La. R.S. 23:1628

To hear and decide appealed claims, the secretary of Louisiana Works shall with the approval of the governor appoint one or more impartial appeal referees all of whom shall complete a course of study prescribed by the administrator of Louisiana Works, by rule, to ensure competency prior to their participation in any claim resolution under this Chapter. Each referee shall be selected in accordance with R.S. 23:1656 and 1657. No referee shall participate in any case in which he is an interested party. The secretary may designate alternates to serve in the absence or disqualification of any referee.