(a) Appointment. An administrative law judge, appointed as provided by section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 60 Stat. 244 (5 U.S.C. 3105), shall conduct proceedings upon complaints for the suspension or termination of enrolled actuaries.

(b) Powers of Administrative Law Judge. Among other powers, the Administrative Law Judge shall have authority, in connection with any suspension or termination proceeding of an enrolled actuary, to do the following:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests, which may not be appealed before the close of a hearing except at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge;

(3) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course of conduct;

(4) Adopt rules of procedure and modify the same as required for the orderly disposition of proceedings;

(5) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;

(6) Take or authorize the taking of depositions;

(7) Receive and consider oral or written argument on facts or law;

(8) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;

(9) Perform such acts and take such measures as are necessary or appropriate to the efficient conduct of any proceeding; and

(10) Make initial decisions.