(a) Appointment. The Secretary shall appoint the Director of Practice. In the event of the absence of the Director of Practice or a vacancy in that office, the Secretary shall designate an officer or employee of the Treasury Department to act as Director of Practice.

(b) Duties. The Director of Practice, Office of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall: Act upon appeals from decisions of the Director denying applications for enrollment to practice before the Bureau; institute and provide for the conduct of disciplinary proceedings relating to attorneys, certified public accountants, and enrolled practitioners; make inquiries with respect to matters under his or her jurisdiction; and perform other duties as are necessary or appropriate to carry out his or her functions under this part or as are prescribed by the Secretary.