---
title: "45 CFR 160.546 HIPAA: ALJ's decision"
canonical: "https://dposchool.com/hipaa/section/160.546"
source: "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-160.546"
source_note: "Source: United States Code, title 42, published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives (uscode.house.gov), release point 119-136. The editorial and statutory notes are not reproduced. Source: United States Code, title 42, published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives (uscode.house.gov), release point 119-136. The editorial and statutory notes are not reproduced. Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), title 45, up to date as of 29 October 2026, from the eCFR API (ecfr.gov). The eCFR is an editorial compilation of the CFR and Federal Register amendments, not an official legal edition of the CFR."
text_as_of: "2026-10-29"
language: "en"
publisher: "DPO School"
---

45 CFR 160.546 HIPAA · Part 160: GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS · Subpart E: Procedures for Hearings

# 45 CFR 160.546 HIPAA: ALJ's decision

eCFR, up to date as of 29 October 2026. Retrieved 30 October 2026.

## Official text

### 45 CFR 160.546(a)

**(a)** The ALJ must issue a decision, based only on the record, which must contain findings of fact and conclusions of law.

### 45 CFR 160.546(b)

**(b)** The ALJ may affirm, increase, or reduce the penalties imposed by the Secretary.

### 45 CFR 160.546(c)

**(c)** The ALJ must issue the decision to both parties within 60 days after the time for submission of post-hearing briefs and reply briefs, if permitted, has expired. If the ALJ fails to meet the deadline contained in this paragraph, he or she must notify the parties of the reason for the delay and set a new deadline.

### 45 CFR 160.546(d)

**(d)** Unless the decision of the ALJ is timely appealed as provided for in § 160.548, the decision of the ALJ will be final and binding on the parties 60 days from the date of service of the ALJ's decision.

## Source

Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), title 45, up to date as of 29 October 2026, from the eCFR API (ecfr.gov). The eCFR is an editorial compilation of the CFR and Federal Register amendments, not an official legal edition of the CFR.

[45 CFR 160.546 on eCFR](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/section-160.546)

eCFR, up to date as of 29 October 2026. Retrieved 30 October 2026.

This is reference material, not legal advice.

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