(1) The impartial due process hearing officer shall render, in writing, findings of fact and conclusions of law separately stated and an order concerning all matters at issue in the hearing within 45 days of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's receipt of the request for hearing unless an extension of time has been granted by the impartial hearing officer. The impartial hearing officer may grant a request by either party for a specific extension of the 45-day period allowed for rendering a final order. The hearing officer shall mail, or personally deliver, a written copy of the findings of fact, conclusions of law and order to each of the parties and to the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The hearing officer shall also mail or deliver the record as defined in ARM 10.16.3522 to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(2) In the event the impartial hearing officer has granted a written request from a party to extend the 45-day period in which to render a final decision, the impartial hearing officer shall notify the Superintendent of Public Instruction when the decision is due. In the event the decision is not rendered within 90 days from the date the request for impartial due process hearing was filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Superintendent of Public Instruction may remove the impartial hearing officer and appoint another impartial hearing officer.

(3) The impartial hearing officer may order reimbursement for parents for the unilateral placement of their child if the school district's placement is determined to be inappropriate and the parent's placement is deemed appropriate.

(4) The decision of the impartial hearing officer shall be binding upon both parties unless the decision is appealed.

(5) Any party who feels aggrieved by the findings and decision of the impartial hearing officer may appeal to a district court or may bring a civil action under 34 CFR 300.512.

(6) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall only be responsible for paying administrative costs related to the hearing, including necessary expenses incurred by the impartial hearing officer and stenographic services. The parties involved shall each be responsible for any legal or other fees that occur.

(7) Every party to a controversy shall comply with these rules of procedure. Failure of one party to do what is required and which substantially prejudices the proceedings may necessitate a request by the impartial hearing officer of a court order for compliance.

(8) In the event that parents of a student with disabilities prevail, a court of competent jurisdiction, in its discretion, may award reasonable attorney's fees as part of the costs to the parents. The awarding of attorney's fees is subject to the limitations found under 34 CFR 300.513.

(9) The Office of Public Instruction, after deleting any personally identifiable information, shall transmit those findings and decisions to the state special education advisory panel and make those findings and decisions available to the public.