The process by which an administrative agency makes a decision. In the context of hospitals, an example would be the procedure for obtaining a certificate of need (CON). This would include a petition for the certificate, setting of a hearing date and notice to all interested parties, the hearing itself (which is normally less formal than a court hearing), and a decision by the agency. The decision may be appealed within the administrative agency. After the complete administrative process is “exhausted,” meaning that all avenues have been tried, a party dissatisfied with the result can go to the courts to challenge the decision.