Within 5 days after the effective date stated in the referral notice under Sec. 45.26(c)(4), 7 CFR 1.626(c)(4), or 50 CFR 221.26(c)(4):
(a) The Hearings Division must:
(1) Docket the case;
(2) Assign an ALJ to preside over the hearing process and issue a decision; and
(3) Issue a docketing notice that informs the parties of the docket number and the ALJ assigned to the case; and
(b) The ALJ must issue a notice setting the time, place, and method for conducting an initial prehearing conference under Sec. 45.40. This notice may be combined with the docketing notice under paragraph (a)(3) of this section.