6 CFR § 13.16 - 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 a motion for disqualification of a Reviewing Official or an ALJ. Such motion will be accompanied by an affidavit alleging personal bias or other reason for disqualification.

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

(d) Such affidavit will 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 will be accompanied by a certificate of the Representative of record that it is Made in good faith.

(e)

(1) If the ALJ determines that a Reviewing Official is disqualified, the ALJ will dismiss the Complaint without prejudice.

(2) If the ALJ disqualifies himself or herself, the case will 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.