NOTE: For instructions on how complaints are processed, see HALLEX I-1-3-25 for complaints received by the Appeals Council and HALLEX I-1-8-7, HALLEX I-1-8-10, and HALLEX I-1-8-13 for complaints received by DQS, OHO RO, or the National Hearing Center Office.
The appropriate OHO Regional Chief ALJ or their designee will conduct an initial inquiry
to determine the facts (which will include giving the ALJ named in the complaint the
opportunity to comment on the complaint) and forward a report to the Chief ALJ.
The Chief ALJ will decide if the inquiry requires further investigation and, if so,
will forward the complaint to the Office of Analytics, Review, and Oversight, Office
of Appellate Operations (OAO) for further investigation.
If the Regional Chief ALJ or Chief ALJ is named in the complaint, OAO, DQS will conduct
the initial inquiry.
Following completion of the investigation, OAO will notify the complainant and representative
in writing of its results.