The provisions of § 17.9 of this title govern the making of decisions by administrative law judges, the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, and the Secretary. An administrative law judge will, in any initial decision, specifically inform the applicant or recipient of the right under § 17.9 of this title to file exceptions with the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals. In instances in which the record is certified to the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, or the Director reviews the decision of an administrative law judge, the Director will give the applicant or recipient a notice of certification or notice of review that specifically informs the applicant or recipient that, within a stated period, which will not be less than 30 days after service of the notice, the applicant or recipient may file briefs or other written statements of contentions.