Section 221.31 - What are the powers of the ALJ?The ALJ will have all powers necessary to conduct a fair, orderly, expeditious, and impartial hearing process relating to NOAA's or any other Department's condition or prescription that has been referred to the ALJ for hearing, including the powers to:
(a) Administer oaths and affirmations;(b) Issue subpoenas under §221.47;(c) Shorten or enlarge time periods set forth in these regulations, except that the deadline in §221.60(a)(2) can be extended only if the ALJ must be replaced under §221.32 or 221.33 ;(e) Authorize discovery as provided for in this subpart;(f) Hold hearings and conferences;(g) Regulate the course of hearings;(h) Call and question witnesses;(i) Exclude any person from a hearing or conference for misconduct or other good cause;(j) Summarily dispose of any hearing request or issue as to which the ALJ determines there is no disputed issue of material fact;(k) Issue a decision consistent with §221.60(b) regarding any disputed issue of material fact; and(l) Take any other action authorized by law.