Iowa Code r. 481-10.9 - Disqualification

(1) An administrative law judge shall withdraw from contested cases for lack of impartiality or other legally sufficient cause including, but not limited to, cases where:

a. The ALJ has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party, or personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the case;

b. The ALJ has prosecuted or advocated in connection with the case, the specific controversy underlying the case, or another pending factually related contested case or pending factually related controversy that may culminate in a contested case involving the same parties;

c. A private party is a client or has been a client of the ALJ within the past two years;

d. The ALJ has a financial interest in the case or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the case; or

e. The ALJ, the ALJ's spouse, or relative within the third degree of relationship:

(1) Is a party to the case or an officer, director or trustee of a party;

(2) Is a lawyer in the case;

(3) Is known by the ALJ to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the case; or

(4) Is to the ALJ's knowledge likely to be a material witness in the case.

(2) If an ALJ does not withdraw, the ALJ shall disclose on the record any information relevant to the grounds listed in subrule 10.9(1).

(3) If a party asserts disqualification on any appropriate ground, including those listed in subrule 10.9(1), the party shall file an affidavit pursuant to Iowa Code subsection 17A.17(4). The affidavit must be filed with the division within 15 days of the date of the notice of hearing, or as soon as the reason alleged in the affidavit becomes known to the party, but in any case shall be filed prior to the hearing.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 17A.17.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 481-10.9