[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 34, Volume 1] [Revised as of July 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 34CFR81.44] [Page 237] TITLE 34--EDUCATION PART 81--GENERAL EDUCATION PROVISIONS ACT--ENFORCEMENT--Table of Contents Subpart B--Hearings for Recovery of Funds Sec. 81.44 Final decision of the Department. (a) The ALJ's initial decision becomes the final decision of the Department 60 days after the recipient receives the ALJ's decision unless the Secretary modifies, sets aside, or remands the decision during the 60-day period. (b) If the Secretary modifies or sets aside the ALJ's initial decision, a copy of the Secretary's decision is sent by the Office of Hearings and Appeals to the parties by certified mail, return receipt requested. The Secretary's decision becomes the final decision of the Department on the date the recipient receives the Secretary's decision. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1234(f)(1), 1234a(g), and 3474(a)) [54 FR 19512, May 5, 1989. Redesignated and amended at 58 FR 43473, 43474, Aug. 16, 1993]