[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 21, Volume 1]
[Revised as of April 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 21CFR12.97]

[Page 139]
 
                        TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS
 
CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN 
                                SERVICES
 
PART 12--FORMAL EVIDENTIARY PUBLIC HEARING--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart E--Hearing Procedures
 
Sec. 12.97  Interlocutory appeal from ruling of presiding officer.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section and in 
Secs. 12.35(b), 12.45(e), 12.93(f), and 12.99(d), when an interlocutory 
appeal is specifically authorized by this subpart, rulings of the 
presiding officer may not be appealed to the Commissioner before the 
Commissioner's consideration of the entire record of the hearing.
    (b) A ruling of the presiding officer is subject to interlocutory 
appeal to the Commissioner if the presiding officer certifies on the 
record or in writing that immediate review is necessary to prevent 
exceptional delay, expense, or prejudice to any participant, or 
substantial harm to the public interest.
    (c) When an interlocutory appeal is made to the Commissioner, a 
participant may file a brief with the Commissioner only if specifically 
authorized by the presiding officer or the Commissioner, and if such 
authorization is granted, within the period the Commissioner directs. If 
a participant is authorized to file a brief, any other participant may 
file a brief in opposition, within the period the Commissioner directs. 
If no briefs are authorized, the appeal will be presented as an oral 
argument to the Commissioner. The oral argument will be transcribed. If 
briefs are authorized, oral argument will be heard only at the 
discretion of the Commissioner.