Similarly, the Department of Social Services prosecutes actions to regulate licensed day care or residential facilities before OAH when complaints of abuse or neglect are brought to its attention. And many cities and counties contract with OAH to hear employee discipline and disability retirement appeals. The ALJs are fully independent of the agencies whose attorneys appear before them. All OAH ALJs are required to have practiced law for at least five years before being appointed, and typically have over ten years experience. ALJs preside over hearings in a manner similar to civil court trials unless local agency rules provide otherwise.
Hearings are generally open to the public.
Each party is given an opportunity to make an opening statement, call witnesses, and offer other relevant evidence. After all the evidence is submitted, the parties may make closing arguments, orally or in writing. In most cases, the ALJ prepares a detailed written decision within 30 days. OAH also has an alternative dispute resolution program offering both mediation and arbitration services.