Section 240.405  Representation

a)         The appellant may represent him/herself and/or may authorize legal counsel, a relative, a friend or other spokesperson to represent him/her.

b)         Written authorization is not required unless the appellant is not present at the hearing and:

1)         the representative is an employee, agent or representative of a hospital, or

2)         the representative is an employee, agent or representative of a group care facility, or

3)         the representative is a provider of Community Care services or an employee of an Area Agency on Aging, or

4)         the Hearing Officer, in his/her judgment, has reason to question the representative's authority to serve as a representative.

c)         A legal guardian or other appointed representative may represent an applicant/client as authorized by a court of law.  The Department may request identification and other verification; however, a statement signed by the applicant/client is not required.

d)         Any action or inaction by the appellant's representative is considered action or inaction by the appellant.

(Source:  Added at 7 Ill. Reg. 8697, effective July 20, 1983)