A hearing officer shall preside over all proceedings held under this part. The hearing officer shall be a hearing examiner qualified under section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.), and designated to hold hearings under the regulations in this subpart or any person authorized to hold a hearing and make a final decision. The hearing officer will serve until he has made an initial decision, certified the record to the Secretary, or made a final decision if so authorized.