OEA is an independent agency pursuant to DC Code Annex 1-606.1(h) (1992). An administrative agency's jurisdiction, like subject matter jurisdiction in the federal courts, cannot be enlarged beyond the terms of its enabling statute. See Appeal of Town of Sunapee, 489 A.2d 153 (N.H. 1985). Thus, this Office's jurisdiction cannot be enlarged by the regulations of another agency or by misinformation regarding an employee's appeal rights. See:

• Alvarez v. Department of Veteran's Affairs, 49 M.S.P.R. 682 (1991)
• Morris v. Department of Human Services, OEA Matter No. 1601-0110-90, Opinion and Order on Petition for Review (Jan. 22, 1993)
• Maradi v. District of Columbia General Hospital, OEA Matter No. J-0371-94, Opinion and Order on Petition for Review (July 7, 1995)