Section 681.15 - How are the functions of the ALJ separated from those of the investigating official and the reviewing official?(a) The investigating official, the reviewing official, and any employee or agent of the authority who takes part in investigating, preparing, or presenting a particular case may not, in such case or a factually related case: (1) Participate in the hearing as the ALJ;(2) Participate or advise in the review of the initial decision by the authority head; or(3) Make the collection of penalties and assessment under 31 U.S.C. 3806 .(b) The ALJ shall not be responsible to or subject to the supervision or direction of the investigating official or the reviewing official.