Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations):
28 CFR 17.18(i)-(j)
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?:
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?:
No
Are parties provided notice of hearing?:
Yes (All Types of Cases)
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?:
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
Written (Document-Only) Hearing:
100%
How is the type of hearing selected:
Required by Rule
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?:
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?:
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?:
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?:
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?:
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Are hearings open to the public?:
N/A (Document-Only Hearing)
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?:
Adjudication Officer
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?:
Yes (All Types of Cases)
If "Yes," please specify these time limit(s):
The Director will process appeals (i.e. hearing level adjudications) within 15 working days of receipt of the appeal. 28 CFR 17.18(j)(3).
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?:
No
How are claims/cases processed at the hearing-level stage?:
Differentiated Case Management
Please briefly describe your case management practice(s) at the hearing level stage:
At the frontline decision level, priority is given to materials that the author seeks to publish on an expedited basis including speeches and newspaper articles. It is not explicitly stated whether appeals are handled in the same manner.
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?:
No
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?:
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?:
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce:
No
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?:
No
Verified by Agency:
Not verified