party must timely seek intra-agency appeal of prehearing rulings or proposed decisions to exhaust adequate administrative remedies. While a party may seek immediate board or board panel review of rulings made by an administrative law judge when sitting with and acting as an aid to the board or board panel during a hearing, such immediate review is not required to preserve error for judicial review.

84.9(6) Unless otherwise provided by law, when reviewing a proposed decision of a panel of the board or an administrative law judge, board members have the powers of and shall comply with the provisions of this chapter that apply to presiding officers.

875—84.10(17A,89) Service and filing.

84.10(1) Service—when required. Except where otherwise provided by law, when a document is filed in a contested case proceeding, it shall be served upon each of the parties of record. Except for the original notice of hearing and an application for rehearing as provided in Iowa Code chapter 17A, the party filing a document is responsible for service on all parties.

84.10(2) Service—how made. Service upon a party represented by an attorney is made upon the attorney unless otherwise ordered. Service is made by personal delivery or by mailing a copy to the person’s last-known address. Service by mail is complete upon mailing, except where otherwise specifically provided by statute, rule, or order.

84.10(3) Filing—when required. After the notice of hearing, all documents in a contested case proceeding will be filed with the board office.

84.10(4) Filing—when made. Except where otherwise provided by law, a document is deemed filed at the time it is delivered to the board, delivered to an established courier service for immediate delivery to that office, or mailed by first-class mail or state interoffice mail to that office, so long as there is proof of mailing.

84.10(5) Proof of mailing. Proof of mailing includes either:

a.A legible United States Postal Service postmark on the envelope;

b.A certified mail return receipt;

c.A notarized affidavit; or

d.A certification in substantially the following form:

875—84.11(17A,89) Time requirements.

84.11(1) Time is to be computed as provided in Iowa Code section 4.1(34).

84.11(2) For good cause, the presiding officer may extend or shorten the time to take any action, except as precluded by statute. Except for good cause stated in the record, before extending or shortening the time to take any action, the presiding officer affords all parties an opportunity to be heard or to file written arguments.

875—84.12(17A,89) Waiver of procedures. Unless otherwise precluded by law, the parties in a contested case proceeding may waive any provision of this chapter. However, the board in its discretion may refuse to give effect to such a waiver when the board deems the waiver to be inconsistent with the public interest.

875—84.13(17A,89) Telephone and electronic proceedings. The presiding officer may, on the officer’s own motion or as requested by a party, order hearings or argument to be held by telephone conference or other electronic means in which all parties have an opportunity to participate. The presiding officer will determine the location of the parties and witnesses for telephone or other electronic hearings. The convenience of the witnesses or parties, as well as the nature of the case, will be considered when location is chosen. Parties shall disclose at or before the prehearing conference if any witness will be testifying by telephone. Any objections are filed with the board and served on all parties at least three business days in advance of hearing.

875—84.14(17A,89) Disqualification.

84.14(1) A presiding officer or other person shall withdraw from participation in the making of any proposed or final decision in a contested case if that person:

a.Has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a representative of a party;

b.Has personally investigated, prosecuted or advocated in connection with that case, the specific controversy underlying that case, another pending factually related contested case, or a pending factually related controversy that may culminate in a contested case involving the same parties;

c.Is subject to the authority, direction or discretion of any person who has personally investigated, prosecuted or advocated, in connection with that contested case, the specific controversy underlying that contested case, or a pending factually related contested case or controversy involving the same parties;

d.Has acted as counsel to any person who is a private party to that proceeding within the past two years;

e.Has a personal financial interest in the outcome of the case or any other significant personal interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the case;

f.Has a spouse or relative within the third degree of relationship that (1) is a party to the case, or an officer, director or trustee of a party; (2) is a lawyer in the case; (3) is known to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the case; or (4) is likely to be a material witness in the case; or

g.Has any other legally sufficient cause to withdraw from participation in the decision making in that case.

84.14(2) The term “personally investigated” means taking affirmative steps to interview witnesses directly or to obtain documents or other information directly. The term “personally investigated” does not include general direction and supervision of assigned investigators, unsolicited receipt of information that is relayed to assigned investigators, review of another person’s investigative work product in the course of determining whether there is probable cause to initiate a proceeding, or exposure to factual information while performing other board functions, including fact gathering for purposes other than investigation of the matter that culminates in a contested case. Factual information relevant to the merits of a contested case received by a person who later serves as presiding officer in that case shall be disclosed if required by Iowa Code section 17A.17(3) and subrule 84.25(7).

84.14(3) In a situation where a presiding officer or other person knows of information that might reasonably be deemed to be a basis for disqualification and decides voluntary withdrawal is unnecessary, that person shall submit the relevant information for the record by affidavit and provide for the record a statement of the reasons for the determination that withdrawal is unnecessary.

84.14(4) If a party asserts disqualification on any appropriate ground, including those listed in subrule 84.14(1), the party files a motion supported by an affidavit pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.17(7). The motion must be filed as soon as practicable after the reason alleged in the motion becomes known to the party.

84.14(5) If, during the course of the hearing, a party first becomes aware of evidence of bias or other grounds for disqualification, the party may move for disqualification but must establish the grounds by the introduction of evidence into the record.

84.14(6) If the presiding officer determines that disqualification is appropriate, the presiding officer or other person shall withdraw. If the presiding officer determines that withdrawal is not required, the presiding officer shall enter an order to that effect. A party asserting disqualification may seek an interlocutory appeal under rule 875—84.26(17A,89) and seek a stay under rule 875—84.30(17A,89).

875—84.15(17A,89) Consolidation and severance.

84.15(1) Consolidation. The presiding officer may consolidate any or all matters at issue in two or more contested case proceedings where:

a.The matters at issue involve common parties or common questions of fact or law;

b.Consolidation would expedite and simplify consideration of the issues involved; and

c.Consolidation would not adversely affect the rights of any of the parties to those proceedings.

84.15(2) Severance. The presiding officer may, for good cause shown, order any contested case proceedings or portions thereof severed.

875—84.16(17A,89) Discovery.

84.16(1) Pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 17A, discovery procedures applicable in civil actions are applicable in contested cases. Unless lengthened or shortened by these rules or by order of the presiding officer, time periods for compliance with discovery are governed by the Iowa Rules of Civil Procedure.

84.16(2) Any motion relating to discovery shall allege that the moving party has previously made a good-faith attempt to resolve the matter with the opposing party. Motions in regard to discovery are ruled upon by the presiding officer. Opposing parties will be afforded the opportunity to respond within ten days of the filing of the motion unless the time is shortened by order of the presiding officer. The presiding officer may rule on the basis of the written motion and any response, or may order argument on the motion.

875—84.17(17A,89) Subpoenas in a contested case. Pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.13(1), the board or the presiding officer acting on behalf of the board has the authority to issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses at depositions or hearings and to compel the production of professional records, books, papers, correspondence and other records that are deemed necessary as evidence in connection with a contested case. A subpoena issued in a contested case under the board’s authority may seek evidence whether or not privileged or confidential under law.

84.17(1) Upon the written request of a party, the presiding officer shall issue a subpoena to compel the attendance of witnesses or to obtain evidence that is deemed necessary in connection with a contested case. A command to produce evidence may be joined with a command to appear at deposition or hearing or may be issued separately.

84.17(2) A request for a subpoena shall include the following information, as applicable:

a.The name, address and telephone number of the person requesting the subpoena;

b.The name and address of the person to whom the subpoena is directed;

c.The date, time and location at which the person is commanded to attend and give testimony;

d.Whether the testimony is requested in connection with a deposition or hearing;

e.A description of the books, papers, records or other evidence requested;

f.The date, time and location for production, or inspection and copying.

84.17(3) Each subpoena shall contain, as applicable:

a.The caption of the case;

b.The name, address and telephone number of the person who requested the subpoena;

c.The name and address of the person to whom the subpoena is directed;

d.The date, time and location at which the person is commanded to appear;

e.Whether the testimony is commanded in connection with a deposition or hearing;

f.A description of the books, papers, records or other evidence the person is commanded to produce;

g.The date, time and location for production, or inspection and copying;

h.The time within which a motion to quash or modify the subpoena must be filed;

i.The signature, address and telephone number of the presiding officer;

j.The date of issuance;

k.A return of service attached to the subpoena.

84.17(4) The presiding officer shall mail or otherwise provide copies of all subpoenas to the parties to the contested case. The person who requested the subpoena is responsible for serving the subpoena upon the subject of the subpoena.

84.17(5) Any person who is aggrieved or adversely affected by compliance with the subpoena or any party to the contested case who desires to challenge the subpoena must, within 14 days after service of the subpoena, or before the time specified for compliance if such time is less than 14 days, file with the board a motion to quash or modify the subpoena. The motion shall describe the legal reasons why the subpoena should be quashed or modified, and may be accompanied by legal briefs or factual affidavits.

84.17(6) Upon receipt of a timely motion to quash or modify a subpoena, the board chairperson shall request an administrative law judge to hold a hearing and issue a decision. Oral argument may be scheduled at the discretion of the board or the administrative law judge. The administrative law judge may quash or modify the subpoena or deny the motion.

84.17(7) A person who is aggrieved by a ruling of an administrative law judge and who desires to challenge that ruling must appeal the ruling to the board by serving to the board, either in person or by certified mail, a notice of appeal within ten days after service of the decision of the administrative law judge. If the decision of the administrative law judge to quash or modify the subpoena or to deny the motion to quash or modify the subpoena is appealed to the board, the board may uphold or overturn the decision of the administrative law judge.

84.17(8) If the person contesting the subpoena is not the party whose appeal is the subject of the contested case, the board’s decision is final for purposes of judicial review. If the person contesting the subpoena is the party whose appeal is the subject of the contested case, the board’s decision is not final for purposes of judicial review until there is a final decision in the contested case.

875—84.18(17A,89) Motions.

84.18(1) No technical form for motions is required. However, prehearing motions must be in writing, state the grounds for relief, and state the relief sought.

84.18(2) Any party may file a written response to a motion within ten days after the motion is served, unless the time period is extended or shortened by rules of the board or the presiding officer. The presiding officer may consider a failure to respond within the required time period in ruling on a motion.

84.18(3) The presiding officer may schedule oral argument on any motion.

84.18(4) Motions pertaining to the hearing, except motions for summary judgment, must be filed and served at least ten days prior to the date of hearing unless there is good cause for permitting later action or the time for such action is lengthened or shortened by rule of the board or an order of the presiding officer.

84.18(5) Motions for summary judgment comply with the requirements of Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.981 and are subject to disposition according to the requirements of that rule to the extent such requirements are not inconsistent with the provisions of this rule or any other provision of law governing the procedure in contested cases. Motions for summary judgment must be filed and served at least 45 days prior to the scheduled hearing date, or other time period determined by the presiding officer. Any party resisting the motion files and serves a resistance within 15 days, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding officer, from the date a copy of the motion was served. The time fixed for hearing or nonoral submission shall be not less than 20 days after the filing of the motion unless a shorter time is ordered by the presiding officer. A summary judgment order rendered on all issues in a contested case is subject to rehearing pursuant to rule 875—84.29(17A,89) and appeal pursuant to subrule 84.27(3).

875—84.19(17A,89) Settlements. A contested case may be resolved by informal settlement, and settlements are encouraged. Settlement negotiations may be initiated at any stage of a contested case by any party. The board shall not be involved in negotiation until a written proposed settlement is submitted for approval, unless the parties waive this prohibition.

875—84.20(17A,89) Prehearing conference.

84.20(1) Any party may request a prehearing conference. A written request for prehearing conference or an order for prehearing conference on the presiding officer’s own motion is filed not less than seven days prior to the hearing date. A prehearing conference shall be scheduled not less than three business days prior to the hearing date. Written notice of the prehearing conference is given by the presiding officer to all parties. For good cause, the presiding officer may permit variances from this rule.

84.20(2) Each party shall bring to the prehearing conference:

a.A final list of the witnesses who the party anticipates will testify at hearing. Witnesses not listed may be excluded from testifying unless there was good cause for the failure to include their names.

b.A final list of exhibits that the party anticipates will be introduced at hearing. Exhibits other than rebuttal exhibits that are not listed may be excluded from admission into evidence unless there was good cause for the failure to include them.

c.Witness or exhibit lists may be amended subsequent to the prehearing conference within the time limits established by the presiding officer at the prehearing conference. Any such amendments must be served on all parties.

84.20(3) In addition to the requirements of subrule 84.20(2), the parties at a prehearing conference may:

a.Enter into stipulations of law or fact;

b.Enter into stipulations on the admissibility of exhibits;

c.Identify matters that the parties intend to request be officially noticed;

d.Enter into stipulations for waiver of any provision of law; and

e.Consider any additional matters that will expedite the hearing.

84.20(4) Prehearing conferences are conducted by telephone unless otherwise ordered. Parties shall exchange and receive witness and exhibit lists in advance of a telephone prehearing conference.

875—84.21(17A,89) Continuances. Unless otherwise provided, applications for continuances are made to the presiding officer.

84.21(1) A written application for a continuance shall:

a.Be made at the earliest possible time and no less than seven days before the hearing except in case of unanticipated emergencies;

b.State the specific reasons for the request; and

c.Be signed by the requesting party or the party’s representative.

An oral application for a continuance may be made if the presiding officer waives the requirement for a written motion. However, a party making such an oral application for a continuance must confirm that request by written application within five days after the oral request unless that requirement is waived by the presiding officer. No application for continuance will be made or granted without notice to all parties except in an emergency where notice is not feasible. The presiding officer may waive notice of such requests for a particular case or an entire class of cases.

84.21(2) In determining whether to grant a continuance, the presiding officer may consider:

a.Prior continuances;

b.The interests of all parties;

c.The likelihood of informal settlement;

d.The existence of an emergency;

e.Any objection;

f.Any applicable time requirements;

g.The existence of a conflict in the schedules of counsel, parties, or witnesses;

h.The timeliness of the request; and

i.Other relevant factors.

The presiding officer may require documentation of any grounds for continuance.

875—84.22(17A,89) Withdrawals. A party requesting a contested case proceeding may withdraw that request prior to the hearing. Unless otherwise provided, a withdrawal is with prejudice.

875—84.23(17A,89) Hearing procedures.

84.23(1) The presiding officer has the authority to administer oaths, to admit or exclude testimony or other evidence, and to rule on all motions and objections.

84.23(2) All objections shall be timely made and stated on the record.

84.23(3) Parties have the right to participate or to be represented in all hearings or prehearing conferences related to their case. Any party may be represented by an attorney at the party’s own expense.

84.23(4) Subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the presiding officer, parties have the right to introduce evidence on issues of material fact, cross-examine witnesses present at the hearing as necessary for a full and true disclosure of the facts, present evidence in rebuttal, and submit briefs and engage in oral argument.

84.23(5) The presiding officer maintains the decorum of the hearing and may refuse to admit or may expel anyone whose conduct is disorderly.

84.23(6) Witnesses may be sequestered during the hearing.

84.23(7) The presiding officer shall conduct the hearing in the following manner:

a.The presiding officer gives an opening statement briefly describing the nature of the proceedings.

b.The parties are given an opportunity to present opening statements.

c.The parties present their cases in the sequence determined by the presiding officer.

d.Each witness is sworn or affirmed by the presiding officer or the court reporter, and is subject to examination and cross-examination. The presiding officer may limit questioning in a manner consistent with law.

e.When all parties and witnesses have been heard, the parties may be given the opportunity to present final arguments.

f.The presiding officer may enter a default judgment against a party who fails to appear at the hearing.

84.23(8) The presiding officer has the right to question a witness. Examination of witnesses by the presiding officer is subject to properly raised objections.

84.23(9) The hearing is open to the public, except as otherwise provided by law.

84.23(10) Oral proceedings will be electronically recorded. Upon request, the board shall provide a copy of the whole or any portion of the audio recording at a reasonable cost. A certified shorthand reporter may be engaged to record the proceeding at the request of a party and at the expense of the party making the request. A transcription of the record of the hearing will be made at the request of either party at the expense of the party making the request. The parties may agree to divide the cost of the transcription.

84.23(11) Default.

a.If no continuance was granted and a party fails to appear or participate in a contested case proceeding after proper service of notice, the presiding officer may enter a default decision or proceed with the hearing and render a decision in the absence of the party.

b.Where appropriate and not contrary to law, any party may move for default against a party who has requested the contested case proceeding and has failed to file a required pleading or has failed to appear after proper service.

c.Default decisions or decisions rendered on the merits after a party has failed to appear or participate in a contested case proceeding become final board action unless, within 15 days after the date of notification or mailing of the decision, a motion to vacate is filed and served on all parties or an appeal of a decision on the merits is timely initiated within the time provided by subrule 84.27(3). A motion to vacate must state all facts relied upon by the moving party that establish that good cause existed for that party’s failure to appear or participate at the contested case proceeding. Each fact so stated must be substantiated by at least one attached, sworn affidavit of a person with personal knowledge of the fact.

d.The time for further appeal of a decision for which a timely motion to vacate has been filed is stayed pending a decision on the motion to vacate.

e.Properly substantiated and timely filed motions to vacate will be granted only for good cause shown. The burden of proof as to good cause is on the moving party. Adverse parties will have ten days to respond to a motion to vacate. Adverse parties will be allowed to conduct discovery as to the issue of good cause and to present evidence on the issue prior to a decision on the motion, if a request to do so is included in that party’s response.

f.“Good cause” for purposes of this rule has the same meaning as “good cause” for setting aside a default judgment under Iowa Rule of Civil Procedure 1.977.

g.A decision denying a motion to vacate is subject to further appeal within the time limit allowed for further appeal of a decision on the merits in the contested case proceeding.

h.If a motion to vacate is granted and no timely interlocutory appeal has been taken, the presiding officer shall issue another notice of hearing and the contested case will proceed accordingly.

i.A default decision may award any relief consistent with the request for relief made in the petition and embraced in its issues but, unless the defaulting party has appeared, it cannot exceed the relief demanded.

875—84.24(17A,89) Evidence.

84.24(1) The presiding officer will rule on admissibility of evidence and may, where appropriate, take official notice of facts in accordance with all applicable requirements of law.

84.24(2) Stipulation of facts is encouraged. The presiding officer may make a decision based on stipulated facts.

84.24(3) Evidence in the proceeding shall be confined to the contested issues as identified in the notice of hearing.

84.24(4) The party seeking admission of an exhibit must provide opposing parties with an opportunity to examine the exhibit prior to the ruling on its admissibility. Copies of documents should normally be provided to opposing parties. All exhibits admitted into evidence will be appropriately marked and be made part of the record.

84.24(5) Any party may object to specific evidence or may request limits on the scope of any examination or cross-examination. Such an objection shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the grounds upon which it is based. The objection, the ruling on the objection, and the reasons for the ruling will be noted in the record. The presiding officer may rule on the objection at the time it is made or may reserve a ruling until the written decision.

84.24(6) Whenever evidence is ruled inadmissible, the party offering that evidence may submit an offer of proof on the record. The party making the offer of proof for excluded oral testimony shall briefly summarize the testimony or, with permission of the presiding officer, present the testimony. If the excluded evidence consists of a document or exhibit, it will be marked as part of an offer of proof and inserted in the record.

875—84.25(17A,89) Ex parte communication.

84.25(1) Prohibited communications. Unless required for the disposition of ex parte matters specifically authorized by statute, following issuance of the notice of hearing, there shall be no communication, directly or indirectly, between the presiding officer and any party or representative of any party or any other person with a direct or indirect interest in such case in connection with any issue of fact or law in the case except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. Nothing in this rule is intended to preclude board members from communicating with other board members or members of the board staff, other than those with a personal interest in, or those engaged in personally investigating, prosecuting, or advocating in, either the case under consideration or a pending factually related case involving the same parties, as long as those persons do not directly or indirectly communicate to the presiding officer any ex parte communications they have received of a type that the presiding officer would be prohibited from receiving or that furnish, augment, diminish, or modify the evidence in the record.

84.25(2) Prohibitions on ex parte communications commence with the issuance of the notice of hearing in a contested case and continue for as long as the case is pending before the board.

84.25(3) Written, oral or other forms of communication are “ex parte” if made without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate.

84.25(4) To avoid prohibited ex parte communications, notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give all parties a fair opportunity to participate. Notice of written communications shall be provided and may be supplemented by telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or other means of notification. Where permitted, oral communications may be initiated through conference telephone call including all parties or their representatives.

84.25(5) Persons who jointly act as presiding officer in a pending contested case may communicate with each other without notice or opportunity for parties to participate.

84.25(6) Communications with the presiding officer involving uncontested scheduling or procedural matters do not require notice or opportunity for parties to participate. Parties should notify other parties prior to initiating such contact with the presiding officer when feasible, and shall notify other parties when seeking to continue hearings or other deadlines.

a.If the presiding officer determines that disqualification is warranted, the following shall be submitted for inclusion in the record under each seal by protective order:

(1)A copy of any prohibited written communication,

(2)All written responses to the communication,

(3)A written summary stating the substance of any prohibited oral or other communication not available in written form and all responses made, and

(4)The identity of each person from whom the presiding officer received a prohibited ex parte communication.

b.If the presiding officer determines that disqualification is not warranted, such documents shall be submitted for inclusion in the record and served on all parties. Any party desiring to rebut the prohibited communication must be allowed the opportunity to do so upon written request filed within ten days after notice of the communication.

84.25(7) Promptly after being assigned to serve as presiding officer at any stage in a contested case proceeding, a presiding officer shall disclose to all parties material factual information received through ex parte communication prior to such assignment, unless the factual information has already been or shortly will be disclosed pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.13(2), or through discovery. Factual information contained in an investigative report or similar document need not be separately disclosed by the presiding officer as long as such documents have been or will shortly be provided to the parties.

84.25(8) The presiding officer may render a proposed or final decision imposing appropriate sanctions for violations of this rule. Violation of ex parte communication prohibitions by staff will be reported to the board and to the director.

875—84.26(17A,89) Interlocutory appeals. Upon written request of a party or on its own motion, the board may review an interlocutory order of the administrative law judge, such as a ruling on a motion to quash a subpoena or other prehearing motion. In determining whether to do so, the board shall weigh the extent to which its granting the interlocutory appeal would expedite final resolution of the case and the extent to which review of the interlocutory order at the time of the issuance of a final decision would provide an adequate remedy. Any request for interlocutory review must be filed within 14 days of issuance of the challenged order, but no later than the date for compliance with the order or the date of hearing, whichever is earlier.

875—84.27(17A,89) Decisions.

84.27(1) Proposed decision. Decisions issued by a panel of less than a quorum of the board or by an administrative law judge are proposed decisions. A proposed decision issued by a panel of the board or an administrative law judge becomes a final decision if not timely appealed by any party or reviewed by the board.

84.27(2) Final decision. When a quorum of the board presides over the reception of evidence at the hearing, the decision is a final decision. A copy of the final decision and order shall immediately be sent by certified mail to the appellant’s last-known post office address or may be served as in the manner of original notices. Copies shall be mailed by interoffice mail or first-class mail to the counsel of record.

84.27(3) Appeals and review.

a.Appeal by party. Any adversely affected party may appeal a proposed decision to the board within 30 days after issuance of the proposed decision.

b.Review. The board may initiate review of a proposed decision on its own motion at any time within 30 days following the issuance of such a decision.

c.Notice of appeal. An appeal of a proposed decision is initiated by filing a timely notice of appeal with the board. The notice of appeal must be signed by the appealing party or a representative of that party and contain a certificate of service. The notice shall specify:

(1)The parties initiating the appeal;

(2)The proposed decision or order appealed from;

(3)The specific findings or conclusions to which exception is taken and any other exceptions to the decision or order;

(4)The relief sought;

(5)The grounds for relief.

d.Requests to present additional evidence. A party may request the taking of additional evidence only by establishing that the evidence is material, that good cause existed for the failure to present the evidence at the hearing, and that the party has not waived the right to present the evidence. A written request to present additional evidence must be filed with the notice of appeal or, by a nonappealing party, within 14 days of service of the notice of appeal. The board may remand a case to the presiding officer for further hearing or may itself preside at the taking of additional evidence.

e.Scheduling. The board will issue a schedule for consideration of the appeal.

f.Briefs and arguments. Unless otherwise ordered, within 20 days of the notice of appeal or order for review, each appealing party may file exceptions and briefs. Within 20 days thereafter, any party may file a responsive brief. Briefs shall cite any applicable legal authority and specify relevant portions of the record in that proceeding. Written requests to present oral argument shall be filed with the briefs.

The board may resolve the appeal on the briefs or provide an opportunity for oral argument. The board may shorten or extend the briefing period as appropriate.

g.Record. The record on appeal or review will be the entire record made before the hearing panel or administrative law judge.

875—84.28(17A,89) Contested cases with no factual disputes. If the parties agree that no dispute of material fact exists as to a matter that would be a contested case if such a dispute of fact existed, the parties may present all relevant admissible evidence either by stipulation or otherwise as agreed by the parties without necessity for the production of evidence at an evidentiary hearing. If such agreement is reached, a jointly submitted schedule detailing the method and timetable for submission of the record, briefs and oral argument should be submitted to the presiding officer for approval as soon as practicable. If the parties cannot agree, any party may file and serve a motion for summary judgment pursuant to the rules governing such motions.

875—84.29(17A,89) Applications for rehearing.

84.29(1) By whom filed. Any party to a contested case proceeding may file an application for rehearing from a final order.

84.29(2) Content of application. The application for rehearing shall state on whose behalf it is filed, the specific grounds for rehearing, and the relief sought.

84.29(3) Time of filing. The application shall be filed with the board within 20 days after issuance of the final decision.

84.29(4) Notice to other parties. A copy of the application shall be timely mailed by the applicant to all parties of record not joining therein.

84.29(5) Disposition. The board may meet telephonically to consider an application for rehearing. Any application for a rehearing is denied unless the board grants the application within 20 days after its filing.

875—84.30(17A,89) Stays of board actions.

84.30(1) When available.

a.Any party to a contested case proceeding may petition the board for a stay of an order issued in that proceeding or for other temporary remedies, pending review by the board. The petition shall be filed with the notice of appeal and state the reasons justifying a stay or other temporary remedy. The board may rule on the stay or authorize the administrative law judge to do so.

b.Any party to a contested case proceeding may petition the board for a stay or other temporary remedies, pending judicial review of all or part of that proceeding. The petition shall state the reasons justifying a stay or other temporary remedy.

84.30(2) When granted. In determining whether to grant a stay, the presiding officer or board shall consider the factors listed in Iowa Code section 17A.19(5)“c.”

84.30(3) Vacation. A stay may be vacated by the issuing authority upon application of the board or any other party.

875—84.31(17A,89) Judicial review. Judicial review of the board’s decision may be sought in accordance with the terms of Iowa Code chapter 17A.

84.31(1) Consistent with Iowa Code section 17A.19(3), if a party does not file a timely application for rehearing, a judicial review petition must be filed with the district court within 30 days after the issuance of the board’s final decision. The board’s final decision is deemed issued on the date it is mailed or the date of delivery if service is by other means, unless another date is specified in the order.

84.31(2) If a party does file a timely application for rehearing, a judicial review petition must be filed with the district court within 30 days after the application for rehearing is denied or deemed denied. An application for rehearing is denied or deemed denied as provided in subrule 84.29(5).

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapters 17A and 89.