Ind. Code § 5-2-6.1-27

Sec. 27. (a) A hearing officer may hold a hearing concerning the merits of the application to allow any interested person to appear to offer evidence and argument on any issue relevant to the application or to the facts surrounding the bodily injury or death upon which the application is based.

(b) If a hearing is held, the claimant shall be notified in writing by certified mail with return receipt requested fifteen (15) days in advance concerning the date, time, place, and scope of the hearing in accordance with IC 4-21.5-3.

(c) A hearing must be open to the public unless the hearing officer, in consultation with the director, determines that the hearing or a part of the hearing should be held in private in the interest of the victim or society where justice requires.