[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 42 (Friday, March 4, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10716-10729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-873]


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-51268; File No. SR-NASD-2004-125]


Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities 
Dealers, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change Regarding 
Procedures for Denying Listing on Nasdaq

February 28, 2005.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 
(``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that 
on August 18, 2004, the National Association of Securities Dealers, 
Inc. (``NASD''), through its subsidiary, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. 
(``Nasdaq''), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, 
and III below, which Items have been prepared by Nasdaq. On February 9, 
2005, Nasdaq filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.\3\ The 
Commission is publishing this notice, as amended, to solicit comments 
on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ Amendment No. 1 replaced the original filing in its 
entirety.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of the 
Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

    Nasdaq proposes to amend various rules to enhance, clarify, and 
increase the transparency of the procedures associated with denying 
companies initial or continued listing on Nasdaq. Nasdaq will implement 
the proposed rule change immediately upon approval by the Commission.
    The text of the proposed rule change is below. Proposed new 
language is italicized; proposed deletions are in [brackets].\4\ IM-
4120-2. Disclosure of Written Notice of Staff Determination
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    \4\ The proposed rule change is marked to show changes from the 
rules as they appear in the electronic NASD Manual available at 
http://www.nasd.com.
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    [Rule 4815(b) requires] Rules 4803(a) and 4804(b) require that an 
issuer make a public announcement through the news media disclosing the 
receipt of (i) a notice that the issuer does not meet a listing 
standard set forth in the Rule 4000 Series, and (ii) a [Written Notice 
of] Staff Determination [(''Staff Determination'')] to limit or 
prohibit continued listing of the issuer's securities under Rule 
[4815(a)] 4804(a) as a result of the issuer's failure to comply with 
the continued listing requirements[, and the Rule(s) upon which the 
Staff Determination was based]. Such public announcement shall be made 
as promptly as possible, but not more than [seven calendar] four 
business days following the receipt of the notification or the Staff 
Determination, as applicable. If the public announcement is not made by 
the issuer within the time allotted, trading of its securities shall be 
halted, even if the issuer appeals the Staff Determination as set forth 
in Rule [4820] 4805. If the issuer fails to make the public 
announcement by the time that the Listing Qualifications Panel issues 
its decision, that decision will also determine whether to delist the 
issuer's securities for failure to make the public announcement.
    [Rule 4815(b) does] Rules 4803(a) and 4804(b) do not relieve an 
issuer of its disclosure obligation [to make a materiality assessment 
of the pending delisting action as it may relate to the disclosure 
requirements of] under the federal securities laws, nor should it be 
construed as providing a safe harbor under the federal securities laws. 
It is suggested that the issuer consult with corporate/securities 
counsel in assessing

[[Page 10717]]

its disclosure obligations under the federal securities laws.
* * * * *
4300. Qualification Requirements for NASDAQ Stock Market Securities
    The Nasdaq Stock Market[,] is entrusted with the authority to 
preserve and strengthen the quality of and public confidence in its 
market. The Nasdaq Stock Market stands for integrity and ethical 
business practices in order to enhance investor confidence, thereby 
contributing to the financial health of the economy and supporting the 
capital formation process. Nasdaq issuers, from new public companies to 
companies of international stature[, by being included in Nasdaq,] are 
publicly recognized as sharing these important objectives [of The 
Nasdaq Stock Market].
    Nasdaq, therefore, in addition to applying the enumerated criteria 
set forth in the Rule 4300 and 4400 Series, [will exercise] has broad 
discretionary authority over the initial and continued inclusion of 
securities in Nasdaq in order to maintain the quality of and public 
confidence in its market, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts 
and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and 
to protect investors and the public interest. [Under such broad 
discretion and in addition to its authority under Rule 4330(a),] Nasdaq 
may use such discretion to deny initial inclusion, [or] apply 
additional or more stringent criteria for the initial or continued 
inclusion of particular securities, or suspend or terminate the 
inclusion of particular securities based on any event, condition, or 
circumstance [which] that exists or occurs that makes initial or 
continued inclusion of the securities in Nasdaq inadvisable or 
unwarranted in the opinion of Nasdaq, even though the securities meet 
all enumerated criteria for initial or continued inclusion in Nasdaq. 
In all circumstances where one of the Listing Departments (as defined 
in Rule 4801) exercises its authority under Rule 4300, the Listing 
Department shall issue a Staff Determination under Rule 4804, and in 
all circumstances where an Adjudicatory Body (as defined in Rule 4801) 
exercises such authority, the use of the authority shall be described 
in the written decision of the Adjudicatory Body.

IM-4300. Use of Discretionary Authority

    In order to further issuers' understanding of Rule 4300, Nasdaq is 
adopting this Interpretive Material as a non-exclusive description of 
the circumstances in which the Rule is generally invoked.
    Nasdaq may use its authority under Rule 4300 to deny initial or 
continued listing to an issuer when an individual with a history of 
regulatory misconduct is associated with the issuer. Such individuals 
are typically an officer, director, substantial security holder (as 
defined in Rule 4350(i)(5)), or consultant to the issuer. In making 
this determination, Nasdaq shall consider a variety of factors, 
including the severity of the violation; whether it involved fraud or 
dishonesty; whether it was securities-related; whether the investing 
public was involved; when the violation occurred; how the individual 
has been employed since the violation; whether there are continuing 
sanctions against the individual; whether the individual made 
restitution; whether the issuer has taken effective remedial action; 
and the totality of the individual's relationship to the issuer.
    Based on this review, Nasdaq may determine that the regulatory 
history rises to the level of a public interest concern, but may also 
consider whether remedial measures proposed by the issuer, if taken, 
would allay that concern. Examples of such remedial measures could 
include the individual's resignation from officer and director 
positions; divestiture of stock holdings; terminations of contractual 
arrangements between the issuer and the individual; or the 
establishment of a voting trust surrounding the individual's shares. 
Alternatively, Nasdaq may conclude that a public interest concern is so 
serious that no remedial measure would be sufficient to alleviate it. 
In the event that Nasdaq staff makes such a determination, the issuer 
may seek review of that determination through the procedures set forth 
in the Rule 4800 Series.
    Nasdaq may also use its discretionary authority, for example, when 
an issuer files for protection under any provision of the federal 
bankruptcy laws or comparable foreign laws, when an issuer's 
independent accountants issue a disclaimer opinion on financial 
statements required to be audited, or when financial statements do not 
contain a required certification.
    In addition, pursuant to its discretionary authority, Nasdaq shall 
review issuer's past corporate governance activities. This review may 
include activities taking place while the issuer is listed on Nasdaq or 
an exchange that imposes corporate governance requirements, as well as 
activities taking place after a formerly listed issuer is no longer 
listed on Nasdaq or such an exchange. Based on such review, and in 
accordance with the Rule 4800 Series, Nasdaq may take any appropriate 
action, including placing restrictions on or additional requirements 
for listing, or denying listing of a security if Nasdaq determines that 
there have been violations or evasions of such corporate governance 
standards. Such determinations shall be made on a case-by-case basis as 
necessary to protect investors and the public interest.
    Although Nasdaq has broad discretion under Rule 4300 to impose 
additional or more stringent criteria, the Rule does not provide a 
basis for Nasdaq to grant exemptions or exceptions from the enumerated 
criteria for initial or continued inclusion, which may be granted 
solely pursuant to rules explicitly providing such authority.
* * * * *
4330. [Suspension or Termination of Inclusion of a Security and 
Exceptions to Inclusion Criteria] Obligation To Provide Information
    [(a) Nasdaq may, in accordance with Rule 4800 Series, deny 
inclusion or apply additional or more stringent criteria for the 
initial or continued inclusion of particular securities or suspend or 
terminate the inclusion of an otherwise qualified security if:]
    [(1) An issuer files for protection under any provision of the 
federal bankruptcy laws;]
    [(2) An issuer's independent accountants issue a disclaimer opinion 
on financial statements required to be certified; or]
    [(3) Nasdaq deems it necessary to prevent fraudulent and 
manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable 
principles of trade, or to protect investors and the public interest.]
    [(b) If the Association determines to suspend or terminate a 
security's inclusion because of noncompliance with the provisions of 
this Rule 4000 Series, the Association will notify the issuer prior to 
suspension or termination or as soon as practicable thereafter. This 
notification constitutes a Staff Determination for purposes of Rule 
4815 and the issuer may request review of the decision under the Rule 
4800 Series.]
    [(c)] Nasdaq may request any additional information or 
documentation, public or non-public, deemed necessary to make a 
determination regarding a security's initial or continued inclusion, 
including, but not limited to, any material provided to or received 
from the Commission or other appropriate regulatory authority. 
[Information requested pursuant to this subparagraph shall be submitted 
within a reasonable

[[Page 10718]]

period.] An issuer may be delisted if it fails to provide such 
information[.] within a reasonable period of time or [An issuer may 
also be delisted] if any communication to Nasdaq contains a material 
misrepresentation or omits material information necessary to make the 
communication to Nasdaq not misleading.
    [(d) Nasdaq may make exceptions to the application of the criteria 
contained in Rule 4310 or Rule 4320 where it deems it appropriate.]
    [(e) A security that has been suspended shall be required, prior to 
re-inclusion, to comply with requirements for continued inclusion. A 
security that has been terminated shall be required, prior to re-
inclusion, to comply with the requirements for initial inclusion.]
    [(f)]

4340. Reverse Mergers

    An issuer must apply for initial inclusion following a transaction 
whereby the issuer combines with a non-Nasdaq entity, resulting in a 
change of control of the issuer and potentially allowing the non-Nasdaq 
entity to obtain a Nasdaq Listing (for purposes of this rule, such a 
transaction is referred to as a ``Reverse Merger''). In determining 
whether a Reverse Merger has occurred, Nasdaq [will] shall consider all 
relevant factors including, but not limited to, changes in the 
management, board of directors, voting power, ownership, and financial 
structure of the issuer. Nasdaq [will] shall also consider the nature 
of the businesses and the relative size of the Nasdaq issuer and non-
Nasdaq entity.
4350. Qualitative Listing Requirements for Nasdaq National Market and 
Nasdaq Small Cap Market Issuers Except for Limited Partnerships
    [Nasdaq shall review the issuer's past corporate governance 
activities. This review may include activities taking place while the 
issuer is listed on Nasdaq or an exchange that imposes corporate 
governance requirements, as well as activities taking place after a 
formerly listed issuer is no longer listed on Nasdaq or an exchange 
that imposes corporate governance requirements. Based on such review, 
Nasdaq may take any appropriate action, including placing of 
restrictions on or additional requirements for listing, or the denial 
of listing of a security if Nasdaq determines that there have been 
violations or evasions of such corporate governance standards. Such 
determinations shall be made on a case-by-case basis as necessary to 
protect investors and the public interest.]
    (a)-(h) No change.
    (i) Shareholder Approval
    (1) No change.
    (2) An [E]exception[s] applicable to a specified issuance of 
securities may be made upon prior written application to Nasdaq's 
Listing Qualifications Department when: (A) The delay in securing 
stockholder approval would seriously jeopardize the financial viability 
of the enterprise; and (B) reliance by the company on this exception is 
expressly approved by the audit committee or a comparable body of the 
board of directors comprised solely of independent, disinterested 
directors. The Listing Qualifications Department shall respond to each 
application for such an exception in writing.
    A company [relying on this] that receives such an exception must 
mail to all shareholders not later than ten days before issuance of the 
securities a letter alerting them to its omission to seek the 
shareholder approval that would otherwise be required [and indicating]. 
Such notification shall disclose the terms of the transaction 
(including the number of shares of common stock that could be issued 
and the consideration received), the fact that the issuer is relying on 
a financial viability exception to the shareholder approval rules, and 
that the audit committee or a comparable body of the board of directors 
comprised solely of independent, disinterested directors has expressly 
approved reliance on the exception. The issuer shall also make a public 
announcement through the news media disclosing the same information as 
promptly as possible, but no later than ten days before the issuance of 
the securities.
    (3)-(6) No change.
    (j)-(n) No change.
IM-4350-1. Interpretive Material Regarding Future Priced Securities
    Summary. No change.
How the Rules Apply
    Shareholder Approval. No change.
    Voting Rights. No change.
    The Bid Price Requirement. No change.
    Listing of Additional Shares. No change.
Public Interest Concerns
    NASD Rule 4300 provides:
    The Nasdaq Stock Market is entrusted with the authority to preserve 
and strengthen the quality of and public confidence in its market. The 
Nasdaq Stock Market stands for integrity and ethical business practices 
in order to enhance investor confidence, thereby contributing to the 
financial health of the economy and supporting the capital formation 
process. Nasdaq issuers, from new public companies to companies of 
international stature[, by being included in Nasdaq,] are publicly 
recognized as sharing these important objectives [of The Nasdaq Stock 
Market].
    Nasdaq, therefore, in addition to applying the enumerated criteria 
set forth in the Rule 4300 and 4400 Series, has broad discretionary 
authority over the initial and continued inclusion of securities in 
Nasdaq in order to maintain the quality of and public confidence in its 
market, to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to 
promote just and equitable principles of trade, and to protect 
investors and the public interest. Nasdaq may use such discretion to 
deny initial inclusion, apply additional or more stringent criteria for 
the initial or continued inclusion of particular securities, or suspend 
or terminate the inclusion of particular securities based on any event, 
condition, or circumstance that exists or occurs that makes initial or 
continued inclusion of the securities in Nasdaq inadvisable or 
unwarranted in the opinion of Nasdaq, even though the securities meet 
all enumerated criteria for initial or continued inclusion in Nasdaq.
    [NASD Rule 4330(a) provides:
    Nasdaq may * * * deny inclusion or apply additional or more 
stringent criteria for the initial or continued inclusion of particular 
securities or suspend or terminate the inclusion of an otherwise 
qualified security if * * * Nasdaq deems it necessary to prevent 
fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and 
equitable principles of trade, or to protect investors and the public 
interest.]
    The returns on Future Priced Securities may become excessive 
compared with those of public investors in the issuer's common 
securities. In egregious situations, the use of a Future Priced 
Security may raise public interest concerns under Rule[s] 4300 [and 
4330(a)]. In addition to the demonstrable business purpose of the 
transaction, other factors that Nasdaq staff will consider in 
determining whether a transaction raises public interest concerns 
include: (1) The amount raised in the transaction relative to the 
issuer's existing capital structure; (2) the dilutive effect of the 
transaction on the existing holders of common stock; (3) the risk 
undertaken by the Future Priced Security investor; (4) the relationship 
between the Future Priced Security investor and the issuer; (5) whether 
the transaction was preceded by other similar transactions; and (6) 
whether the transaction is consistent

[[Page 10719]]

with the just and equitable principles of trade.
    Some Future Priced Securities may contain features that address the 
public interest concerns. These features tend to provide incentives to 
the investor to hold the security for a longer time period and limit 
the number of shares into which the Future Priced Security may be 
converted. Such features may limit the dilutive effect of the 
transaction and increase the risk undertaken by the Future Priced 
Security investor in relationship to the reward available.
Reverse Merger
    NASD Rule [4330(f)] 4340 provides:
    An issuer must apply for initial inclusion following a transaction 
whereby the issuer combines with a non-Nasdaq entity, resulting in a 
change of control of the issuer and potentially allowing the non-Nasdaq 
entity to obtain a Nasdaq Listing (for purposes of this rule, such a 
transaction is referred to as a ``Reverse Merger''). In determining 
whether a Reverse Merger has occurred, Nasdaq [will] shall consider all 
relevant factors including, but not limited to, changes in the 
management, board of directors, voting power, ownership, and financial 
structure of the issuer. Nasdaq [will] shall also consider the nature 
of the businesses and the relative size of the Nasdaq issuer and non-
Nasdaq entity.
    This provision, which applies regardless of whether the issuer 
obtains shareholder approval for the transaction, requires issuers to 
qualify under the initial inclusion standards following a Reverse 
Merger.\4\ It is important for issuers to realize that in certain 
instances, the conversion of a Future Priced Security may implicate 
this provision. For example, if there is no limit on the number of 
common shares issuable upon conversion, or if the limit is set high 
enough, the exercise of conversion rights under a Future Priced 
Security could result in a Reverse Merger with the holders of the 
Future Priced Securities. In such event, an issuer may be required to 
re-apply for initial inclusion and satisfy all initial inclusion 
requirements.
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    \4\ This provision is designed to address situations where a 
company attempts to obtain a ``backdoor listing'' on Nasdaq by 
merging with a Nasdaq issuer with minimal assets and/or operations.
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* * * * *
4410. Applications for Designation
    (a)-(b) No change.
    [(c) Nasdaq shall review the issuer's past corporate governance 
activities when the issuer's securities were traded on or after 
withdrawal from Nasdaq National Market or a securities exchange which 
imposes corporate governance requirements. Based on such review, Nasdaq 
may take any appropriate action, including placing of restrictions on 
or additional requirements for designation, or the denial of 
designation of a security, if Nasdaq determines that there have been 
violations or evasions of such corporate governance standards. 
Determinations under this paragraph (c) shall be made on a case-by-case 
basis as necessary to protect investors and the public interest.
    (d) Nasdaq may make exceptions to the criteria contained in the 
Rule 4400 Series where it deems appropriate.]
* * * * *
4800. PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW OF NASDAQ LISTING DETERMINATIONS

4801. Definitions

    (a) The term ``Adjudicator'' shall mean a member of an Adjudicatory 
Body.
    (b) The term ``Adjudicatory Body'' shall mean a Listing 
Qualifications Panel, the Listing Council, or the NASD Board.
    (c) The term ``Advisor'' shall mean an individual employed by 
Nasdaq or NASD who is advising an Adjudicatory Body with respect to a 
proceeding under the Rule 4800 Series.
    (d) The term ``Hearings Department'' shall mean the Nasdaq Office 
of Listing Qualifications Hearings.
    (e) The term ``Listing Council'' shall mean the Nasdaq Listing and 
Hearing Review Council, a committee appointed by the Nasdaq Board of 
Directors pursuant to Article V of the Nasdaq By-Laws whose 
responsibilities include the review of determinations to limit or 
prohibit the listing of an issuer's securities made by a Listing 
Qualifications Panel.
    (f) The term ``Listing Council Decision'' shall mean a written 
decision of the Listing Council.
    (g) The term ``Listing Departments'' shall mean the Listing 
Qualifications Department and the Listing Investigations Department, 
the departments of Nasdaq that are responsible for evaluating the 
compliance of issuers with the quantitative and qualitative listing 
standards set forth in the Rule 4000 Series and determining the 
eligibility for initial or continued listing of an issuer's securities.
    (h) The term ``Listing Qualifications Panel'' or ``Panel'' shall 
mean an independent panel composed of at least two persons, not 
employees of the NASD or its subsidiaries, designated by the Nasdaq 
Board of Directors.
    (i) The term ``NASD Board'' shall mean the Board of Governors of 
the NASD.
    (j) The term ``Panel Decision'' shall mean a written decision of a 
Listing Qualifications Panel.
    (k) The term ``Staff Determination'' shall mean a written 
determination by either or both of the Listing Departments to limit or 
prohibit the initial or continued listing of an issuer's securities 
pursuant to Rule 4804.
4802 [4810]. Purpose and General Provisions
    (a) The purpose of this Rule 4800 Series is to provide procedures 
for the independent review of determinations of the Association that 
prohibit or limit the listing of an issuer's securities on the Nasdaq 
Stock Market based upon the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules, as set forth in 
the Rule 4000 Series. Securities of issuers that do not meet the 
quantitative or qualitative listing standards set forth in the Rule 
4000 Series are subject to delisting from, or denial of initial 
inclusion on, The Nasdaq Stock Market.
    (b) An issuer may file a written request for an [extension of time] 
exception to [comply with] any of the standards set forth in the Rule 
4000 Series [or an exception to those standards] at any time during the 
pendency of a proceeding under the Rule 4800 Series. [The Association]A 
Listing Qualifications Panel may grant [extensions or] exceptions of up 
to 90 days from the date of the Panel Decision, and the Listing Council 
may grant exceptions of up to 60 days from the date of the Listing 
Council Decision where it deems appropriate.
    (c) At each level of a proceeding under the Rule 4800 Series, the 
Listing Qualifications Panel [(as defined in Rule 4830)], the [Nasdaq] 
Listing [and Hearing Review] Council [(the ``Listing Council'')], or 
the NASD Board [of Governors (the ``NASD Board'')], as part of its 
respective review, (1) may request additional information from the 
issuer or the Listing Departments, and (2) may consider such additional 
information available from any source as the Adjudicatory Body may deem 
to be relevant. The issuer [will] and the Listing Departments shall be 
afforded written notice and an opportunity to address the significance 
of [the] any such information requested or considered.
    [(d) At each level of a proceeding under the Rule 4800 Series, the 
Listing Qualifications Panel, Listing Council, or NASD Board, as part 
of its respective

[[Page 10720]]

review, may consider the issuer's bid price, market makers or any 
information that the issuer releases to the public, including any 
additional quantitative deficiencies reflected in the released 
information.]
    [(e)] (d) At each level of a proceeding under the Rule 4800 Series, 
[the Listing Qualifications Panel, Listing Council, or NASD Board] an 
Adjudicatory Body, as part of its respective review, may consider any 
failure to meet any quantitative standard or qualitative consideration 
set forth in the Rule 4000 Series, including failures previously not 
considered in the proceeding. The Listing Council or the NASD Board, as 
part of its respective review, may also consider any action by an 
issuer during the review process that would have constituted a 
violation of Nasdaq's corporate governance requirements had the 
issuer's securities been listed on Nasdaq at the time. The issuer 
[will] shall be afforded written notice of such consideration and an 
opportunity to respond. Furthermore, an Adjudicatory Body [the issuer] 
may [be] subject the issuer to additional or more stringent criteria 
for the initial or continued inclusion of particular securities based 
on any event, condition, or circumstance that exists or occurs that 
makes initial or continued inclusion of the securities inadvisable or 
unwarranted in the opinion of the [Association] Adjudicatory Body, even 
though the securities meet all enumerated criteria for initial or 
continued inclusion in The Nasdaq Stock Market.
    (e) The Listing Departments or the Advisor to an Adjudicatory Body, 
as applicable, shall document the date on which a decision with respect 
to an issuer is implemented.
    (f) A security that has been suspended shall be required, prior to 
re-inclusion, to comply with requirements for continued inclusion. A 
security that has been delisted shall be required, prior to re-
inclusion, to comply with the requirements for initial inclusion.

4803. Staff Review of Deficiency

    (a) Whenever staff of a Listing Department determines that an 
issuer does not meet a listing standard set forth in the Rule 4000 
Series, staff shall immediately notify the issuer. The issuer shall 
make a public announcement through the news media disclosing the 
receipt of this notice, including the Rule(s) upon which it was based. 
Prior to the release of the public announcement, the issuer shall 
provide such disclosure to Nasdaq's StockWatch and Listing 
Qualifications Departments. The public announcement shall be made as 
promptly as possible, but not more than four business days following 
receipt of the notice from the Listing Department.
    (1) In the case of
    (A) All quantitative deficiencies from standards that do not 
provide a compliance period;
    (B) Deficiencies from the standards of Rules 4350(c) or (d) or 
4360(c) or (d) where the cure period of the Rule is not applicable; or
    (C) Deficiencies from the standards of Rules 4350(f), (h), (i), 
(k), or (n), 4360(f) or (i), or 4351;

staff's notice shall provide the issuer with fifteen calendar days to 
submit a plan to regain compliance with the listing standard; provided, 
however, that the issuer shall not be provided with an opportunity to 
submit such a plan if review under the Rule 4800 Series of a prior 
Staff Determination with respect to the issuer is already pending. 
Subject to the restrictions of paragraph (b), staff may extend this 
deadline upon good cause shown. Upon receipt of the issuer's plan, 
staff in the Listing Department may request such additional information 
from the issuer as is necessary to make a determination regarding the 
likelihood that the plan will allow the issuer to meet the listing 
standard at issue.
    (2) In the case of:
    (A) Quantitative deficiencies from standards that do provide a 
compliance period; and
    (B) Deficiencies from the standards of Rules 4350(c) or (d) or 
4360(c) or (d) where the cure period of the Rule is applicable; staff's 
notice shall provide the issuer with the applicable compliance or cure 
period.
    (3) In all other cases, staff's notice shall be in the form a Staff 
Determination issued pursuant to Rule 4804(a).
    (b) Unless review under the Rule 4800 Series of a prior Staff 
Determination with respect to the issuer is already pending, the 
Listing Department may grant the issuer additional time to regain 
compliance with a listing standard described in paragraph (a)(1); 
provided, however, that the additional time provided by all such 
exceptions shall not exceed 105 calendar days from the date of staff's 
notification pursuant to paragraph (a). The Listing Department shall 
prepare a written record describing the basis for granting any 
exception, and shall provide the issuer with written notice as to the 
terms of the exception. If the issuer does not regain compliance within 
the time period provided by all applicable exceptions, the Listing 
Department shall immediately issue a Staff Determination pursuant to 
Rule 4804(a). If the Listing Department determines not to grant the 
issuer additional time to regain compliance, the Listing Department 
shall immediately issue a Staff Determination pursuant to Rule 4804(a) 
that includes a description of the basis for denying the exception.

IM-4803. Staff Review of Deficiency

    As provided in Rule 4803(a)(1)(A), the staff of a Listing 
Department may accept a plan to regain compliance with respect to 
quantitative deficiencies from standards that do not themselves provide 
a compliance period. Such standards include:
     Rules 4310(c)(2)(B)(i) and (iii)
     Rule 4310(c)(6)
     Rule 4310(c)(7) (but only as to the number of publicly 
held shares, and not as to such shares' market value)
     Rules 4320(e)(2)(B)(i) and (iii)
     Rules 4320(e)(4) and (5) (but only as to the number of 
publicly held shares, and not as to such shares' market value)
     Rules 4450(a)(1), (3), and (4)
     Rules 4450(b)(1)(B), (b)(2), and (b)(5), and
     Rules 4450(h)(1) and (4).
    In a case where an issuer fails to comply with the requirement of 
Rules 4310(c)(2)(B)(iii), 4320(e)(2)(B)(iii), or 4450(b)(1)(B), the 
Listing Department shall not accept a plan to achieve compliance with 
those requirements in the future, since compliance requires stated 
levels of net income or assets and revenues during completed fiscal 
years and therefore can only be demonstrated through audited financial 
statements. Similarly, an issuer may not submit a plan relying on 
partial-year performance to demonstrate compliance with these 
standards. An issuer cited for non-compliance with these requirements 
may, however, submit a plan that demonstrates current or near-term 
compliance with Rules 4310(c)(2)(B)(i), 4320(e)(2)(B)(i), or 4450(a)(3) 
(i.e., the alternative listing requirement relating to stockholders' 
equity), or Rules 4310(c)(2)(B)(ii), 4320(e)(2)(B)(ii), or 
4450(b)(1)(A) (i.e., the alternative listing requirement relating to 
market value of listed securities).

4804 [4815]. Written Notice of Staff Determination

    (a) If either of the Listing [Qualifications] Departments [or the 
Listing Investigations Department] reaches a determination [(the 
``Staff Determination'')] to limit or prohibit the initial or continued 
listing of an issuer's securities, it [will] shall prepare and provide 
to the issuer a Staff

[[Page 10721]]

Determination [notify the issuer,] that shall describe the specific 
grounds for the determination, identify the quantitative standard or 
qualitative consideration set forth in the Rule 4000 Series that the 
issuer has failed to satisfy, and provide notice that upon request the 
issuer [will] shall be provided an opportunity for a hearing under this 
Rule 4800 Series.
    (b) An issuer that receives a Staff Determination to prohibit 
continued listing of the issuer's securities under Rule [4815] 4804(a) 
shall make a public announcement through the news media disclosing the 
receipt of the Staff Determination, including the Rule(s) upon which 
the Staff Determination was based. Prior to the release of the public 
announcement, an issuer shall provide such disclosure to Nasdaq's 
StockWatch and Listing Qualifications Departments.[ \*\] The public 
announcement shall be made as promptly as possible, but not more than 
[seven calendar] four business days following receipt of the Staff 
Determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [ \*\ Notification may be provided to the StockWatch section of 
Nasdaq's MarketWatch Department at 1-800-537-3929 or (301) 978-8500 
(telephone), (301) 978-8510 (facsimile) and to the Hearings 
Department of Nasdaq's Listing Qualifications Department at (301) 
978-8079 (telephone), (301) 978-8080 (facsimile).]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

4805 [4820]. Request for Hearing
    (c) If review under the Rule 4800 Series of a Staff Determination 
is pending and either of the Listing Departments identifies the 
existence of one or more additional deficiencies with respect to the 
issuer, the Listing Department shall prepare and provide to the issuer 
a Staff Determination with respect to such additional deficiencies. If 
the new Staff Determination is issued prior to a Panel hearing with 
respect to the original Staff Determination, the new Staff 
Determination shall notify the issuer that it should present its views 
with respect to the additional deficiencies at the Panel hearing. If 
the new Staff Determination is issued after a Panel hearing with 
respect to the original Staff Determination, the new Staff 
Determination shall inform the issuer that it should present its views 
with respect to the additional deficiencies in writing within the 
period specified in the Staff Determination, to allow review of the 
additional deficiencies as provided under Rule 4802(d).
    (a) An issuer may, within seven calendar days of the date of the 
Staff Determination, request either a written or oral hearing to review 
the Staff Determination. Requests for hearings should be filed with 
[The Nasdaq Office of Listing Qualifications Hearings (]the 
[``]Hearings Department[``)]. A request for a hearing shall stay the 
delisting action pending the issuance of a [written determination by a 
Listing Qualifications] Panel Decision. If no hearing is requested 
within the seven calendar day period, the right to request review is 
waived, and the Staff Determination shall take immediate effect. All 
hearings shall be held before a Listing Qualifications Panel as 
described in Rule 4806 [4830]. All hearings shall be scheduled, to the 
extent practicable, within 45 days of the date that the request for 
hearing is filed, at a location determined by the Hearings Department. 
The Hearings Department shall make an acknowledgment of the issuer's 
hearing request stating the date, time, and location of the hearing, 
and the deadline for written submissions to the Listing Qualifications 
Panel. The issuer shall be provided at least 10 calendar days notice of 
the hearing unless the issuer waives such notice.
    (b) The issuer may file a written submission with the Hearings 
Department stating the specific grounds for the issuer's contention 
that the Staff Determination was in error or requesting that the 
Listing Qualifications Panel grant an [extension of time to comply with 
the listing requirements or an] exception [to those requirements], as 
permitted by Rule 4802 [4810]. The issuer may also submit any documents 
or other written material in support of its request for review, 
including any information not available at the time of the Staff 
Determination.
    (c) No change.
4806 [4830]. The Listing Qualifications Panel
    (a) All hearings [will] shall be conducted before a[n independent 
panel (the ``]Listing Qualifications Panel['') composed of at least two 
persons, not employees of the NASD or its subsidiaries, designated by 
the Nasdaq Board of Directors. No person shall serve as a Listing 
Qualifications Panel member for a matter if his or her interest or the 
interests of any person in whom he or she is directly or indirectly 
interested will be substantially affected by the outcome of the 
matter].
    [(b)] Prior to the hearing, the Listing Qualifications Panel [will] 
shall review the written record, as defined in Rule 4811 [4870]. At the 
hearing, the issuer may make such presentation as it deems appropriate, 
including the appearance by its officers, directors, accountants, 
counsel, investment bankers, or other persons. Hearings are generally 
scheduled to last one hour, but may be extended at the discretion of 
the Listing Qualifications Panel. The Listing Qualifications Panel may 
question any representative of the issuer appearing at the hearing. A 
transcript of oral hearings [will] shall be kept. The record of 
proceedings before a Listing Qualifications Panel [will] shall be kept 
by the Hearings Department.
    [(c)] (b) After the hearing, the Listing Qualifications Panel 
[will] shall issue a [written decision (the ``]Panel Decision['') 
describing the specific grounds for the determination and identifying 
the quantitative standard or qualitative consideration set forth in the 
Rule 4000 Series that the issuer has failed to satisfy] that meets the 
requirements of Rule 4811, and, except as provided in paragraph (c), 
each member of the Listing Qualifications Panel shall affirmatively 
approve it. The Panel Decision [will] shall be promptly provided to the 
issuer and is effective immediately unless it specifies to the 
contrary. The Panel Decision [will] shall provide notice that the 
issuer may request review of the Panel Decision by the [Nasdaq] Listing 
[and Hearing Review] Council within 15 calendar days of the date of the 
Panel Decision and that the Panel Decision may be called for review by 
the [Nasdaq] Listing [and Hearing Review] Council within 45 calendar 
days from the date of the Panel Decision pursuant to Rule 4807 [4840].
    [(d)] (c) If, following the hearing, the Listing Qualifications 
Panel cannot reach an unanimous decision regarding the matter under 
review, a Panel Decision shall not be issued, and the issuer shall be 
notified of this circumstance. Thereafter, the issuer shall be provided 
an additional hearing before a Listing Qualifications Panel composed of 
three persons who did not participate in the previous hearing. The 
issuer may determine whether the hearing [will] shall be conducted 
based on the written record or an oral hearing, whether in person or by 
telephone. The issuer may submit any documents or other written 
material in support of its request for review, including any 
information not available at the time of the initial hearing before the 
Listing Qualifications Panel. There shall be no fee for the new 
hearing. After a hearing of a Listing Qualifications Panel convened 
pursuant to this paragraph (c), the Listing Qualifications Panel shall 
issue a Panel Decision that meets the requirements of Rule 4811 and 
that has been affirmatively approved by at least a majority of the 
Listing Qualifications Panel.
    (d) In the event that a Listing Qualifications Panel exercises its 
authority under Rule 4802(b) to grant an

[[Page 10722]]

exception from listing standards in the Rule 4000 Series requiring the 
issuer to maintain certain levels of stockholders' equity or to file 
periodic reports with the Commission in a timely manner, the Listing 
Qualifications Panel shall retain jurisdiction over the issuer; 
provided, however, that the Listing Qualification Panel's jurisdiction 
shall be concurrent with the Listing Council's jurisdiction to review 
the Panel Decision under Rule 4807, and a decision of the Listing 
Council may divest the Listing Qualification Panel of jurisdiction. If 
the issuer regains compliance with such listing standards during the 
time period covered by the exception granted by the Listing 
Qualifications Panel, the Panel shall monitor the issuer's continued 
compliance for a period of one year following the date that the issuer 
regained compliance. If the issuer again fails to satisfy such listing 
standards during such one-year period, the Listing Qualifications Panel 
(or a newly convened Panel if the initial Panel is unavailable) shall 
promptly conduct a hearing with respect to such failure pursuant to 
Rule 4806(a).
4807 [4840]. Review by the Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council
    (a) [The Nasdaq Listing and Hearing Review Council (the ``Listing 
Council'') is a committee appointed by the Nasdaq Board of Directors 
pursuant to Article V of the Nasdaq By-laws whose responsibilities 
include the consideration of determinations to limit or prohibit the 
listing of an issuer's securities.
    (b)] The issuer may initiate the Listing Council's review of any 
Panel Decision by making a written request within 15 calendar days of 
the date of the decision. Requests for review should be addressed to 
the Listing Council in care of the Nasdaq Office of Appeals and Review. 
The request [will] shall not operate as a stay of the Panel Decision. 
Also within 15 calendar days of the date of the Panel Decision, the 
issuer must submit a fee of $4,000 to The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. to 
cover the cost of the review. Upon receipt of the request for review 
and the applicable fee, the Nasdaq Office of Appeals and Review [will] 
shall make an acknowledgment of the issuer's request stating the 
deadline for the issuer to provide any written submissions.
    [(c)] (b) The Listing Council may also consider any Panel Decision 
upon the request of one or more members of the Listing Council within 
45 calendar days of the date of the Panel Decision. The issuer [will] 
shall be promptly informed of the reasons for the review and [will] 
shall be provided a deadline to provide a written submission if the 
issuer wishes. The institution of discretionary review by the Listing 
Council [will] shall not operate as a stay of the Panel Decision, 
unless the call for review specifies to the contrary. At the sole 
discretion of the Listing Council, the call for review of a Panel 
Decision may be withdrawn at any time prior to the issuance of a 
decision.
    [(d)] (c) The Listing Council [will] shall consider the written 
record and, at its discretion, hold additional hearings. Any hearing 
[will] shall be scheduled, to the extent practicable, within 45 days of 
the date that a request for review initiated by either the issuer or 
one or more members of the Listing Council, is made. The Listing 
Council may also recommend that the NASD Board [of Governors (``NASD 
Board'')] consider the matter. The record of proceedings before the 
Listing Council [will] shall be kept by the Nasdaq Office of Appeals 
and Review.
    (d) In each proceeding before the Listing Council, a subcommittee 
consisting of at least two members of the Listing Council shall review 
the complete written record. Members of the Listing Council who are not 
on a subcommittee shall be provided with a written summary of the 
record prepared by an Advisor, and may, but shall not be required to, 
review the complete written record.
    (e) The Listing Council [will] shall issue a [written decision (the 
``]Listing Council Decision['')] that affirms, modifies, or reverses 
the Panel Decision or that [refers] remands the matter to [Nasdaq 
staff] the Listing Departments or to the Listing Qualifications Panel 
for further consideration. The Listing Council Decision [will describe 
the specific grounds for the decision, identify the quantitative 
standard or qualitative consideration set forth in the Rule 4000 Series 
that the issuer has failed to satisfy, and] shall be affirmatively 
approved by at least a majority of the Listing Council and shall meet 
the requirements of Rule 4811. The Listing Council Decision shall 
provide notice that the NASD Board may call the Listing Council 
Decision for review at any time before its next meeting which is at 
least 15 calendar days following the issuance of the Listing Council 
Decision. The Listing Council Decision [will] shall be promptly 
provided to the issuer and [will] shall take immediate effect unless it 
specifies to the contrary.
4808 [4845]. Reconsideration by the Listing Qualifications Panel and 
the Listing and Hearing Review Council
    (a) An issuer may request that the Listing Qualifications Panel 
reconsider a Panel Decision only upon the basis that a mistake of 
material fact existed at the time of the Panel Decision. The issuer's 
request shall be made within seven calendar days of the date of 
issuance of the Panel Decision. An issuer's request for reconsideration 
shall not stay a Listing Qualifications Panel delisting determination 
unless the Listing Qualifications Panel issues a written determination 
staying the delisting prior to the scheduled date for delisting. An 
issuer's request for reconsideration shall not toll the time period set 
forth in Rule [4840(b)] 4807(a) for the issuer to initiate the Listing 
Council's review of the Panel Decision. If the Listing Qualifications 
Panel grants an issuer's reconsideration request, the Listing 
Qualifications Panel shall issue a modified decision meeting the 
requirements of Rule 4806(b) within 15 calendar days following the 
issuance of the original Panel Decision or lose jurisdiction over the 
matter. If the Listing Council calls a Panel Decision for review on the 
same issue that the issuer has requested reconsideration by the Listing 
Qualifications Panel, the Listing Council, in its discretion, may 
assert jurisdiction over the Panel Decision or may permit the Listing 
Qualifications Panel to proceed with the reconsideration.
    (b) An issuer may request that the Listing Council reconsider a 
Listing Council Decision only upon the basis that a mistake of material 
fact existed at the time of the Listing Council Decision. The issuer's 
request shall be made within seven calendar days of the date of 
issuance of the Listing Council Decision. If the Listing Council grants 
an issuer's reconsideration request, the Listing Council shall issued a 
modified decision meeting the requirements of Rule 4807(e) within 15 
calendar days following the issuance of the original Listing Council 
Decision or lose jurisdiction over the matter.
    (c) No change.
4809 [4850]. Discretionary Review by NASD Board
    (a) A Listing Council Decision may be called for review by the NASD 
Board solely upon the request of one or more Governors not later than 
the next NASD Board meeting that is 15 calendar days or more following 
the date of the Listing Council Decision. Such review [will] shall be 
undertaken solely at the discretion of the NASD Board.
    (b) If the NASD Board conducts a discretionary review, the review 
generally [will] shall be based on the written record considered by the 
Listing Council. However, the NASD Board may, at its discretion, 
request and

[[Page 10723]]

consider additional information from the issuer and/or from [Nasdaq] 
staff of the Listing Departments. [Should] If the Board considers 
additional information, the record of proceedings before the NASD Board 
[will] shall be kept by the Nasdaq Office of Appeals and Review.
    (c) If the NASD Board conducts a discretionary review, the issuer 
[will] shall be provided with a written decision [describing the 
specific grounds for its decision, and identifying the quantitative 
standard or qualitative consideration set forth in the Rule 4000 Series 
that the issuer has failed to satisfy] that meets the requirements of 
Rule 4811. The NASD Board may affirm, modify or reverse the Listing 
Council Decision and may remand the matter to the Listing Council, 
Listing Qualifications Panel, or [Nasdaq] staff of the Listing 
Departments with appropriate instructions. Unless the matter is 
remanded, the NASD Board's [This] decision represents the final action 
of the Association and [will] shall take immediate effect unless it 
specifies to the contrary.
    (d) If the NASD Board declines to conduct a discretionary review or 
withdraws its call for review, the issuer [will] shall be promptly 
provided with written notice that the Listing Council Decision 
represents the final action of the Association.
4810 [4860]. Application to the Commission for Review
    Any issuer aggrieved by a final action of the Association may make 
application for review to the Commission in accordance with Section 19 
of the Act.
4811 [4870]. Record on Review; Contents of Decisions
    (a) Documents in the written record may consist of the following 
items, as applicable: correspondence between Nasdaq and the issuer, the 
issuer's public filings, information released to the public by the 
issuer, and any written submissions or exhibits submitted by either the 
issuer or the Listing [Qualifications] Departments [or the Listing 
Investigations Department], including any written request for an 
[extension or] exception as permitted in Rule 4802(b) [4810(b)] and any 
response thereto. Any additional information requested from the issuer 
or staff of the Listing Departments by the Listing Qualifications 
Panel, Listing Council, or NASD Board as part of the review process 
[will] shall be included in the written record. The written record 
[will] shall be supplemented by the transcript of any hearings held 
during the review process and each decision issued. At each level of 
review under this Rule 4800 Series, the issuer [will] shall be provided 
with a list of documents in the written record, and a copy of any 
documents included in the record that are not in the issuer's 
possession or control, at least three calendar days in advance of the 
deadline for issuer submissions, unless the issuer waives such 
production.
    (b) In addition to the documents described in paragraph (a) 
[above], if any additional information [the issuer's bid price, market 
makers, or any information that the issuer releases to the public,] is 
considered as permitted in Rule [4810] 4802(c), that information, and 
any written submission addressing the significance of that information, 
[will] shall be made part of the record.
    (c) If additional issues arising under the Rule 4000 Series are 
considered, as permitted in Rule 4802 [4810], the notice of such 
consideration and any response to such notice [will] shall be made a 
part of the record.
    (d) Each Panel Decision, Listing Council Decision, and decision of 
the NASD Board shall include:
    (1) A statement describing the procedural history of the 
proceeding, including investigations or reviews undertaken by the 
Listing Departments;
    (2) The quantitative standard or qualitative consideration set 
forth in the Rule 4000 Series that the issuer is alleged to have failed 
to satisfy;
    (3) A statement setting forth the findings of fact with respect to 
the issuer;
    (4) The conclusions of the Adjudicatory Body as to whether the 
issuer has failed to satisfy the quantitative standards or qualitative 
considerations set forth in the Rule 4000 Series, (5) A statement of 
the Adjudicatory Body in support of the disposition of the principal 
issues raised by the issuer in the proceeding, and, if applicable, any 
exception to the Rule 4000 Series as permitted by Rule 4802 (b) and the 
rationale therefor.
4812 [4875]. Document Retention Procedures
    Any document submitted to Nasdaq or the NASD [the Association] in 
connection with a Rule 4800 proceeding [that is not made part of the 
record will] shall be retained [by the Association until the date upon 
which the Rule 4800 Series proceeding decision becomes final including, 
if applicable, upon conclusion of any review by the Commission or a 
federal court] in accordance with applicable record retention policies.
4813 [4880]. Delivery of Documents
    Delivery of any document under this Rule 4800 Series by an issuer, 
Nasdaq, or the NASD [or by the Association] may be made by hand 
delivery to the designated address, by facsimile to the designated 
facsimile number and overnight courier to the designated address, or to 
an issuer by e-mail if the issuer consents to such method of delivery. 
Delivery [will] shall be considered timely if hand delivered prior to 
the relevant deadline or upon being e-mailed or faxed and/or sent by 
overnight courier service prior to the relevant deadline. If an issuer 
has not specified a facsimile number or street address, delivery [will] 
shall be made to the last known facsimile number and street address. If 
an issuer is represented by counsel or a representative, delivery 
[will] shall be made to the counsel or representative.
4814 [4885]. Computation of Time
    (a) In computing any period of time under the Rule 4800 Series, the 
day of the act, event, or default from which the period of time begins 
to run is not to be included. The last day of the period so computed is 
included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, federal holiday, or NASD 
holiday in which event the period runs until the end of the next day 
that is not a Saturday, Sunday, federal holiday or NASD holiday.
    (b) In the event that the Office of General Counsel determines that 
notice required to be provided under the Rule 4800 Series was not 
properly given or that other extenuating circumstances exist, the 
Office of General Counsel shall adjust the periods of time provided by 
such rules for the filing of written submissions, the scheduling of 
hearings, or the performance of other procedural actions by the issuer 
or an Adjudicator, as applicable, to allow the issuer or the 
Adjudicator the time contemplated by these rules.
    (c) An issuer may waive any notice period specified by the Rule 
4800 Series.
4815 [4890]. [Prohibited Communications] Ex Parte Communications; 
Separation of Adjudicators
    (a) Ex Parte Communications
    (1) Unless on notice and opportunity for [the appropriate Nasdaq] 
staff of the Listing Departments and the issuer to participate, a 
[representative] member of the staff of the [Association] Listing 
Departments involved in reaching a Staff Determination, counsel to the 
Listing Departments, [or] an issuer, or counsel to or representative of 
an issuer, shall not make or knowingly cause to be

[[Page 10724]]

made an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of a proceeding 
under this Rule 4800 Series [(a ``Prohibited Communication'')] to an 
Adjudicator [any member of the Listing Qualifications Panel or the 
Listing Council, to any Governor of the NASD Board] who is 
participating in [or advising in the] a decision [in] with respect to 
that proceeding, or to any [Association] Advisor [employee who is 
participating or advising in the decision of these individuals] with 
respect to that proceeding.
    [(b)] (2) No Adjudicator [Listings Qualifications Panel members, 
Listing Council members, Governors of the NASD Board and Association 
employees] who is [are] participating in [or advising in the] a 
decision [in] with respect to a proceeding under this Rule 4800 Series, 
and no Advisor with respect to such a proceeding, shall [not] make or 
knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication relevant to the 
merits of that proceeding [Prohibited Communication] to an issuer, 
counsel to or representative of an issuer, [or] a [representative of 
the Association] member of the staff of the Listing Departments 
involved in reaching a Staff Determination, or counsel to the Listing 
Departments.
    [(c)] (3) [If a] An Adjudicator or Advisor who is participating in 
or advising with respect to a proceeding who receives, makes, or 
knowingly causes to be made an ex parte communication relevant to the 
merits of a proceeding [Prohibited Communication is made, received, or 
caused to be made, the Association will] shall place a copy of it, or 
its substance if it is an oral communication, in the record of the 
proceeding. [The Association will permit Nasdaq staff] Staff of the 
Listing Departments or the issuer, as applicable, shall be permitted to 
respond to the ex parte communication [Prohibited Communication], and 
any such response [will place any response] shall be placed in the 
record of the proceeding. [(d) If the issuer submits a proposal to 
resolve matters at issue in a Rule 4800 Series proceeding, that 
submission will constitute a waiver of any claim that Association 
communications relating to the proposal were Prohibited 
Communications.]
    (b) Separation of Adjudicators
    (1) Members of a Listing Qualifications Panel and their Advisors 
who are participating in a proceeding under this Rule 4800 Series are 
prohibited from making communications relevant to the merits of such 
proceeding to members of the Listing Council or the NASD Board or their 
respective Advisors.
    (2) Members of the Listing Council and their Advisors are 
prohibited from making communications relevant to the merits of a 
proceeding under this Rule 4800 Series to members of a Listing 
Qualifications Panel who are participating in such proceeding or their 
Advisors, or members of the NASD Board or their Advisors.
    (3) Members of the NASD Board and their Advisors are prohibited 
from making communications relevant to the merits of a proceeding under 
this Rule 4800 Series to members of a Listing Qualifications Panel who 
are participating in such proceeding or their Advisors, or members of 
the Listing Council or their Advisors.
    (4) An Adjudicator or Advisor who is participating in or advising 
with respect to a proceeding who receives, makes, or knowingly causes 
to be made a communication prohibited by paragraphs (b)(1)-(3) of this 
Rule shall place a copy of it, or its substance if it is an oral 
communication, in the record of the proceeding. Staff of the Listing 
Departments and the issuer shall be permitted to respond to the 
communication, and any such response shall be placed in the record of 
the proceeding.
4816. Recusal or Disqualification
    (a) No person shall serve as a member of a Listing Qualifications 
Panel, or participate as a member of the Listing Council, the NASD 
Board, or the staff of the Listing Departments, in a matter as to which 
he or she has a conflict of interest or bias, or circumstances 
otherwise exist where his or her fairness might reasonably be 
questioned. In any such case, the person shall recuse himself or 
herself, or shall be disqualified as follows:
    (1) NASD Board
    The Chair of the NASD Board shall have authority to order the 
disqualification of a Governor, and a majority of the NASD Board 
excluding the Chair of the NASD Board shall have authority to order the 
disqualification of the Chair.
    (2) Listing Council
    A Chair of the Listing Council shall have authority to order the 
disqualification of a member of the Listing Council, and a majority of 
the Listing Council excluding any Chairs of the Listing Council shall 
have authority to order the disqualification of a Chair of the Listing 
Council.
    (3) Staff of Listing Departments; Panelist of Listing 
Qualifications Panel
    The General Counsel of Nasdaq shall have authority to order the 
disqualification of (A) a member of the staff of the Listing 
Departments reviewing the qualifications of an issuer, or (B) a member 
of a Listing Qualifications Panel.
    (b) At least five days prior to any proceeding under the Rule 4800 
Series, the issuer shall provide the Hearings Department or the Advisor 
to the Listing Council or the NASD Board, as applicable, with names and 
biographical information of each person that will appear on behalf of 
the issuer at the proceeding, and the Hearings Department or such 
Advisor, as applicable, shall provide the issuer with names and 
biographical information of the Adjudicators for the proceeding; 
provided, however, that with respect to proceedings before the Listing 
Council or the NASD Board, the Advisor to the respective Adjudicatory 
Body may post names and biographical information of each Adjudicator on 
a publicly available website in lieu of providing them directly to the 
issuer.
    (c) An issuer or the staff of the Listings Departments may file a 
request to disqualify an Adjudicator. Such a request shall be based 
upon a reasonable, good faith belief that a conflict of interest or 
bias exists or circumstances otherwise exist where the Adjudicator's 
fairness might reasonably be questioned, and shall be accompanied by an 
statement setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute 
grounds for disqualification, and the dates on which the party learned 
of those facts. Such a request shall be filed (1) not later than two 
days after the party was provided with the name and biographical 
information of the Adjudicator, or (2) if the name and biographical 
information of the Adjudicator has been posted on a website, not later 
than two days after the issuer requested Listing Council review or 
received notice of discretionary review by the Listing Council or the 
NASD Board. A request for disqualification of an Adjudicator shall be 
decided by the party with authority to order disqualification of such 
Adjudicator, who shall promptly investigate whether disqualification is 
required and issue a written response to the request.
* * * * *

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, Nasdaq included statements 
concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change, as 
amended, and discussed any comments it received on

[[Page 10725]]

the proposed rule change, as amended. The text of these statements may 
be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. Nasdaq has 
prepared summaries, set forth in Sections A, B, and C below, of the 
most significant aspects of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and 
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    Nasdaq is proposing a range of rule changes to enhance, clarify, 
and increase the transparency of its procedures for denying or limiting 
initial or continued listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market. Nasdaq 
believes that these changes will increase the objectivity and 
consistency of listing decisions, clarify the roles of staff, counsel, 
and adjudicators throughout the process, and promote public confidence 
in Nasdaq.
    Under Nasdaq's procedures to deny or limit listing, Nasdaq's 
Listing Qualifications Department and Listing Investigations Department 
(``Listing Departments'') initiate a proceeding by issuing a written 
determination to the issuer when it fails to meet Nasdaq's listing 
standards (``Staff Determination Letter''). The issuer may then request 
a hearing before a Listing Qualifications Panel (``Panel''). The 
hearing is conducted by two panelists, drawn from a pool of individuals 
who are independent of Nasdaq and who have been approved to perform 
this function by the Nasdaq Board. An attorney from the Nasdaq Office 
of Qualification Hearings provides advice to the panelists and prepares 
a decision at their direction (``Panel Decision'').
    The issuer may appeal the Panel Decision to the Nasdaq Listing and 
Hearing Review Council (``Listing Council''). The Listing Council is 
composed of individuals independent of Nasdaq and previously approved 
by the Nasdaq Board. In addition, the Listing Council has the right to 
call for review of a Panel Decision, whether or not the issuer appeals 
it. An attorney from the Nasdaq Office of Appeals and Review advises 
the Listing Council and prepares a decision at its direction. The final 
decision is subject to review by the NASD Board and the Commission.
Discretion to Grant Exceptions
    NASD Rule 4810(b) currently provides that the Association (i.e., 
NASD, including, for this purpose, Nasdaq) may grant ``extensions or 
exceptions'' to listing standards upon written request of the 
issuer.\5\ Nasdaq believes that such discretion is necessary to ensure 
that investors are not harmed by premature delisting of companies that 
have presented viable plans to regain compliance with listing 
standards. Nevertheless, Nasdaq has concluded that the rigor of the 
listing review process could be enhanced by defining more clearly the 
decision-makers authorized to exercise discretion to grant an 
exception, how the exception is documented, and when the exception must 
expire. Nasdaq believes these changes would enhance the transparency 
and objectivity of Nasdaq's decisions and help promote public 
confidence in the quality of Nasdaq's listed companies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 41367 (May 4, 1999), 64 
FR 25942 (May 13, 1999) (SR-NASD-98-88).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    First, Nasdaq is proposing to eliminate the phrase ``extension or 
exception'' and replace it with the term ``exception,'' which is the 
term commonly used by Nasdaq staff and Adjudicators when referring to 
relief granted to allow an issuer the opportunity to regain compliance 
with a listing standard. As described below, the time periods during 
which an exception may be in effect will be subject to time limits.
    Second, new NASD Rule 4803 would provide that upon determining that 
a listing requirement may not be satisfied, the staff of a Listing 
Department would provide written notice of the deficiency. Depending on 
the nature of the deficiency, the notice would either take the form of 
a Staff Determination Letter, which would initiate proceedings to deny 
or limit listing, or would notify the issuer of the deficiency and 
provide the issuer with 15 days to submit a plan to regain compliance 
with the listing standard. The staff would then be required either to 
initiate proceedings or to grant the issuer up to 105 days to regain 
compliance with the listing standard.\6\ The 105-day period would be 
measured from the date of the initial notice of non-compliance. If the 
issuer does not regain compliance within the time period provided, the 
Listing Department staff would immediately initiate proceedings to deny 
listing.
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    \6\ If an issuer is already the subject of a written 
determination by a Listing Department to limit or prohibit the 
initial or continued listing of an issuer's securities pursuant to 
Rule 4804 (``Staff Determination''), the Listing Department staff 
would not provide the issuer with the opportunity to submit a plan, 
nor could the staff grant an exception, with respect to the new 
deficiency. Rather, the new deficiency would be considered by the 
relevant Adjudicatory Body as provided by NASD Rule 4810(e) 
(redesignated as NASD Rule 4802(d)).
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    The staff's authority to grant an exception under the NASD rule 
would not apply, however, to quantitative listing standards that, by 
their terms, specify a period during which an issuer may seek to regain 
compliance before being subject to delisting.\7\ Upon the expiration of 
such specified grace periods, proceedings would be commenced 
immediately. Similarly, the staff's authority would not extend to 
qualitative listing standards that are considered fundamental to an 
investor's participation in the company or to Nasdaq's relationship 
with the company.\8\ The staff's authority would apply, however, to 
quantitative standards that do not contain an explicit grace period \9\ 
and to all other qualitative standards.\10\
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    \7\ These standards include the requirements for number of 
market makers (NASD Rules 4310(c)(1), 4320(e)(1), and 4450(a)(6), 
(b)(6), and (h)(5)); market value of publicly held shares (NASD 
Rules 4310(c)(7) and 4450(a)(2), (b)(3), and (h)(2)); market value 
of listed securities (NASD Rules 4310(c)(2), 4320(e)(2), and 
4450(b)(1)); and bid price (NASD Rules 4310(c)(4) and 4450(a)(5), 
(b)(4), and (h)(3)).
    \8\ These standards include the requirements to provide Nasdaq 
with responsive and accurate information (NASD Rule 4330); file 
periodic reports (NASD Rules 4350(b) and 4360(b)); hold annual 
meetings and solicit proxies (NASD Rules 4350(e) and (g) and 4360(e) 
and (g)); and execute a listing agreement (NASD Rules 4350(j) and 
4360(h)).
    \9\ These standards include the requirements for levels of 
stockholders' equity (NASD Rules 4310(c)(2), 4320(e)(2), and 
4450(a)(3)); number of publicly held shares (NASD Rules 4310(c)(7), 
4320(e)(5), and 4450(a)(1), (b)(2), and (h)(1)); number of round lot 
stockholders (NASD Rules 4310(c)(6), 4320(e)(4), and 4450(a)(4), 
(b)(5), and (h)(4)); net income (NASD Rules 4310(c)(2) and 
4320(e)(2)); and total assets and total revenue (NASD Rule 
4450(b)(1)(B)). In connection with the net income and total assets 
and total revenue standards, Nasdaq is proposing to adopt NASD IM-
4803 to make it clear that a plan of compliance submitted under NASD 
Rule 4803 with respect to a net income or total assets and total 
revenue deficiency must present a viable plan for achieving full 
compliance with the rules, which require stated levels during 
completed fiscal years as demonstrated through audited financial 
statements. Thus, a plan may not rely upon projections that an 
issuer would achieve full compliance at a time after an exception 
period has elapsed, nor may it rely upon partial year performance to 
demonstrate the possibility of future compliance. An issuer may, 
however, submit a plan to gain compliance in the near term with 
alternative listing standards relating to stockholders' equity or 
market value of listed securities, which are measured at a point in 
time rather than with reference to completed fiscal years.
    \10\ These standards include the requirements for independent 
directors and audit committees in circumstances where the cure 
periods contained in the rules are not applicable (NASD Rules 
4350(c) and (d) and 4360(c) and (d)); quorums (NASD Rules 4350(f) 
and 4360(f)); conflict of interest review (NASD Rules 4350(h) and 
4360(i)); shareholder approval (NASD Rule 4350(i)); peer review 
(NASD Rule 4350(k)); code of conduct (NASD Rule 4350(n)); and voting 
rights (NASD Rule 4351).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If a review a Staff Determination is pending and either of the 
Listing Departments identifies the existence of one or more additional 
deficiencies with

[[Page 10726]]

respect to the issuer, the Listing Department shall prepare and provide 
to the issuer a Staff Determination with respect to the additional 
deficiencies. If the new Staff Determination is issued prior to a Panel 
hearing with respect to the original Staff Determination, the issuer 
would be given the opportunity to present its views with respect to the 
additional deficiencies at the Panel hearing. If the new Staff 
Determination is issued after a Panel hearing with respect to the 
original Staff Determination, the issuer may present its views with 
respect to the additional deficiencies in writing. The additional 
deficiencies would then be reviewed as provided under NASD Rule 4810(e) 
(redesignated as NASD Rule 4802(d)). Specifically, if the Panel hearing 
had been held but the Panel Decision had not yet been issued, the 
additional deficiencies would be adjudicated on the written record and 
reflected in the Panel Decision. If the Panel Decision had been issued, 
the additional deficiencies would be adjudicated by the Listing 
Council.
    When granting an exception pursuant to NASD Rule 4803, the staff of 
the Listing Department shall prepare a written record describing the 
basis for the exception and shall provide notice of the terms of the 
exception to the issuer. Similarly, if the staff of the Listing 
Department determines not to grant an exception, the Staff 
Determination shall include a description of the basis for denying the 
request for an exception.
    Third, Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4810(b) (redesignated as 
NASD Rule 4802(b)) to provide that a Panel may grant an exception from 
any of the listing standards set forth in the NASD Rule 4000 Series for 
up to 90 days from the date of its decision, and the Listing Council 
may grant an exception for up to 60 days from the date of its decision. 
No other exceptions would be permitted. As provided by proposed NASD 
Rule 4811(d)(5), any exception granted by a Panel or the Listing 
Council must be incorporated into a formal written decision, thereby 
ensuring that the exception is subject to appeal or call for review.
    Finally, Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4830 (redesignated as 
NASD Rule 4806) to provide that if a Panel grants an exception for an 
equity or filing deficiency (NASD Rules 4310(c)(2) and (c)(14), 
4320(e)(2) and (e)(12), and 4350(b)), the Panel will continue to 
monitor the issuer for a one-year period following the date it achieves 
compliance, to assure the issuer's ability to sustain long-term 
compliance with the requirements. If the issuer again falls out of 
compliance during the one-year period, the Panel would promptly conduct 
a hearing with respect to the new failure, thereby ensuring a speedier 
disposition of the issuer's status.\11\ The Panel's monitoring 
authority would not permit the Panel to authorize an exception beyond 
the time limits described above; rather, the monitoring period would 
commence only if the issuer achieves compliance within the 90-day 
exception period authorized by NASD Rule 4810. Moreover, 
notwithstanding the Panel's retention of jurisdiction, the Panel 
Decision would still be subject to review by the Listing Council, which 
could divest the Panel of jurisdiction by reversing the decision to 
grant the exception and delisting the issuer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ The purpose of accelerated review would generally be to 
allow an issuer that is repeatedly deficient in these areas to be 
delisted more quickly. The rule focuses on the equity requirement, 
because, in Nasdaq's experience, it has been an area in which 
deficient issuers that regain compliance nevertheless can quickly 
fall out of compliance and the filing requirement because it is so 
fundamental to investors' understanding of an issuer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Exception to Shareholder Approval Requirement
    Apart from the authority to grant exceptions in the manner 
described above, NASD Rule 4350(i), which requires shareholder approval 
of certain enumerated issuances of securities, allows the staff of the 
Listing Qualifications Department to grant an exception from the 
application of the requirement to a specific issuance in circumstances 
where delay would seriously jeopardize an issuer's financial viability, 
the issuer's audit committee (or comparable body of its board of 
directors) approves reliance, and the issuer provides notice to 
shareholders of the decision not to seek their approval. An exception 
granted under this NASD Rule is permanent as applied to a specified 
issuance. Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4350(i)(2) to require that 
a board committee approving reliance must be composed of independent, 
disinterested directors, to specify the content of the issuer's notice 
to shareholders, to require the issuance of a press release by the 
issuer, and to stipulate that communications between the issuer and the 
Listing Qualifications Department regarding the exception must be in 
writing.
Public Interest Authority
    NASD Rule 4300 provides Nasdaq with broad discretionary authority 
to deny initial listing to issuer's securities, impose additional or 
more stringent criteria on initial or continued listing of an issuer's 
securities, or delist an issuer's securities based on a determination 
that initial or continued listing is inadvisable or unwarranted. This 
authority is used primarily to address concerns about issuers who meet 
enumerated criteria for listing but whose management has been involved 
in unlawful activity or ethical lapses that could undermine investor 
confidence in Nasdaq securities. Nasdaq proposes to amend the rule to 
make it clear that, in all instances in which the Nasdaq staff 
exercises its authority under NASD Rule 4300, the Listing Departments 
must issue a Staff Determination under NASD Rule 4815 (redesignated as 
NASD Rule 4804). This is so that issuers may seek Panel review of the 
decision, and the use of the authority by an Adjudicatory Body shall be 
reflected in its written decision.
    Nasdaq also proposes to supplement the rule with interpretive 
material that explains the circumstances under which the authority is 
generally used. The interpretive material explains the factors used by 
Nasdaq in evaluating whether the regulatory misconduct of an individual 
associated with an issuer should be used as a basis to deny initial or 
continued listing, as well as factors that may serve to mitigate public 
interest concerns under the NASD Rule 4300. The interpretive material 
also clarifies that NASD Rule 4300 does not provide a basis for 
granting exceptions from listing criteria.
    Finally, Nasdaq is deleting provisions of NASD Rules 4330, 4350, 
and 4410 relating to additional or more stringent listing criteria \12\ 
and including the text of the deleted provisions in the NASD Rule 4300 
and the new interpretive material in order to consolidate related 
provisions under a single rule and to make it clear that Nasdaq's 
authority under NASD Rule 4300 covers the factors currently described 
in the deleted provisions. These factors include an issuer's bankruptcy 
filing, the issuance of a disclaimer opinion with respect to an 
issuer's financial statements, an issuer's past corporate governance 
activities, the absence of required financial statement certification, 
and any other factors that would support a determination that denial of 
listing is necessary to prevent fraudulent or manipulative acts or 
practices, to promote just and equitable

[[Page 10727]]

principles of trade, or to protect investors and the public interest.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Nasdaq is also deleting NASD Rules 4330(d) and 4410(d), 
which contain language regarding exceptions, in order to consolidate 
all provisions regarding exceptions in the NASD Rule 4800 Series. 
Similarly, NASD Rules 4330(c) and (f) are being redesignated as NASD 
Rules 4330 and 4340, respectively. The substance of NASD Rule 
4330(b) is being replaced by NASD Rule 4803, and NASD Rule 4330(e) 
is being relocated to NASD Rule 4802(f).
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Supplementing the Record
    NASD Rule 4810(c) and (d) (redesignated as NASD Rule 4802(c)) allow 
an Adjudicatory Body at each level of review to request additional 
information from the issuer or consider public information. However, 
the NASD rules at each level of review are not parallel with respect to 
other aspects of an Adjudicatory Body's authority to supplement the 
record on its own motion. For example, the NASD Board may request 
additional information from Nasdaq staff under NASD Rule 4850 
(redesignated as NASD Rule 4809), but the Listing Council may not. 
Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4802(c) to provide an Adjudicatory 
Body at each level of review with broad authority to supplement the 
record on its own motion, subject to written notice to the issuer and 
the Listing Departments and an appropriate opportunity to respond.
    Nasdaq also proposes to amend NASD Rule 4875 (redesignated as NASD 
Rule 4812) to provide that all documents submitted to Nasdaq or NASD in 
connection with a NASD Rule 4800 Series proceeding shall be retained in 
accordance with applicable record retention policies (i.e., at least 
five years unless a shorter period is reflected in a Commission-
approved document destruction plan under Rule 17a-6 of the Act).\13\ 
The current rule language provides that documents submitted in 
connection with a proceeding that are not part of the record would only 
be retained until the conclusion of the proceeding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 17 CFR 240.17a-6.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Procedural Deadlines
    The NASD Rule 4800 Series establish various time frames during 
which an issuer or an Adjudicatory Body is required to take certain 
actions. For example, NASD Rule 4830(c) (redesignated as NASD Rule 
4806(b)) provides that an issuer may request a Listing Council review 
of a Panel Decision within 15 days of the date of the decision, and the 
Listing Council may call the decision for review within 45 days of the 
date of the decision.
    Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4885 (redesignated NASD Rule 
4814) to provide that, if notice has not been properly given or if 
other extenuating circumstances exist, the Nasdaq Office of General 
Counsel may equitably adjust the time period provided by the rules for 
the filing of written submissions, the scheduling of hearings, or the 
performance of other procedural actions by the issuer or the 
Adjudicatory Body to help ensure fairness in the process. Thus, for 
example, if an issuer does not receive notice of the Panel Decision 
until a date well after its issuance, the Nasdaq Office of General 
Counsel could determine that the issuer would be provided additional 
time to request a Listing Council review.
    NASD Rule 4885 would also be amended to provide that an issuer may 
waive any notice period specified by the NASD Rule 4800 Series. For 
example, proposed NASD Rule 4816(b) provides that an issuer shall be 
provided at least five days' notice of the names and biographies of 
persons that will serve on a Listing Panel. An issuer would be 
permitted to waive such notice.
Listing Council Subcommittees
    The current practice of the Listing Council is for a subcommittee 
consisting of two members of the Listing Council to review the complete 
written record of an appeal and recommend a disposition of the matter. 
The remainder of the Listing Council reviews a summary of the record 
prepared by a staff advisor to the Listing Council. The full Listing 
Council then considers the subcommittee's recommendation and may 
accept, reject, or modify it. The practice is followed because the 
record is invariably voluminous, and requiring a full review of the 
entire record by each Listing Council member would impose an 
unreasonable burden on Listing Council members. The use of 
subcommittees allows for a comprehensive review by a portion of the 
Listing Council, as well as a review of the substance of the record by 
the entire Listing Council. Nasdaq is amending NASD Rule 4840 
(redesignated NASD Rule 4807) to reflect explicitly the use of 
subcommittees.
Content and Approval of Decisions
    Nasdaq proposes to amend NASD Rule 4870 (redesignated NASD Rule 
4811) to establish explicit standards for the content of decisions by 
the Adjudicatory Bodies. Each decision shall include: (1) A statement 
describing the procedural history of the proceeding; (2) the listing 
standard that the issuer is alleged to have failed to satisfy; (3) a 
statement setting forth the findings of fact with respect to the 
issuer; (4) the conclusions of the Adjudicatory Body as to whether the 
issuer has failed to satisfy listing standards; and (5) a statement of 
the Adjudicatory Body in support of the disposition of the principal 
issues raised by the issuer in the proceeding, and, if applicable, any 
exception granted and the rationale therefor. Nasdaq believes that 
these requirements will ensure that decisions are clear and complete on 
their face, properly cite applicable rules, contain a thorough analysis 
supporting the Adjudicatory Body's conclusions, and clearly describe 
the scope of, and basis for, any exception granted.
    Nasdaq also proposes to amend the rules relating to issuance of 
decisions to require explicitly the documentation of affirmative 
approval of decisions by each Adjudicator required to provide approval 
(i.e., each Panel member under NASD Rule 4806(b), a majority of Panel 
members under NASD Rule 4806(c), and a majority of the Listing Council 
or the NASD Board). However, the rule will not specify the particular 
means of documenting approval. Nasdaq contemplates that approval via 
physical signature, e-mail, or fax would all be acceptable. Having a 
variety of options for documenting such approval will help expedite 
issuance of the final decision.
Ex Parte Communications
    Under NASD Rule 4890 (redesignated as NASD Rule 4815), the staff of 
the Listing Departments and the issuer are prohibited from 
communicating about the merits of a proceeding with the Panel, the 
Listing Council, the NASD Board, and any staff advising them. Nasdaq is 
proposing to make several non-substantive amendments to the rule to 
conform more closely to NASD Rule 9143, the analogous NASD Code of 
Procedure rule pertaining to ex parte communications, and to eliminate 
the use of ambiguous terms such as ``appropriate Nasdaq staff.'' 
However, Nasdaq is omitting the portion of NASD Rule 9143 that allows a 
party's claim to be ``dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise 
adversely affected by reason of'' an ex parte communication. Nasdaq 
believes that the policies underlying its listing standards will best 
be served by a full and open review of all issues pertaining to an 
issuer's qualifications to list. Accordingly, although the prohibition 
on ex parte communications will be strictly enforced, and Adjudicators 
or Nasdaq staff engaging in such communications may be subject to 
recusal, disqualification, or removal in the case of Adjudicators or 
recusal, disqualification, or personnel action in the case of Nasdaq 
staff, Nasdaq does not believe that the fact of an ex parte 
communication should serve as the basis for denying listing to a 
qualified issuer or allowing an unqualified issuer to remain listed. 
Rather, as provided in NASD Rule 4890(c) (redesignated NASD Rule 
4815(a)(3)) and NASD Rule 4816, in a listing proceeding the appropriate

[[Page 10728]]

remedy is disclosure of the substance of the communication, a full 
opportunity for affected parties to respond, and the possible recusal 
or disqualification of an Adjudicator receiving an ex parte 
communication.
    In keeping with this view, Nasdaq is also proposing to delete NASD 
Rule 4890(d), which provides that an issuer's submission of a proposal 
to resolve matters at issue in a proceeding constitutes a waiver of any 
claims regarding ex parte communications relating to the proposal. 
Since the fact of an ex parte communication does not provide a basis 
for denying listing to an otherwise qualified issuer, there is no need 
to construe a submission of a proposal as a waiver.
    The current NASD Rule 4800 Series does not prohibit communication 
among the Panel, Council, NASD Board, and their staff advisors 
regarding the merits of a proceeding, although in practice such 
communications are avoided. In contrast, in NASD disciplinary 
proceedings, which have a similarly structured multi-level review by 
outside bodies, the rules prohibit the various adjudicators from 
engaging in such communications with one another. Nasdaq is proposing 
to adopt rules that follow the NASD model to increase the separation 
and objectivity of Adjudicators at each level of a proceeding. It 
should be noted, however, that Nasdaq will not construe the prohibition 
to apply to discussions concerning policies of general applicability.
Recusals and Disqualifications
    Nasdaq proposes to make its internal procedures for handling 
recusals more transparent by incorporating them into a rule that 
follows the model of NASD Rule 9160. Proposed NASD Rule 4816 will 
provide that Adjudicators and Listing Department staff must recuse 
themselves from matters as to which they have a conflict of interest or 
bias or if circumstances otherwise exist where their fairness might 
reasonably be questioned. In addition, the rule identifies persons with 
authority to order disqualifications of Adjudicators and staff.\14\ 
Finally, the new rule establishes procedures for disclosing the names 
and biographical information of Adjudicators and issuer representatives 
in advance of proceedings and allows an issuer or a staff of the 
Listing Departments to file a formal request for disqualification.
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    \14\ Specifically, the Chair of the NASD Board has the authority 
to order disqualification with respect to an NASD Governor, a 
majority of the NASD Board excluding the Chair with respect to the 
Chair, a Chair of the Listing Council with respect to a member of 
the Listing Council, a majority of the Listing Council excluding 
Chairs with respect to a Chair, and the General Counsel of Nasdaq 
with respect to a member of the staff of the Listing Departments or 
a member of Listing Qualifications Panel.
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Other Changes
    In addition to the foregoing changes, Nasdaq is also proposing the 
following minor miscellaneous changes to the rules:
     Adding NASD Rule 4802(e) to require the Listing 
Departments or the advisor to an Adjudicatory Body, as appropriate, to 
document the date on which decisions are implemented.
     Adding a new definitions section (NASD Rule 4801) to make 
the NASD rules easier to understand and administer.
     Conforming Nasdaq's existing disclosure time frames to 
those of the Commission's new Form 8-K requirements (NASD IM-4120-2 and 
NASD Rule 4804) and adding a new disclosure requirement upon receipt of 
a notice from a Listing Department under NASD Rule 4803(a) that the 
issuer does not meet a listing standard set forth in the NASD Rule 4000 
Series.
     Using the term ``shall'' in rules that impose a mandatory 
duty on Nasdaq or any other person and making other minor or conforming 
edits to improve the clarity of the rules.
     Deleting references in NASD Rule 4815 (redesignated NASD 
Rule 4804) to phone numbers of specific Nasdaq departments. Nasdaq 
believes that such phone numbers should be provided through Web sites 
rather than through a rule that cannot be amended without a filing to 
the Commission.
     Amending NASD Rule 4830(d) (redesignated NASD Rule 
4806(c)) to clarify that a second Listing Qualifications Panel convened 
after a first Panel fails to reach a unanimous decision may act through 
a majority of the Panel.
2. Statutory Basis
    Nasdaq believes that the proposed rule change, as amended, is 
consistent with the provisions of Section 15A of the Act \15\ in 
general and with Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act \16\ in particular in 
that the proposal is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative 
acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, 
to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in 
regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, 
and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to 
and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national 
market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public 
interest. Nasdaq believes that these changes will increase the 
objectivity and transparency of decisions to deny or limit listing, 
clarify the roles of staff, counsel, and adjudicators throughout the 
process, and promote public confidence in The Nasdaq Stock Market.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3.
    \16\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-3(b)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    Nasdaq does not believe that the proposed rule change, as amended, 
will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or 
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act, as amended.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed 
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for 
Commission Action

    Within 35 days of the date of publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may 
designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to 
be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to 
which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:
    A. By order approve such proposed rule change, or
    B. Institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule 
change should be disapproved.

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and 
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule 
change, as amended, is consistent with the Act. Comments may be 
submitted by any of the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or
     Send an e-mail to [email protected]. Please include 
File Number SR-NASD-2004-125 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Jonathan G. Katz, 
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission,

[[Page 10729]]

450 Fifth Street, NW., Washington, DC 20549-0609.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-NASD-2004-125. This 
file number should be included on the subject line if e-mail is used. 
To help the Commission process and review your comments more 
efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all 
comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, 
all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that 
are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating 
to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, 
other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance 
with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for inspection 
and copying in the Commission's Public Reference Section. Copies of 
such filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the 
principal office of NASD. All comments received will be posted without 
change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information 
from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to 
make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number 
SR-NASD-2004-125 and should be submitted on or before March 25, 2005.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Market Regulation, 
pursuant to delegated authority.\17\
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    \17\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Margaret H. McFarland,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. E5-873 Filed 3-3-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8010-01-P