(a) Within 10 days of his receipt of a request for a hearing, the
Secretary shall designate a hearing officer. The hearing officer shall
give reasonable notice of such hearing by registered mail, return
receipt requested, to the appropriate sponsor. Such notice shall
include:
(1) A reasonable time and place of hearing,
(2) A statement of the provisions of this part pursuant to which the
hearing is to be held, and
(3) A concise statement of the matters pursuant to which the action
forming the basis of the hearing is proposed to be taken.
(b) The hearing officer shall regulate the course of the hearing.
Hearings shall be informally conducted. Every party shall have the right
to counsel, and a fair opportunity to present his/her case, including
such cross-examination as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
Hearings officers shall make their proposed findings and recommended
decisions to the Secretary upon the basis of the record before them.
