Retention Date: 02/25/2026
Descriptive Summary: We are issuing this Chief Judge Bulletin (CJB) to provide greater customer service to claimants by providing a tool to issue more timely decisions. This CJB supersedes HALLEX HA 01280.040B and 01210.055F and allows Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) more flexibility to authorize their Hearing Office Chief Administrative Law Judge (HOCALJ) to sign decisions when they are unavailable.
When an ALJ has cases in EDIT or SIGN status, and is unavailable due to absence from work, an ALJ may authorize the HOCALJ to sign on the ALJ’s behalf the ALJ’s fully favorable decisions, dismissals, and any accompanying orders if:
· The unavailable ALJ has given the HOCALJ written authorization via email, fax, or any other writing:
o Unless the authorization is provided through an official agency email, the ALJ must sign the written authorization with their “wet” signature (facsimile transmission is accepted). The ALJ may not use a rubber stamp or other mechanical signature. A HOCALJ may not use this procedure on their own initiative without specific written authorization from the ALJ.
o Example of written authorization: “HOCALJ [NAME] is authorized to sign any fully favorable decisions and/or dismissals and any associated order on my behalf from [insert start date] to [insert end date].”
The HOCALJ should ensure that the fully favorable decision and/or dismissal draft order conforms with the unavailable ALJ’s decision writing instructions. If the HOCALJ determines for any reason that it is not appropriate to sign a decision on the unavailable ALJ’s behalf, the HOCALJ is not required to do so.
The HOCALJ should follow normal e-sign procedures in HACPS Case Analysis when signing a decision or order on behalf of an unavailable ALJ. The HOCALJ is required to certify that they have permission from the unavailable ALJ via a pop-up window in HACPS. The HOCALJ must click “OK” to e-sign the document.
Direct all program-related and technical questions to your local management team. Hearing Office managers may seek guidance from the regional office (RO). RO staff may refer questions or unresolved issues to OCALJ’s Division of Field Procedures.
References:
HALLEX HA 012010.055 Assignment of Service Area Cases to Administrative Law Judges
HALLEX HA 01280.040 Administrative Law Judge Conducts Hearing but Is Unavailable to Issue Decision