Sec. 1.245  Disqualification of presiding officer.

    (a) In the event that a presiding officer deems himself disqualified 
and desires to withdraw from the case, he shall notify the Commission of 
his withdrawal at least 7 days prior to the date set for hearing.
    (b) Any party may request the presiding officer to withdraw on the 
grounds

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of personal bias or other disqualification.
    (1) The person seeking disqualification shall file with the 
presiding officer an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged 
to constitute grounds for disqualification. Such affidavit shall be 
filed not later than 5 days before the commencement of the hearing 
unless, for good cause shown, additional time is necessary.
    (2) The presiding officer may file a response to the affidavit; and 
if he believes himself not disqualified, shall so rule and proceed with 
the hearing.
    (3) The person seeking disqualification may appeal a ruling of 
disqualification, and, in that event, shall do so at the time the ruling 
is made. Unless an appeal of the ruling is filed at this time, the right 
to request withdrawal of the presiding officer shall be deemed waived.
    (4) If an appeal of the ruling is filed, the presiding officer shall 
certify the question, together with the affidavit and any response filed 
in connection therewith, to the Commission. The hearing shall be 
suspended pending a ruling on the question by the Commission.
    (5) The Commission may rule on the question without hearing, or it 
may require testimony or argument on the issues raised.
    (6) The affidavit, response, testimony or argument thereon, and the 
Commission's decision shall be part of the record in the case.

(5 U.S.C. )
[28 556 FR 12425 , Nov. 22, 1963, as amended at  55 FR 36641 , Sept. 6, 1990; 
 62 FR 4171 , Jan. 29, 1997]

                          Prehearing Procedures