A certification of a request for an advisory opinion concerning
professional medical standards, medical ethics or medical regulation to
a competent recognized or professional organization or federal, state
or local regulatory agency may be made:
(a) As to an issue properly designated by the provider, in the
sound discretion of the administrative law judge, provided that the
request will not unduly delay the proceedings;
(b) By OWCP on its own motion either before or after the
institution of proceedings, and the results thereof shall be made
available to the provider at the time that proceedings are instituted
or, if after the proceedings are instituted, within a reasonable time
after receipt. The opinion, if rendered by the organization or agency,
is advisory only and not binding on the administrative law judge.
