Section 150.75  Disqualification of Hearing Examiner

Any party to a hearing may file a written request for disqualification of the hearing examiner, setting forth the nature of the personal bias, prejudice, or other grounds for disqualification.  The request shall be made to the General Counsel who will make the decision as to whether the hearing examiner should be disqualified.  When a hearing examiner is disqualified, or it becomes impractical for him or her to continue, another hearing examiner shall be appointed in the same manner as provided for the initial appointment.  A hearing examiner may at any time voluntarily disqualify himself or herself.  A request for disqualification made by a party shall be considered timely if made within 10 business days after the dispatch of the notice of the appointment of the hearing examiner and, if received by the General Counsel pursuant to Section 150.35, at least five business days prior to the commencement of the hearing.