All hearings conducted under the provisions of this chapter shall be held before a panel of at least two members of the indeterminate sentence review board. One member shall be designated, by decision of the panel, as the presiding member.

At the time of the hearing under the provisions of RCW 9.95.420, the presiding member will determine if the inmate was given proper notice of the hearing, was advised of the reason for the hearing, and was properly advised of their rights.

A limited number of observers may be present by prior approval of the panel members conducting the hearing, provided that the superintendent or designee authorizes such observers in the facility.

The board reserves the right to exclude any person from the room during a hearing upon its own motion or the motion of any party to the hearing provided that good cause for such exclusion is articulated on the record.

The presiding member may recess the hearing at any time for consultation with the other panel member(s).

The panel conducting the hearing will submit its recommendation to the full board for final determination.

In the event of a language and/or communication problem, a certified interpreter shall be present to interpret and assist.

The board will accept written information pertaining to the inmate from any interested person.