IC 22-4-17-15: Impartial administrative law judge

Sec. 15. (a) An administrative law judge may not preside over or otherwise participate in the hearing or disposition of an appeal in which the judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including instances where the judge:

(1) has:

(A) personal bias or prejudice concerning a party; or

(B) personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the appeal;

(2) has served as a lawyer in the matter in controversy; or

(3) knows that the judge has any direct or indirect financial or other interest in the subject matter of an appeal or in a party to the appeal.

(b) Disqualification of an administrative law judge shall be in accordance with the rules adopted by the department.

(c) This subsection does not apply to the disposition of ex parte matters specifically authorized by statute or rule. An administrative law judge may not communicate, directly or indirectly, regarding any substantive issue in the appeal while the appeal is pending, with any party to the appeal, or with any individual who has a direct or indirect interest in the outcome of the appeal, without notice and opportunity for all parties to participate in the communication.