(a) Availability. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Administrative Law Judge or the Secretary's designee, as appropriate, at any time prior to the filing of his or her decision, may, for good cause and in the interest of justice, modify any time limit prescribed by this subpart and may, consistent with paragraph (b) of this section, postpone or adjourn any hearing.

(b) Limitations on postponements, adjournments and adjustments. A hearing shall begin at the time and place ordered, provided that, within the limits provided, the Administrative Law Judge or the Secretary's designee, as appropriate, may for good cause shown postpone the commencement of the hearing or adjourn a convened hearing for a reasonable period of time.

(1) Additional considerations. In considering a motion for postponement of the start of a hearing, adjournment once a hearing has begun, or extensions of time for filing papers, the Administrative Law Judge or the Secretary's designee, as appropriate, shall consider, in addition to any other factors:

(i) The length of the proceeding to date;

(ii) The number of postponements, adjournments or extensions already granted;

(iii) The stage of the proceedings at the time of the request; and

(iv) Any other matter as justice may require.

(2) Time limit. Postponements, adjournments or extensions of time for filing papers shall not exceed 21 days unless the Administrative Law Judge or the Secretary's designee, as appropriate, states on the record or sets forth in a written order the reasons why a longer period of time is necessary.