Consultation and advice.

(a) The administrative law judge shall not consult any person, or party, on any fact in issue or on the merits of the matter before the disobedient party unless upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. (b) No employee or agent of the Federal Government engaged in the investigation and prosecution of a proceeding governed by these rules shall participate or advise in the rendering of any recommended or final decision, except as witness or counsel in the proceeding. [38 FR 21162, Aug. 6, 1973, as amended at 50 FR 43706, Oct. 29, 1985; 90 FR 2427, Jan. 10, 2025]