Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?:
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?:
Either
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?:
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as an agency representative?:
Either
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations):
7 CFR, scattered sections in Parts 301, 305, 318, 319, 322, 330, 340, 353, 360 & 361
Other published guidance for hearings (if any):
Unpublished "Rules of Practice" augment procedures set forth in applicable regulatory provisions
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
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected:
Depends on Nature of Case/Claim
Please describe:
Oral (evidentiary) hearings conducted by Hearing Officer if there are disputed issues of material fact. Otherwise, written(document-only) hearings are held.
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?:
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?:
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe:
Witness testimony is permitted in oral (evidentiary) hearings. Not applicable to "paper" hearings.
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?:
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe:
Cross-examination of witnesses is permitted in oral (evidentiary) hearings. Not applicable to "paper" hearings.
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?:
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?:
Yes
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?:
No
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?:
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
How are claims/cases processed at the hearing-level stage?:
First-In/First-Out Basis
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
Total # of Hearing Officers:
1
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?:
No
Verified by Agency:
Not verified