TITLE 7 - AGRICULTURE

SUBTITLE A - OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

PART 1 - ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

subpart l - PROCEDURES RELATED TO ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS UNDER THE PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT OF 1986

1.317 - Disqualification of reviewing official or ALJ.

  (a) A reviewing official or ALJ in a particular case may disqualify himself or herself at any time.

  (b) A party may file with the ALJ a motion for disqualification of a reviewing official or an ALJ. Such motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit alleging personal bias or other reason for disqualification.

  (c) Such motion and affidavit shall be filed promptly upon the party's discovery of reasons requiring disqualification, or such objections shall be deemed waived.

  (d) Such affidavit shall state specific facts that support the party's belief that personal bias or other reason for disqualification exists and the time and circumstances of the party's discovery of such facts.

It shall be accompanied by a certificate of the representative of record that it is made in good faith.

  (e) Upon the filing of such a motion and affidavit, the ALJ shall proceed no further in the case until he or she resolves the matter of disqualification in accordance with paragraph (f).

  (f)(1) If the ALJ determines that a reviewing official is disqualified, the ALJ shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice.

  (2) If the ALJ disqualifies himself or herself, the case shall be reassigned promptly to another ALJ.

  (3) If the ALJ denies a motion to disqualify, the authority head may determine the matter only as part of his or her review of the initial decision upon appeal, if any.