[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 20, Volume 2]
[Revised as of April 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 20CFR498.220]

[Page 1206-1207]
 
                      TITLE 20--EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS
 
               CHAPTER III--SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
 
PART 498_CIVIL MONETARY PENALTIES, ASSESSMENTS AND RECOMMENDED EXCLUSIONS
--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 498.220  Initial decision.

    (a) The ALJ will issue an initial decision, based only on the 
record, which will contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.
    (b) The ALJ may affirm, deny, increase, or reduce the penalties or 
assessments proposed by the Inspector General.
    (c) The ALJ will issue the initial decision to all parties within 60 
days after the time for submission of post-hearing briefs or reply 
briefs, if permitted, has expired. The decision will be accompanied by a 
statement describing the right of any party to file a notice of appeal 
with the DAB and instructions for how to file such appeal. If the ALJ 
cannot issue an initial decision within the 60 days, the ALJ will

[[Page 1207]]

notify the parties of the reason for the delay and will set a new 
deadline.
    (d) Unless an appeal or request for extension pursuant to Sec. 
498.221(a) is filed with the DAB, the initial decision of the ALJ 
becomes final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ serves 
the parties with a copy of the decision. If service is by mail, the date 
of service will be deemed to be five days from the date of mailing.

[61 FR 65472, Dec. 13, 1996]