§ 405.718c - Expedited appeals process; agreement requirements.

(a)(1) An authorized representative of the Secretary shall, if he determines that all conditions for the use of the expedited appeals process are met (see § 405.718), prepare an agreement for signature of the party (parties) and an authorized representative of the Secretary.

(2)(i) Where a request for hearing has been filed, but prior to issuance of a decision a request for the expedited appeals process is filed, the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, or his designee, shall determine if the conditions required for entering an agreement are met.

(ii) Where a hearing decision was the last action, or where a request for review is pending before the Departmental Appeals Board, and a request for the expedited appeals process is filed, the Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the Departmental Appeals Board or the Chairman's designee, shall determine if the conditions required for an agreement are met.

(b) An agreement with respect to the expedited appeals process shall provide that:

(1) The facts involved in the claim are not in dispute; and

(2) Except as indicated in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the Secretary's interpretation of the law is not in dispute; and

(3) The sole issue(s) in dispute is the application of a statutory provision(s) which is described therein and which is alleged to be unconstitutional by the party requesting use of such process; and

(4) Except for the provision challenged, the right(s) of the party is established; and

(5) The determination or decision made by the Secretary is final for purposes of section 205(g) of the Act.