(a) The hearing officer will issue a written determination within a timeframe agreed to by the affected Applicant QHIN or QHIN, as applicable, and ASTP/ONC and approved by the hearing officer. The hearing officer may, at their sole discretion, extend the timeframe for a written determination as circumstances necessitate.

(b) The hearing officer's determination on appeal is the final decision of HHS unless within ten (10) business days, the Secretary, in the Secretary's sole discretion, chooses to review the determination. ASTP/ONC will notify the appealing party if the Secretary chooses to review the determination and will provide notice of the Secretary's final determination.