(a) General. The persons authorized by the Secretary of Labor to
accept evidence and decide claims on the basis of such evidence are
called ``adjudication officers.'' This section describes the status of
black lung claims adjudication officers.
(b) District Director. The district director is that official of
the DCMWC or his designee who is authorized to perform functions with
respect to the development, processing, and adjudication of claims in
accordance with this part.
(c) Administrative law judge. An administrative law judge is that
official appointed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3105 (or Public Law 94-504) who
is qualified to preside at hearings under 5 U.S.C. 557 and is empowered
by the Secretary to conduct formal hearings with respect to, and
adjudicate, claims in accordance with this part. A person appointed
under Public Law 94-504 shall not be considered an administrative law
judge for purposes of this part for any period after March 1, 1979.
