(a) The Agency shall provide an opportunity for informal resolution of an appeal.
(b) Informal resolution may include, but is not limited to:
  (1) informal meetings with VR counselors or their supervisors;
  (2) second reviews of the case file and case decisions by VR management;
  (3) telephone calls to or conference calls that include the affected parties; or
  (4) written explanations or summaries of the policies, laws, or regulations involved in the complaint.
(c) If the informal resolution procedure results in a final agreement between the parties, no hearing shall be held.
(d) If no final informal resolution is reached, the Agency shall provide an opportunity for a hearing to resolve an appeal.
(e) Either a final agreement resulting from informal resolution or a hearing and impartial hearing officer decision shall be completed within 60 calendar days of the original filing of the appeal, unless the parties agree to a specific extension of time.

Source Note: The provisions of this §850.63 adopted to be effective May 13, 2019, 44 TexReg 2364