Indiana Administrative Code
Title 203 - VICTIM SERVICES DIVISION
Article 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Rule 1 - Investigation; Review; Determination; Appeal
Section 1-6 - Hearings

(a) When a hearing is ordered, the claimant, counsel, and all parties whose testimony is deemed necessary by the division shall be notified in writing of the time, place, and scope of the hearing in accordance with IC 4-21.5. Any subsequent notices of hearing due to a request for continuation by the claimant or claimant's attorney shall be sent by first class United States mail.

(b) All hearings shall be conducted in an orderly manner. All witnesses shall testify under oath or by affirmation, and all testimony shall be recorded. The hearing officer shall not be bound by common law, statutory rules of evidence, or judicial rules of procedure.

(c) The claimant has the burden of proving his or her right to compensation by a preponderance of the evidence.

(d) The hearing officer may receive as evidence any statement, document, information, or matter that is deemed relevant and of such a nature as to afford the parties a fair hearing. The hearing officer may also accept hospital and physician's records and reports as proof of the injury sustained without requiring the presence of the attending physician at the hearing.

(e) The hearing officer may direct medical examination of the claimant by a physician designated by the hearing officer, having due regard for the convenience of the claimant.

(f) The claimant shall be present at the hearing and will be allowed to present testimony and cross-examine witnesses in person or by counsel.

(g) Hearings may be adjourned on the motion of the hearing officer or upon timely request of any interested party. The failure of the claimant to appear at the time of the hearing may result in denial of the claim; provided, however, in the discretion of the hearing officer upon good cause shown, such failure to appear may be excused and a new hearing scheduled.

(h) Hearings shall be open to the public except that the hearing officer may exercise discretion to hold the hearing in private in the interest of the victim or society where justice requires.

(i) Upon the application of the claimant or by counsel, submitted in affidavit form, or upon application of the hearing officer, a case may be opened for further investigation. If the hearing officer finds it necessary, further testimony may be taken at any time prior to the final determination of the hearing. The division may, on its own motion, reinvestigate or reopen cases at any time as it deems necessary.

(j) All hearings of the division shall be held at its offices in Indianapolis, Indiana.