A provider whose participation in the California Medical Assistance Program has been suspended may petition the Department for reinstatement or reduction of term of suspension after a period of not less than one year has elapsed from the effective date of the decision, or from the date of the denial of a similar petition. The Department shall give notice to the Attorney General of the filing of the petition, and the Attorney General and the petitioner shall be afforded an opportunity to present written argument to the Department. The Department shall decide the petition, and the decision shall include the reasons therefor.