Opinion ID: 1355978
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: contacts between the prosecuting attorney at the contested case hearing and the board sitting as the decision maker

Text: Dr. Painter alleges improper ex parte contacts occurred between the Board's attorney (who represented the Board and prosecuted Dr. Painter at the contested case hearing) and the Board sitting as decision maker. She asserts these contacts adversely affected her right to a fair, unbiased hearing. Due process requires that an agency provide a fair trial without the appearance of bias or prejudice. State Transportation Commission of Wyoming v. Ford, 844 P.2d 496, 497-98 (Wyo.1992); ANR Production Company v. Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 800 P.2d 492, 499 (Wyo.1990); Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-112(a) (LEXIS 1999). Additionally, Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 16-3-107(k) (LEXIS 1999) (emphasis added) prohibits the following contacts: (k) ... Any person representing an agency at a hearing in a contested case in which the agency is a party shall not in the same case serve as presiding officer or provide ex parte advice regarding the case to the presiding officer or to the body or any member of the body comprising the decision makers. The record and oral arguments make it clear the Board's attorney: (1) advised the Board throughout the development of the case against Dr. Painter; (2) prosecuted the case before the hearing panel which was comprised of Board members; and (3) continued to advise the Board during preparation of the final findings and order. The separation of these functions is necessary to assure fairness. The contacts between the Board and its attorney violated § 16-3-107(k) and contributed to the overall appearance of unfairness regarding the proceedings. Additionally, the hearing officer originally ordered that two members of the Board were disqualified from sitting on the hearing panel or participating in decision making. However, one of those disqualified members signed the Board's final order. The Board claims the signature was merely a ministerial function, but this act, in conjunction with others, contributes to the appearance of unfairness.