Section 823 - Disqualifications to participate in hearings(a) No referee, member of the board, or employe of the department shall participate in the hearing of any case in which he himself is an interested party. The board may designate an alternate to serve in the absence or disqualification of any referee.(b) Referees shall conduct their hearings de novo.1936, Second Ex.Sess., Dec. 5, P.L. (1937) 2897, art. V, § 503. Amended 2002, Dec. 9, P.L. 1336, No. 158, § 2, effective in 60 days.