405.824—Disqualification of carrier hearing officer.
A hearing officer shall not conduct a hearing in any case in which he is prejudiced or partial with respect to any party, or if he has any interest in the matter before him. Notice of any objection with respect to the hearing officer who will conduct the hearing shall be made by the objecting party at his earliest opportunity. The hearing officer shall consider such objection and shall, at his discretion, withdraw. If the hearing officer withdraws, the appropriate official of the carrier shall designate another hearing officer to conduct the hearing. If the hearing officer does not withdraw, the objecting party may present his objections to the carrier for consideration at any time prior to the issuance of a decision. The carrier shall review the request and take appropriate action. The fact that a hearing officer is an employee of the carrier may not serve as prima facie cause for disqualification.
[32 FR 18028, Dec. 16, 1967. Redesignated at 42 FR 52826, Sept. 30, 1977, as amended at 59 FR 12183, Mar. 16, 1994]