Section 498.44 - Designation of hearing official(a) The Secretary or his or her delegate designates an ALJ or a member or members of the Board to conduct hearings.(b) If appropriate, the Secretary or the delegate may designate another ALJ or another member or other members of the Board to conduct the hearing.(c) As used in this part, "ALJ" includes any ALJ of the Department of Health and Human Services or members of the Board who are designated to conduct a hearing. 73 FR 36462 , June 27, 2008