17.26—Adjudicatory.
(a)
Any appellant party who seeks review of the Director's decision based upon a modification or termination of a license by the Director under § 17.24(b), or who has filed a timely objection and can demonstrate damages as provided in § 17.24(c), shall be entitled to an adversary hearing in accord with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 554-557 ). A party may waive an adversary hearing by filing a written waiver with the Under Secretary.
(b)
When an adversary hearing is required under § 17.24 (b) or (c) the Under Secretary shall appoint as promptly as possible an Administrative Law Judge who shall hold hearings no later than 45 days from the date of the appointment. The hearings will be conducted in conformity with the objectives of the Administrative Procedure Act. The Administrative Law Judge shall submit a written recommendation to the Under Secretary no later than 30 days subsequent to the hearing and/or the filing of any required written arguments or documentation.
(c)
The Under Secretary shall render a final written decision on behalf of the Department based upon the appeal file which shall include the hearing record, exhibits, written submissions of the party(ies), and the recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge. The Under Secretary's decision shall include the reasons which form the basis of the determination. The final decision may uphold, overrule, or modify the Director's decision or take any action deemed appropriate.