(a) Any interested person or organization wishing to participate as amicus curiae in the proceeding shall file a petition before the commencement of the hearing. Such petition shall concisely state the petitioner's interest in the hearing and who will represent petitioner.

(b) The administrative law judge will grant the petition if the administrative law judge finds that the petitioner has an interest in the proceedings and may contribute materially to the disposition of the proceedings. The administrative law judge shall give the petitioner written notice of the decision on the petition.

(c) An amicus curiae is not a party and may not introduce evidence at a hearing but may only participate as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

(d) An amicus curiae may submit a written statement of position to the administrative law judge at any time prior to the beginning of a hearing, and shall serve a copy on each party. An amicus curiae may also file a brief or written statement on each occasion a decision is to be made or a prior decision is subject to review. The amicus curiae's brief or written statement must be filed and served on each party within the time limits applicable to the party whose position the amicus curiae supports; or if the amicus curiae does not support the position of any party, within the longest time limit applicable to any party at that particular stage of the proceedings.

(e) When all parties have completed their initial examination of a witness, any amicus curiae may request the administrative law judge to propound specific questions to the witness. The administrative law judge has discretion to grant any such request if the administrative law judge believes the proposed additional testimony may assist materially in elucidating factual matters at issue between the parties without expanding the issues.