Concern of bias

(1) Where a reason exists that is suited to justify mistrust of impartial official conduct, or where the existence of such a reason is asserted by a party, a person who is to act for an authority in an administrative procedure must inform the head of the authority, or the person authorised by the head, and must refrain from participating on that person's instruction. Where the concern of bias relates to the head of the authority, this instruction is given by the supervisory authority, unless the head of the authority refrains from participating on his or her own initiative. For managing directors of insurance carriers, the board takes the place of the supervisory authority.
(2) For members of a committee or advisory board, section 16(4) applies correspondingly.