Section 20.05.1817. Disqualification of a hearing officer.

	(a)  A hearing officer shall withdraw from a proceeding whenever he deems himself disqualified. A hearing officer may withdraw from a proceeding at the request of a party if the request precedes the hearing officer's entry of decision, provided that the party making such request sets forth in an affidavit the details forming the basis for the alleged disqualification or personal bias. The affidavit must be sufficient on its face.  
	(b)  If a hearing officer refuses a request of a party to disqualify or withdraw, he shall so rule on the record, stating the grounds for his ruling and shall proceed with the hearing or, if the hearing has closed, he shall proceed with issuance of his decision.