(a) The ALJ shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and assure that a record of the proceeding is made.

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(b) The ALJ has the authority to:

(1) Set and change the date, time, and place of the hearing upon reasonable notice to the parties;

(2) Disqualify a non-attorney representative (designated as described in the § 33.2 definitions of “representative”) if the ALJ determines that the representative is incapable of rendering reasonably effective assistance;

(3) Continue or recess the hearing in whole or in part for a reasonable period of time;

(4) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding;

(5) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(6) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at depositions or at hearings;

(7) Rule on motions and other procedural matters;

(8) Regulate the scope and timing of discovery;

(9) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of representatives and parties;

(10) Examine witnesses;

(11) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence;

(12) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts;

(13) Upon motion of a party, decide cases, in whole or in part, by summary judgment if there is no disputed issue of material fact;

(14) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in person or by telephone; and

(15) Exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the ALJ under this part.

(c) The ALJ does not have the authority to find Federal statutes or regulations invalid.

(Authority: 31 U.S.C. § 3803(g))