Sanctions.

§ 26.34 Sanctions. (a) The ALJ may sanction a person, including any party or representative, for failing to comply with an order, rule, or procedure governing the proceeding; failing to prosecute or defend an action; or engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, or fair conduct of the hearing. (b) Any sanction, including, but not limited to, those listed in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, shall reasonably relate to the severity and nature of the failure or misconduct. (c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order compelling discovery, the ALJ may impose an appropriate sanction for such noncompliance, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Drawing an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard to the information sought; (2) In the case of requests for admission, deeming any matter about which an admission is requested to be admitted; (3) Prohibiting the party failing to comply with the order from introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon, testimony relating to the information sought; or (4) Striking any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the party failing to comply with the order. (d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action brought under subpart B of this part, the ALJ may dismiss the action or may issue a decision against the non-prosecuting or defending party. Such decision of the ALJ shall constitute final agency action and shall not be appealable to the Secretary under § 26.52 of this part. (e) The ALJ may refuse to consider any motion, request, response, brief, or other document that is not filed in a timely fashion.