(a) After the close of the hearing, and the receipt of briefs, or
findings and conclusions, if any, the Administrative Law Judge shall
prepare his recommended decision and order expeditiously. The
recommended decision and order shall contain findings of fact,
conclusions, and the reasons or basis therefor including credibility
determinations, and recommendations as to the disposition of the case
including the remedial action to be taken.
(b) The Administrative Law Judge shall cause his recommended
decision and order to be served promptly on all parties to the
proceeding. Thereafter, the Administrative Law Judge shall transfer the
case to the Assistant Secretary including his recommended decision and
order and the record. The record shall include the complaint, the notice
of hearing, motions, rulings, orders, official transcript of the
hearing, stipulations, objections, depositions, exhibits, documentary
evidence and any briefs or other documents submitted by the parties.
(c) Exceptions to the Administrative Law Judge's recommended
decision and order may be filed by any party with the Assistant
Secretary within fifteen
(15) days after service of the recommended decision and order: Provided,
however, That the Assistant Secretary may for good cause shown extend
the time for filing such exceptions. Requests for additional time in
which to file exceptions shall be in writing, and copies thereof shall
be served on the other parties. Requests for extension of time must be
received no later than three (3) days before the date the exceptions are
due. Copies of such exceptions and any supporting briefs shall be served
on all other parties, and a statement of such service shall be furnished
to the Assistant Secretary.