Last Update: 4/12/2013 (Transmittal I-1-64)
HA 01180.001 Role of the Division
of Quality Service
Renumbered from HALLEX section I-1-8-1
The Division of Quality Service (DQS) in the Office of Hearings
Operations (OHO) is responsible for receiving, reviewing,
and investigating allegations of unfairness, prejudice, partiality,
bias, misconduct, discrimination, or its equivalent (“allegations”)
about administrative law judges (ALJs). After acknowledging the
complaint and reviewing an allegation(s), DQS then determines whether
further action is warranted. DQS fulfills its responsibility completely
outside of the adjudication process, and its actions are not incorporated
into the findings or conclusion of any particular case. See Social
Security Ruling (SSR)
13-1p: Titles II and XVI: Agency
Processes For Addressing Allegations of Unfairness, Prejudice, Partiality,
Bias, Misconduct, or Discrimination by Administrative Law Judges
(ALJs).
DQS will collect, track, and review
all complaints received if the requirements under HALLEX HA 01180.004 are
met, even if a complaint relating to the same conduct was also
filed with the Appeals Council or under the civil rights process.
See SSR 13-1p.