(a) The Director, in denying an application for enrollment, shall inform the applicant as to the reasons. The applicant may, within 30 days after receipt of the notice of denial, file a written appeal together with reasons in support thereof, with the Director of Practice. The Director of Practice shall render a decision on the appeal as soon as practicable.

(b) An applicant may, within 30 days after receipt of the decision of the Director of Practice in sustaining a denial of enrollment, appeal the decision to the Secretary.