Your Hearing Options
We encourage you to discuss these options with your representative. If you will be representing yourself, these options are also available to you. Our goal is to provide you with a timely hearing that meets your needs.
| Review Hearing | Appeal Hearing |
|---|---|
In Most Cases...Applicants choose to attend their Review Hearing as it is their only opportunity to appear before the Board and testify regarding the facts of their case. |
In Most Cases...Appellants do not attend their Appeal Hearing because they are not permitted by law to testify in person again. Rather, it is a further opportunity for their representative to make oral and/or written arguments in support of their case. |
In PersonYou appear before the two Board Members with your representative and any witnesses relevant to your case. You may also bring a family member or friend to accompany you. You and witnesses may be reimbursed for travel and living expenses related to attending your Review Hearing. For more information, please contact your representative. |
In PersonYou may attend the hearing with your representative at your own expense. |
TeleconferenceIf you cannot attend the hearing but still wish to participate, your representative can make arrangements for you to do so by telephone. Generally, the Board Members and your representative are together in the hearing room. |
TeleconferenceIf you wish to listen to the Appeal Hearing, your representative can make arrangements for you to do so by telephone. Generally, the Board Members and your representative are together in the hearing room. |
Written SubmissionYour representative submits a written argument, documented information and evidence to the Board Members on your behalf. The Board Members meet and decide based on the written information. |
Written SubmissionYour representative submits a written argument, documented information and evidence to the Board Members on your behalf. The Board Members meet and decide based on the written information. |
Video ConferenceYou and your representative appear, by video conference, before the Review Panel who are in another location. The Board encourages the use of video conferencing as an alternative that is flexible and provides for timely hearings. |
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In AbsentiaYou give your representative written permission to present your case before the Board Members in your absence. |
Videoconference Hearings
Videoconferencing allows you and your representative to interact with Board Members via simultaneous, two-way video and audio transmissions. We have invested in high-quality technology to provide the best possible videoconference hearing experience. You and your representative can see and hear Board Members as if they were in the same room, and vice-versa.
This option can be more convenient since it may result in an earlier hearing date and involve less travel. If you would like have your hearing by videoconference, please speak with your representative. If you are representing yourself, please advise us when we contact you to arrange a hearing date or contact us.
If you choose this option, here are some tips to keep in mind for your videoconference hearing:
- Maintain eye contact with those on the other end of the link by looking toward the camera.
- Speak clearly and at a slightly slower pace than you usually would.
- Speak at a normal audible level (there is no need to raise your voice).
- Because the audio may have a slight delay, you may want to pause briefly from time to time for others to answer you or to make comments.
- Wait for people on the other side to stop speaking before you start.
- Minimize unnecessary movements and sounds (drumming your fingers on the table, sliding papers, etc.).
- Turn off watch alarms, cell phones and other wireless devices.
- Indicate if you are having difficulty seeing or hearing at any point during the hearing.
At videoconference hearings, Members interact with the applicant and representative through high-quality audio/visual technology.