A request for a fair hearing can be denied or dismissed for which of the following reasons?

In the context of a fair hearing request, denial or dismissal often hinges on procedural issues rather than the merits of the case itself. The chosen reason, which is that the hearing officer is unavailable, is significant because it directly impacts the ability to hold the hearing as scheduled. If the designated hearing officer is unable to facilitate the process, it creates a logistical hurdle that prevents the hearing from occurring.

In many administrative processes, the presence of an appropriate and designated official is crucial to ensure that the hearing can be conducted properly and that due process is upheld. Without a hearing officer, the process cannot move forward, which justifies the denial or dismissal of the request.

On the other hand, a request can also be withdrawn by a household or its representative, and such a withdrawal—either orally or in writing—clearly indicates that the party no longer wishes to pursue the hearing. However, the unavailability of the hearing officer remains a procedural issue that results in the inability to conduct the hearing itself, distinguishing it from the voluntary withdrawal by a participant.

Thus, the chosen answer highlights a scenario where procedural integrity is compromised due to the lack of necessary personnel, resulting in the dismissal of the request.