Chief Counsel decisions and appointment of a PO.

(a) After receiving a complaint consistent with § 604.27, and conducting an investigation, the Chief Counsel may: (1) Issue a decision based on the pleadings filed to date; (2) Appoint a PO to review the matter; or (3) Dismiss the complaint pursuant to § 604.28. (b) If the Chief Counsel appoints a PO to review the matter, the Chief Counsel shall send out a hearing order that sets forth the following: (1) The allegations in the complaint, or notice of investigation, and the chronology and results of the investigation preliminary to the hearing conducted in accordance with subpart I of this part; (2) The relevant statutory, judicial, regulatory, and other authorities; (3) The issues to be decided; (4) Such rules of procedure as may be necessary to supplement the provisions of this part; (5) The name and address of the PO, and the assignment of authority to the PO to conduct the hearing in accordance with the procedures set forth in this part; and (6) The date by which the PO is directed to issue a recommended decision.