Chapter 5. Right to Representation.

5.1 Representation and Appearances.

Parties may represent themselves, or may be represented by an attorney or authorized representative at their own expense. Any and all counsel or other persons appearing on behalf of a respondent in proceedings before the Department of Administrative Hearings must file a written and signed appearance with the Department of Administrative Hearings. The filing of an appearance shall constitute an affirmative representation, under penalty of law, by the person signing the appearance that he or she has been duly authorized by the respondent to act on the respondent’s behalf in the proceedings. “Proceedings” as defined in this section includes any and all requests for a continuance, hearing or default set-aside.

5.2 Interpreters.

Except in cases involving the hearing-impaired, the respondent is responsible for supplying his or her own interpreter to provide assistance during the hearing process. Interpreters shall be sworn-in and shall swear that he or she will provide an accurate translation of the proceedings.