---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 156.953"
title: "45"
number: "156.953"
heading: "ALJ decision."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/156.953"
---

# §156.953. ALJ decision.


The ALJ will issue an initial agency decision based only on the record and on applicable law; the decision will contain findings of fact and conclusions of law. The ALJ's decision is final and appealable after 30 days unless it is modified or vacated under [§ 156.957](/cfr/45/156.957.md).


## Notes

### Source

Source: 78 FR 65101, Oct. 30, 2013, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 18021-18024, 18031-18032, 18041-18042, 18044, 18054, 18061, 18063, 18071, 18082, and 26 U.S.C. 36B.

### Source

Source: 76 FR 77411, Dec. 13, 2011, unless otherwise noted.