(a) Subject to Subsection (b), an appeal of a determination of the executive director under this subchapter is only to the board of trustees.
(b) On behalf of the board of trustees and notwithstanding any other law, including Section 2003.021, Government Code, the executive director may:
(1) refer an appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings for a hearing; or
(2) employ, select, or contract for the services of an administrative law judge or other hearing examiner not affiliated with the State Office of Administrative Hearings to conduct the hearing of an appeal.
(c) The appeal is a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code.
(d) The board of trustees shall develop and implement a process to allow an employee, participant, annuitant, or covered dependent affected by a determination described by Section 1551.352 to participate directly in the process of appealing the determination.