The department of veterans’ affairs may grant or refuse an application for relief or assistance from financial assistance programs under the control of the department under policies set by the administrative committee on veterans’ affairs. The committee shall adopt and establish an appeal process. The department’s decisions are appealable to an appeals    committee appointed by the chairman of the administrative committee. A hearing before the appeals committee may be closed upon request of the applicant. An applicant who requests a closed hearing may invite to that hearing any two representatives and the applicant’s spouse or one other family member. Each decision of the appeals committee must give the reasons for granting or refusing an application for relief or assistance. The decision of the appeals committee is final. The record of the hearing, including the identity of the applicant, is an exempt record.