Section 668.121 - Final decision of the Department(a) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is appealed, the decision of the Secretary is the final decision of the Department, unless the hearing official's decision is remanded by the Secretary.(b) In the event that the initial decision of the hearing official is not appealed within the time limit specified in § 668.119(a) , the initial decision automatically becomes the final decision of the Department.52 FR 30115, Aug. 12, 1987; 52 FR 46354, Dec. 7, 1987, as amended at 57 FR 47753, Oct. 19, 1992 Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1094