The term hearing officer means the officer designated by the panel to conduct hearings pursuant to Sec. 269b.420 et seq. of this subchapter and whose duties and power are enumerated in Sec. 269b.442 of this subchapter. [35 FR 8919, June 10, 1970. Redesignated at 48 FR 32334, July 15, 1983, as amended at 65 FR 2530, Jan. 18, 2000]