(a) Service of complaint, notice of hearing, written orders, and decisions shall be made by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge to whom the case is assigned either:

(1) By delivering a copy to the individual party, partner of a party, officer of a corporate party, registered agent for service of process of a corporate party, or attorney or representative of record of a party;

(2) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of a party; or

(3) By mailing to the last known address of such individual, partner, officer, or attorney or representative of record.

(b) Service of complaint and notice of hearing is complete upon receipt by addressee.

(c) In circumstances where the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge encounters difficulty with perfecting service, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge may direct that a party execute service of process.

[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7074, Feb. 12, 1999]