7 U.S.C. § 6991 — Definitions

(1) “Adverse decision” means an administrative decision by an agency officer, employee, or committee that harms a participant. It also includes an agency denying equitable relief or failing to decide or act on a participant’s request or right. It does not include a decision within the jurisdiction of the Board of Contract Appeals.

(2) “Agency” means a Department^* agency designated by the Secretary^*, or a successor agency. It also includes the Farm Service Agency or its successor unit; the Commodity Credit Corporation for domestic programs; the Farmers Home Administration; the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation; the Rural Development Administration; the Natural Resources Conservation Service or its successor unit; and a State, county, or area committee established under 16 U.S.C. 590h(b)(5).

(3) “Appellant” means a participant who appeals an adverse decision under this subchapter.

(4) “Case record” means all materials the Secretary keeps that relate to an adverse decision.

(5) “Director” means the Director of the Division.

(6) “Division” means the National Appeals Division^* established by this chapter.

(7) “Hearing officer” means a Division employee who hears and decides appeals from agency adverse decisions.

(8) “Implement” means the actions needed to fully and promptly carry out a Division final determination no later than 30 calendar days after that determination becomes effective.

(9) “Participant” has the meaning the Secretary gives it by regulation. This section does not define that term.