(b) Exceptions—(1) Interlocutory appeals to Administrator. The Administrator may, in his or her discretion, entertain interlocutory appeals where a ruling of the Presiding Officer:
- (i) Requires the production or disclosure of records claimed to be confidential;
- (ii) Requires the testimony of a supervisory official of the agency other than one especially cognizant of the facts of the matter in adjudication;
- (iii) Excludes an attorney from participation in a proceeding pursuant to § 511.42(b).
- (2) Procedures for interlocutory appeals. Within ten (10) days of issuance of a ruling, any party may petition the Administrator to entertain an interlocutory appeal on a ruling in the categories enumerated above. The petition shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Any other party may file a response to the petition within ten (10) days of its service. The response shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. The Administrator shall thereupon act upon the petition, or the Administrator shall request such further briefing or oral presentation as he may deem necessary.
- (3) Interlocutory appeals from all other rulings—(i) Grounds. Interlocutory appeals from all other rulings by the Presiding Officer may proceed only upon motion to the Presiding Officer and a determination by the Presiding Officer in writing, with justification in support thereof, that the ruling involves a controlling question of law or policy as to which there is substantial ground for differences of opinion and that an immediate appeal from the ruling may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation, or that subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy.
- (ii) Form. If the Presiding Officer determines, in accordance with paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section that an interlocutory appeal may proceed, a petition for interlocutory appeal may be filed with and acted upon by the Administrator in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.