The appeal authority shall be the Office of Administrative Hearings in the Department of General Services. The office is hereby charged with the responsibility to administer and conduct hearings, and to render proposed decisions about the matter in dispute.
The appeal authority may delay or set aside a state agency or departmental action related to the appeal.
The appeal authority shall provide flexibility in the appeal process, providing a range of review from the most formal to a level acceptable to both parties.
An appeal pursuant to this division shall not be considered by the appeal authority until the direct service contractor has attempted to resolve the dispute through the grievance procedure established in accordance with Section 38036 of the Health and Safety Code. If the department or agency has failed to establish such a procedure, the appeal authority shall assume immediate jurisdiction over the dispute.