A hearing officer shall voluntarily disqualify himself or herself and withdraw from any proceedings in which he or she has an interest. A party may request the disqualification of a hearing officer by filing an affidavit stating in detail the grounds upon which it is claimed that a fair and impartial hearing cannot be given, or that the hearing officer has an interest in the proceedings. The hearing officer shall immediately present the affidavit to the Director who will initiate an investigation into the allegations and shall advise the complaining party, in writing, of his or her decision. A copy of this decision shall be mailed to the other parties.

If the Director is able to conveniently reassign the case to another hearing officer, no investigation shall be required.