When we have evidence that a representative fails to meet our qualification requirements or has violated the rules governing dealings with us, we may begin proceedings to suspend or disqualify that individual from acting in a representational capacity before us. We may file charges seeking such sanctions when we have evidence that a representative:

(a) Does not meet the qualifying requirements described in §416.1505;

(b) Has violated the affirmative duties or engaged in the prohibited actions set forth in §416.1540;

(c) Has been convicted of a violation under section 1631(d) of the Act;

(d) Has been, by reason of misconduct, disbarred or suspended from any bar or court to which he or she was previously admitted to practice (see §416.1570(a));

(e) Has been, by reason of misconduct, disqualified from participating in or appearing before any Federal program or agency (see §416.1570(a)); or

(f) Who, as a non-attorney, has been removed from practice or suspended by a professional licensing authority for reasons that reflect on the person's character, integrity, judgment, reliability, or fitness to serve as a fiduciary.

[63 FR 41418, Aug. 4, 1998, as amended at 71 FR 2877, Jan. 18, 2006; 83 FR 30858, July 2, 2018]