(a) Initial review. The agency will generally respond to incomplete applications within 14 calendar days of receipt stating that the application is incomplete and specifying the information required for acceptance.     
      (b) Complete application. An application is complete when:      
        (1) it conforms to the rules and the OCCC's published instructions;       
        (2) all fees have been paid; and       
        (3) all requests for additional information have been satisfied.       
      (c) Failure to complete application. If a complete application has not been filed with the OCCC within 30 days after notice of deficiency has been sent to the applicant, the application may be denied.     
      (d) Hearing. Whenever an application is denied, the applicant has 30 days from the date the application was denied to request in writing a hearing to contest the denial. This hearing will be conducted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 2001, and the rules of procedure applicable under §9.1(a) of this title (relating to Application, Construction, and Definitions), before an administrative law judge who will recommend a decision to the commissioner. The commissioner will then issue a final decision after review of the recommended decision.     
      (e) Denial. The commissioner will inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for denial. Upon the final denial of an application, the annual fee will be refunded to the applicant. The investigation fee will be forfeited.     
      (f) Processing time.      
        (1) A registered provider application will ordinarily be approved or denied within a maximum of 60 days after the date of filing of a completed application.       
        (2) More time may be taken where good cause exists, as defined by Texas Government Code, §2005.004, for exceeding the established time period in paragraph (1) of this subsection.       
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §88.103 adopted to be effective November 10, 2005, 30 TexReg 7213; amended to be effective May 6, 2010, 35 TexReg 3481; amended to be effective January 2, 2014, 38 TexReg 9488; amended to be effective January 7, 2016, 41 TexReg 123; amended to be effective March 8, 2018, 43 TexReg 1258