Capitol Building Maryland Register

Issue Date:  August 11, 2023

Volume 50 •  Issue 16  • Pages 713 — 760

IN THIS ISSUE

Governor

Judiciary

Regulations

Special Documents

General Notices

Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, this issue contains all previously unpublished documents required to be published, and filed on or before July 24, 2023 5 p.m.
 
Pursuant to State Government Article, §7-206, Annotated Code of Maryland, I hereby certify that this issue contains all documents required to be codified as of July 24, 2023.
 
Gail S. Klakring
Acting Administrator, Division of State Documents
Office of the Secretary of State

Seal

Information About the Maryland Register and COMAR

MARYLAND REGISTER

   The Maryland Register is an official State publication published every other week throughout the year. A cumulative index is published quarterly.

   The Maryland Register is the temporary supplement to the Code of Maryland Regulations. Any change to the text of regulations published  in COMAR, whether by adoption, amendment, repeal, or emergency action, must first be published in the Register.

   The following information is also published regularly in the Register:

   • Governor’s Executive Orders

   • Attorney General’s Opinions in full text

   • Open Meetings Compliance Board Opinions in full text

   • State Ethics Commission Opinions in full text

   • Court Rules

   • District Court Administrative Memoranda

   • Courts of Appeal Hearing Calendars

   • Agency Hearing and Meeting Notices

   • Synopses of Bills Introduced and Enacted by the General Assembly

   • Other documents considered to be in the public interest

CITATION TO THE MARYLAND REGISTER

   The Maryland Register is cited by volume, issue, page number, and date. Example:

• 19:8 Md. R. 815—817 (April 17, 1992) refers to Volume 19, Issue 8, pages 815—817 of the Maryland Register issued on April 17, 1992.

CODE OF MARYLAND REGULATIONS (COMAR)

   COMAR is the official compilation of all regulations issued by agencies of the State of Maryland. The Maryland Register is COMAR’s temporary supplement, printing all changes to regulations as soon as they occur. At least once annually, the changes to regulations printed in the Maryland Register are incorporated into COMAR by means of permanent supplements.

CITATION TO COMAR REGULATIONS

   COMAR regulations are cited by title number, subtitle number, chapter number, and regulation number. Example: COMAR 10.08.01.03 refers to Title 10, Subtitle 08, Chapter 01, Regulation 03.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

   Incorporation by reference is a legal device by which a document is made part of COMAR simply by referring to it. While the text of an incorporated document does not appear in COMAR, the provisions of the incorporated document are as fully enforceable as any other COMAR regulation. Each regulation that proposes to incorporate a document is identified in the Maryland Register by an Editor’s Note. The Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended or Repealed, found online, also identifies each regulation incorporating a document. Documents incorporated by reference are available for inspection in various depository libraries located throughout the State and at the Division of State Documents. These depositories are listed in the first issue of the Maryland Register published each year. For further information, call 410-974-2486.

HOW TO RESEARCH REGULATIONS

An Administrative History at the end of every COMAR chapter gives information about past changes to regulations. To determine if there have been any subsequent changes, check the ‘‘Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended, or Repealed’’ which is found online at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/PDF/CumulativeTable.pdf. This table lists the regulations in numerical order, by their COMAR number, followed by the citation to the Maryland Register in which the change occurred. The Maryland Register serves as a temporary supplement to COMAR, and the two publications must always be used together. A Research Guide for Maryland Regulations is available. For further information, call 410-260-3876.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION

   For subscription forms for the Maryland Register and COMAR, see the back pages of the Maryland Register. Single issues of the Maryland Register are $15.00 per issue.

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN
THE REGULATION-MAKING PROCESS

   Maryland citizens and other interested persons may participate in the process by which administrative regulations are adopted, amended, or repealed, and may also initiate the process by which the validity and applicability of regulations is determined. Listed below are some of the ways in which citizens may participate (references are to State Government Article (SG),

Annotated Code of Maryland):

   • By submitting data or views on proposed regulations either orally or in writing, to the proposing agency (see ‘‘Opportunity for Public Comment’’ at the beginning of all regulations appearing in the Proposed Action on Regulations section of the Maryland Register). (See SG, §10-112)

   • By petitioning an agency to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations. The agency must respond to the petition. (See SG §10-123)

   • By petitioning an agency to issue a declaratory ruling with respect to how any regulation, order, or statute enforced by the agency applies. (SG, Title 10, Subtitle 3)

   • By petitioning the circuit court for a declaratory judgment

on the validity of a regulation when it appears that the regulation interferes with or impairs the legal rights or privileges of the petitioner. (SG, §10-125)

   • By inspecting a certified copy of any document filed with the Division of State Documents for publication in the Maryland Register. (See SG, §7-213)

 

Maryland Register (ISSN 0360-2834). Postmaster: Send address changes and other mail to: Maryland Register, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Tel. 410-260-3876. Published biweekly, with cumulative indexes published quarterly, by the State of Maryland, Division of State Documents, State House, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The subscription rate for the Maryland Register is $225 per year (first class mail). All subscriptions post-paid to points in the U.S. periodicals postage paid at Annapolis, Maryland and additional mailing offices.

Wes Moore, Governor; Susan C. Lee, Secretary of State; Gail S. Klakring, Administrator; Mary D. MacDonald, Senior Editor, Maryland Register and COMAR; Elizabeth Ramsey, Editor, COMAR Online, and Subscription Manager; Tami Cathell, Help Desk, COMAR and Maryland Register Online.

Front cover: State House, Annapolis, MD, built 1772—79.

Illustrations by Carolyn Anderson, Dept. of General Services

 

     Note: All products purchased are for individual use only. Resale or other compensated transfer of the information in printed or electronic form is a prohibited commercial purpose (see State Government Article, §7-206.2, Annotated Code of Maryland). By purchasing a product, the buyer agrees that the purchase is for individual use only and will not sell or give the product to another individual or entity.

 

Closing Dates for the Maryland Register

Schedule of Closing Dates and Issue Dates for the
Maryland Register .....................................................................  717

 

COMAR Research Aids

Table of Pending Proposals ...........................................................  718

 

Index of COMAR Titles Affected in This Issue

COMAR Title Number and Name                                                  Page

03        Comptroller of the Treasury ..............................................  725

10        Maryland Department of Health ................................  725, 730

11        Department of Transportation ............................  724, 726, 750

13A     State Board of Education ...................................................  727

13B     Maryland Higher Education Commission .........................  727

14        Independent Agencies .......................................................  754

20        Public Service Commission ...............................................  728

26        Department of the Environment ........................................  728

31        Maryland Insurance Administration ..................................  729

 

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Individuals with disabilities who desire assistance in using the publications and services of the Division of State Documents are encouraged to call (410) 974-2486, or (800) 633-9657, or FAX to (410) 974-2546, or through Maryland Relay.

 

The Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.11

Governor’s Council on the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays
   Watershed .  721

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.12

Maryland’s Oyster Shell and Substrate Taskforce .  722

 

The Judiciary

SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS ..................................  723

 

Emergency Action on Regulations

11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE
   REGISTRATION

Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax
   Credit  724

 

Final Action on Regulations

03 COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY

SALES AND USE TAX

Sales and Use Tax .  725

Administrative and Procedural Regulations—Sales and Use,
   and Admissions and Amusement Taxes .  725

10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

Advanced Practice Nurse Services .  725

Podiatry Services .  725

Home Care for Disabled Children Under a Model
   Waiver  725

Therapeutic Behavioral Services .  726

Targeted Case Management for People with Developmental
   Disabilities .  726

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment:
   Nursing Services for Individuals Younger than 21 Years
   Old .  726

11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE
   REGISTRATION

Apportioned Registration of Fleet Vehicles .  726

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—DRIVER
   LICENSING AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Point System: Definition of Moving Violation and
   Assessment of Points .  726

13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

Graduation Requirements for Public High Schools in
   Maryland ...............................................................................  727

Test Administration and Data-Reporting Policies and
   Procedures .  727

13B MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS

Minimum Requirements for Private Career Schools .  727

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Additional Requirements for For-Profit Institutions of Higher
   Education .  727

FIRE-RESCUE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
   COMMISSION

Certification Standards and Procedures for Emergency
   Services Instructors .  727

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

General Regulations and Policies for Community
   Colleges .  727

FINANCIAL AID

Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
   Program ..  727

20 PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

SERVICE SUPPLIED BY ELECTRIC COMPANIES

General  728

Engineering .  728

Records and Reports .  728

Deanna Camille Green Rule — Contact Voltage Survey
   Requirement and Reporting .  728

Service Quality and Reliability Standards ...............................  728

CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC AND
   COMMUNICATION FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTIAL
   AND NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

Residential Electric Underground Facilities .  728

26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

REGULATION OF WATER SUPPLY, SEWAGE DISPOSAL,
   AND SOLID WASTE

On-Site Wastewater Property Transfer Inspection
   License .  728

31 MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

INSURERS

Title Insurers .  729

HEALTH INSURANCE—GENERAL

Standards for Medicare Supplement Policies .  729

 

Proposed Action on Regulations

10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

Employed Individuals with Disabilities .  730

Separate Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and
   CHIP Health Services Initiative Eligibility .  732

MARYLAND HEALTHCHOICE PROGRAM

Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program:
   Definitions .............................................................................  732

Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Eligibility and
   Enrollment  732

MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Rare and
   Expensive Case Management  737

BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR AUDIOLOGISTS, HEARING
   AID DISPENSERS, SPEECH-LANGUAGE
   PATHOLOGISTS, AND MUSIC THERAPISTS

Collection of Fees .  738

Code of Ethics .  738

Licensure and Continuing Education .  738

Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings .  738

Music Therapy .  738

Hearing Aid Dispensing .  738

Civil Penalties .  738

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology
   Assistants .  738

Sanctioning Guidelines .  738

11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION —
   ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Motor Vehicle Fees .  750

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION — DRIVER
   LICENSING AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Proof of Age, Full Name, Identity, Maryland Residence,
   Social Security Number, and Lawful Status .  750

Proof of Age, Name, Identity, and Residency for
   Federally   Noncompliant Driver Licenses and
   Identification Cards .  750

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—
   ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Motor Vehicle Fees .  751

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE
   EQUIPMENT

Safety Glass Replacement Standards .  752

MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE
   REGISTRATION

Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax
   Credit  753

14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE

State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Program 754

 

Special Documents

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0008 .  755

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0010 .  755

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0016 .  756

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0021 .  756

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0028 .  757

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0029 .  757

 

General Notices

CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST

Public Meeting .........................................................................  758

STATE COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD
   (SCALB)

Public Meeting .  758

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Public Meeting .  758

Public Meeting .  758

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Public Meeting .  758

MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

Public Hearing .  758

MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

Formal Start of Review ..  758

Formal Start of Review ..  759

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/OFFICE OF
   MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Public Meeting .  759

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Public Meeting .  759

 

 

COMAR Online

        The Code of Maryland Regulations is available at www.dsd.state.md.us as a free service of the Office of the Secretary of State, Division of State Documents. The full text of regulations is available and searchable. Note, however, that the printed COMAR continues to be the only official and enforceable version of COMAR.

        The Maryland Register is also available at www.dsd.state.md.us.

        For additional information, visit www.dsd.maryland.gov, Division of State Documents, or call us at (410) 974-2486 or 1 (800) 633-9657.

 

Availability of Monthly List of
Maryland Documents

        The Maryland Department of Legislative Services receives copies of all publications issued by State officers and agencies. The Department prepares and distributes, for a fee, a list of these publications under the title ‘‘Maryland Documents’’. This list is published monthly, and contains bibliographic information concerning regular and special reports, bulletins, serials, periodicals, catalogues, and a variety of other State publications. ‘‘Maryland Documents’’ also includes local publications.

        Anyone wishing to receive ‘‘Maryland Documents’’ should write to: Legislative Sales, Maryland Department of Legislative Services, 90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401.

 

CLOSING DATES AND ISSUE DATES THROUGH
DECEMBER 2023

Issue
Date

Emergency

and Proposed

Regulations

5 p.m.*

Notices, etc.

10:30 a.m.

Final

Regulations

10:30 a.m.

2023

August 25

August 7

August 14

August 16

September 8

August 21

August 28

August 30

September 22

September 1**

September 11

September 13

October 6

September 18

September 25

September 27

October 20

October 2

October 6**

October 11

November 3

October 16

October 23

October 25

November 17

October 30

November 6

November 8

December 1

November 13

November 20

November 22

December 15

November 27

December 4

December 6

December 29

December 11

December 18

December 20

 

   Please note that this table is provided for planning purposes and that the Division of State Documents (DSD) cannot guarantee submissions will be published in an agency’s desired issue. Although DSD strives to publish according to the schedule above, there may be times when workload pressures prevent adherence to it.

*   Also note that proposal deadlines are for submissions to DSD for publication in the Maryland Register and do not take into account the 15-day AELR review period. The due date for documents containing 8 to 18 pages is 48 hours before the date listed; the due date for documents exceeding 18 pages is 1 week before the date listed.

NOTE:  ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN TIMES NEW ROMAN, 9-POINT, SINGLE-SPACED FORMAT. THE PAGE COUNT REFLECTS THIS FORMATTING.

** Note closing date changes.

The regular closing date for Proposals and Emergencies is Monday.

 

RegCodificationSystem

Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations
Adopted, Amended, or Repealed

   This table, previously printed in the Maryland Register lists the regulations, by COMAR title, that have been adopted, amended, or repealed in the Maryland Register since the regulations were originally published or last supplemented in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The table is no longer printed here but may be found on the Division of State Documents website at www.dsd.state.md.us.

Table of Pending Proposals

   The table below lists proposed changes to COMAR regulations. The proposed changes are listed by their COMAR number, followed by a citation to that issue of the Maryland Register in which the proposal appeared. Errata and corrections pertaining to proposed regulations are listed, followed by “(err)” or “(corr),” respectively. Regulations referencing a document incorporated by reference are followed by “(ibr)”. None of the proposals listed in this table have been adopted. A list of adopted proposals appears in the Cumulative Table of COMAR Regulations Adopted, Amended, or Repealed.

 

05 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 

05.03.09.01—.11 • 50:7 Md. R. 304 (4-7-23)

05.20.05.01—.12 • 49:25 Md. R. 1054 (12-2-22)

 

08 DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

 

08.03.03.01 • 50:13 Md. R. 515 (6-30-23)

08.03.06.03 • 50:13 Md. R. 517 (6-30-23)

08.03.17.01,.02 • 50:13 Md. R. 517 (6-30-23) (ibr)

08.18.07.02 • 50:14 Md. R. 596 (7-14-23)

 

09 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

 

09.03.14.01—.18 • 50:4 Md. R. 125 (2-24-23)

                                50:7 Md. R. 307 (4-7-23) (corr)

09.10.01.07 • 50:15 Md. R. 684 (7-28-23)

09.10.01.17 • 50:15 Md. R. 685 (7-28-23)

09.12.32.01—06 • 49:21 Md. R. 953 (10-7-22)

09.22.01.13 • 50:3 Md. R. 92 (2-10-23)

 

10 MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

 

     Subtitle 09 (2nd volume)

 

10.09.04.01,.03,.04,.07 • 50:7 Md. R. 307 (4-7-23)

10.09.06.02,.04,.06,.07,.09 • 50:11 Md. R. 448 (6-2-23)

10.09.07.08 • 50:7 Md. R. 309 (4-7-23)

10.09.08.01—.06,.09,.10 • 50:13 Md. R. 520 (6-30-23)

10.09.12.06,.07 • 50:6 Md. R. 222 (3-24-23)

10.09.16.01—.13 • 50:4 Md. R. 136 (2-24-23)

10.09.28.01,.02,.04,.06 • 50:13 Md. R. 522 (6-30-23)

10.09.30.01—.11 • 50:15 Md. R. 685 (7-28-23)

10.09.31.01,.03—.06 • 49:22 Md. R. 982 (10-21-22)

10.09.33.01,.02,.06,.07,.09 • 50:6 Md. R. 227 (3-24-23)

10.09.36.01—.03,.07,.09—.11 • 50:13 Md. R. 524 (6-30-23)

10.09.40.01—.06 • 50:1 Md. R. 13 (1-13-23)

10.09.41.03,.04,.07 • 50:16 Md. R. 730 (8-11-23)

10.09.52.01—.06 • 50:1 Md. R. 13 (1-13-23)

10.09.54.01,.04,.14,.16,.17,.22 • 50:3 Md. R. 94 (2-10-23)

10.09.56.22 • 50:4 Md. R. 140 (2-24-23)

10.09.62.01—.15 • 50:16 Md. R. 732 (8-11-23)

10.09.63.01—.06 • 50:13 Md. R. 526 (6-30-23)

10.09.69.04,.14,.17 • 50:16 Md. R. 737 (8-11-23)

10.09.76.01,.03,.05 • 50:1 Md. R. 13 (1-13-23)

10.09.89.09—.12,.14 • 50:6 Md. R. 230 (3-24-23)

 

     Subtitles 10—22 (3rd volume)

 

10.11.04.02,.04 • 50:15 Md. R. 689 (7-28-23)

10.14.08.01—.08 • 50:13 Md. R. 528 (6-30-23)

10.15.03.02,.27 • 50:15 Md. R. 690 (7-28-23)

10.19.07.02 • 50:13 Md. R. 530 (6-30-23)

10.19.08.01—.06 • 50:13 Md. R. 530 (6-30-23)

10.21.01.04,.08 • 49:23 Md. R. 1000 (11-4-22)

 

     Subtitles 23—36 (4th volume)

 

10.24.01.01—.22 • 50:14 Md. R. 597 (7-14-23)

10.26.02.02—.05 • 50:15 Md. R. 691 (7-28-23)

10.26.06.01—.03 • 50:15 Md. R. 691 (7-28-23)

10.27.01.05 • 50:13 Md. R. 532 (6-30-23)

10.28.01.01—.06 • 49:26 Md. R. 1084 (12-16-22)

10.34.34.02—.12 • 50:13 Md. R. 533 (6-30-23)

 

     Subtitles 37—52 (5th volume)

 

10.37.10.26 • 49:18 Md. R. 822 (8-26-22)

10.38.08.01—.08 • 50:15 Md. R. 693 (7-28-23)

10.38.13.01—.06 • 50:1 Md. R. 22 (1-13-23)

10.40.12.01—.06 • 49:26 Md. R. 1085 (12-16-22)

10.41.01.01—.04 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.02.01,.02,.04 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.03.02,.03,.05,.06 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.04.01,.02,.06,.08 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.05.01—.07 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.06.01—.06 • 49:26 Md. R. 1087 (12-16-22)

10.41.08.01-1,.02,.06,.08,.11,.12,.14 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.09.02 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.11.01—.10 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.41.13.02,.04 • 50:16 Md. R. 738 (8-11-23)

10.42.06.02,.03,.05—.11 • 50:15 Md. R. 695 (7-28-23)

10.42.10.01—.06 • 49:26 Md. R. 1088 (12-16-22)

10.43.17.01—.06 • 50:2 Md. R. 68 (1-27-23)

10.46.08.01—.06 • 49:27 Md. R. 1116 (12-30-22)

 

     Subtitles 53—68 (6th volume)

 

10.56.10.01—.06 • 49:27 Md. R. 1117 (12-30-22)

10.58.06.01—.06 • 49:26 Md. R. 1090 (12-16-22)

10.58.16.02,.13—.19 • 49:26 Md. R. 1090 (12-16-22)

10.63.01.02,.05 • 50:4 Md. R. 143 (2-24-23)

10.63.02.02 • 50:4 Md. R. 143 (2-24-23)

10.63.03.20,.21 • 50:4 Md. R. 143 (2-24-23)

10.64.01.15 • 50:15 Md. R. 698 (7-28-23)

10.65.10.01—.06 • 50:2 Md. R. 69 (1-27-23)

10.67.01.01 • 50:16 Md. R. 732 (8-11-23)

10.67.02.01 • 50:16 Md. R. 732 (8-11-23)

10.67.06.26-6 • 49:22 Md. R. 982 (10-21-22)

10.67.06.26-7 • 50:13 Md. R. 526 (6-30-23)

10.67.08.02 • 50:14 Md. R. 618 (7-14-23)

 

11 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 

     Subtitles 11—23 (MVA)

 

11.11.05.03 • 50:16 Md. R. 750 (8-11-23)

11.11.05.04 • 50:16 Md. R. 751 (8-11-23)

11.12.01.14 • 50:15 Md. R. 698 (7-28-23)

11.13.12.01,.04,.05,.09 • 50:16 Md. R. 752 (8-11-23)

11.15.40.01—.04 • 50:16 Md. R. 753 (8-11-23)

11.17.09.05 • 50:16 Md. R. 750 (8-11-23)

11.17.21.05 • 50:16 Md. R. 750 (8-11-23)

 

13A STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

13A.02.06.01,.02,.05—.07 • 50:14 Md. R. 620 (7-14-23)

13A.07.06.01—.15 • 50:14 Md. R. 621 (7-14-23) (ibr)

13A.12.01.01—.14 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.02.01—.29 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.03.01—.12 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.04.01—.16 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.05.01—.15 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.06.01—.09 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

13A.12.07.01—.08 • 50:14 Md. R. 633 (7-14-23)

                                   50:15 Md. R. 707 (7-28-23) (err)

13A.15.01.02 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

13A.15.04.03 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

13A.15.13.01—.10 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

13A.15.14.01—.09 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

13A.15.15.01—.08 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

13A.15.16.01—.04 • 49:24 Md. R. 1032 (11-18-22)

 

13B MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

 

13B.08.20.02—.13 • 50:4 Md. R. 158 (2-24-23)

 

14 INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

 

14.01.02.02,.03 • 50:15 Md. R. 699 (7-28-23)

14.01.03.01—.17 • 50:14 Md. R. 659 (7-14-23)

14.04.01.01 • 50:14 Md. R. 661 (7-14-23)

14.04.02.04—06 • 50:14 Md. R. 661 (7-14-23)

14.04.06.03,.07 • 50:14 Md. R. 661 (7-14-23)

14.04.09.01—.07 • 50:14 Md. R. 661 (7-14-23)

14.22.01.12,.14 • 50:13 Md. R. 534 (6-30-23)

14.35.07.22 • 50:13 Md. R. 535 (6-30-23)

14.35.19.03 • 50:16 Md. R. 754 (8-11-23)

14.35.20.01—.12 • 50:13 Md. R. 536 (6-30-23)

14.37.01.01 • 50:14 Md. R. 663 (7-14-23)

14.37.02.01—.11 • 50:14 Md. R. 663 (7-14-23)

14.37.03.01,.02 • 50:14 Md. R. 663 (7-14-23)

14.37.04.02 • 50:14 Md. R. 663 (7-14-23)

14.37.05.02 • 50:14 Md. R. 663 (7-14-23)

14.40.04.01—.03 • 50:15 Md. R. 700 (7-28-23)

14.40.05.03,.04 • 50:15 Md. R. 702 (7-28-23)

 

21 STATE PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

 

21.01.02.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.01.03.01,.01-1,.03 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.02.01.04 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.03.05.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.01.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.02.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.02.14 • 50:13 Md. R. 539 (6-30-23)

21.05.03.02 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.03.03 • 50:13 Md. R. 539 (6-30-23)

21.05.06.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.07.06 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.08.05 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.09.08 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.13.01,.03,.05 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.14.01—.06 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.05.15.01—.05 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.06.09.01 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.07.01.31 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.07.02.05-2 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.07.03.27 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.08.03.03 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.10.08.01,.02,.06 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.11.01.02,.06 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.11.03.03,.09,.17 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.11.03.10 • 50:13 Md. R. 539 (6-30-23)

21.11.05.01—.07 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.11.14.04 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

21.13.01.08,.14,.18 • 50:12 Md. R. 480 (6-16-23)

 

26 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

 

     Subtitles 01—07 (Part 1)

 

26.04.01.01,.01-1,.20,.37 • 50:3 Md. R. 106 (2-10-23) (ibr)

 

     Subtitles 08—12 (Part 2)

 

26.11.17.01,.04 • 50:11 Md. R. 455 (6-2-23)

26.11.34.02 • 50:10 Md. R. 417 (5-19-23)

 

30 MARYLAND INSTITUTE FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES SYSTEMS (MIEMSS)

 

30.09.12.04 • 50:13 Md. R. 541 (6-30-23)

30.09.14.04 • 50:13 Md. R. 541 (6-30-23)

 

33 STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS

 

33.01.01.01 • 50:15 Md. R. 703 (7-28-23)

33.02.03.01—.05 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.07.11.01,.02 • 50:15 Md. R. 703 (7-28-23)

33.12.02.01 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.13.10.05 • 50:12 Md. R. 492 (6-16-23)

33.13.13.06 • 50:12 Md. R. 492 (6-16-23)

33.13.21.01—.05 • 50:15 Md. R. 705 (7-28-23)

33.15.02.01 • 50:15 Md. R. 703 (7-28-23)

33.15.03.01,.02 • 50:15 Md. R. 703 (7-28-23)

33.17.04.06 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.17.05.03 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.17.07.01 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.18.01.02 • 50:15 Md. R. 705 (7-28-23)

33.19.01.01 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

33.19.02.01 • 50:13 Md. R. 542 (6-30-23)

 

The Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.11

(Amends Executive Order 01.01.1985.02)

Governor’s Council on the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed

 

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is committed to protecting the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Bays Watershed;

 

WHEREAS, Climate change, pollution, and sea-level rise threaten the State’s residents and economy;

 

WHEREAS, Cross-agency collaboration across all relevant agencies is critical to achieve improvements in the health of the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding Coastal Bays Watershed; and

 

WHEREAS, Innovative and emerging technology and industries, environmental and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education requirements, economic value in restoration, and connecting with underserved, overburdened and under- and unemployed communities is critical for maximizing outcomes for the Bay and surrounding watershed.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY THE VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY AMEND EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.1985.02 AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

A. Establishment. There is a Governor’s Council on the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed (“Council”).

B. Membership. The Council shall consist of the following members:

(1) The Secretary of Natural Resources;

(2) The Secretary of the Environment;

(3) The Secretary of Health;

(4) The Secretary of Agriculture;

(5) The Secretary of Planning;

(6) The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration;

(7) The Executive Director of the Maryland Environmental Service;

(8) The State’s Chief Resilience Officer; and

(9) Other officials of the Executive Branch that the Governor may designate.

(10) The President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences is invited to be, and shall be upon acceptance, a member of the Commission.

C. Chair. The Governor shall appoint a Chair from among the members of the Council.

D. Meetings of the Council.

(1) The Council shall meet at least quarterly to receive information and discuss issues of Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed management.

(2) The Council Chair may convene meetings of the Council and shall preside over the meetings.

E. Functions.  The principal functions of the Council are to:

(1) Advise and provide periodic recommendations to the Governor about matters related to the management of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed and surrounding areas, including but not limited to:

a. Progress in meeting the annual Statewide implementation plan;

b. Need for programmatic and budgetary adjustments;

c. The results and conduct of Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed monitoring programs;

d. Establishment of annual Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed research priorities; and

e. Maryland's participation on regional issues of Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed management;

(2) Promote interagency coordination and integration of Chesapeake and Coastal Bays Watershed related programs to:

a. Guide the State’s restoration and water quality improvement programs consistent with the most up-to-date scientific knowledge and technologies;

b. Accelerate the restoration of the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and local watersheds to ensure that all Marylanders have clean drinking water and accessible clean waterways;

c. Promote equity by focusing on the long-term, collective benefits of healthy watersheds and their connection to the health of Maryland’s environment, economy and people;

d. Ensure that investments in watershed restoration provide important climate resiliency benefits; and

e. Develop strategies to address the challenges and opportunities that the State’s population growth presents to Bay restoration and the environment overall;

(3) Develop and oversee the State’s coordinated environmental, cultural and natural resources infrastructure while pursuing innovative partnerships and funding opportunities;

(4) Seek regular input of Maryland citizens and stakeholders, particularly those representing underserved and overburdened communities.

F. Administration.

(1) The Council may establish working groups as necessary.

(2) The Council shall be staffed by Executive Department staff.

(3) The Council shall establish appropriate procedures to seek advice on issues related to research, management, and public participation.

G. This Executive Order shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable statutes and regulations. Nothing in this Executive Order shall operate to contravene any State or federal law or to affect the State’s receipt of federal funding.

H. If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or applications of the Executive Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

 

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the Town of Queenstown, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, this 20th Day of July, 2023.

WES MOORE
Governor

 

ATTEST:

SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State

[23-16-18]

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.12

Maryland’s Oyster Shell and Substrate Taskforce

 

WHEREAS, Increasing the abundance of the Eastern Oyster, a critical species for Maryland’s economy and water quality, is a priority of the Moore-Miller Administration;

 

WHEREAS, Oysters play a valuable role in creating reefs that clean water and provide habitat for critical species, including crabs and striped bass;

 

WHEREAS, Oysters are a defining species and their reefs a defining feature of the character and culture of the Chesapeake Bay; and

 

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is currently limited in its ability to process oyster shells for use in promoting oyster reproduction and must ship oyster shells out of state for processing, thus losing a valuable resource for the State and the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY THE VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

A. Establishment. There is a Maryland’s Oyster Shell and Substrate Taskforce (“Taskforce”), housed in the Department of Natural Resources.

B. Membership. The Taskforce shall be comprised of members, appointed by the Governor, representing the following sectors:

(1) The Secretary of Natural Resources or their designee;

(2) The Secretary of Commerce or their designee;

(3) A local government official;

(4) The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science;

(5) A commercial waterman;

(6) A recreational fisherman;

(7) An economist from one of the State’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities;

(8) The Oyster Recovery Partnership;

(9) A seafood company owner;

(10) A private oyster hatchery owner;

(11) The State’s aquaculture industry; and

(12) The State’s conservation community.

C. Chair. The Governor shall appoint a Chair from among the members of the Taskforce.  The Chair shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

D. Functions. The principal functions of the Taskforce are to:

(1) Identify strategies and solutions to retain shell, increase abundance and create an overall additive situation for oyster substrate across the Chesapeake Bay;

(2) Evaluate strategies based on the ability to meet the demand from the public fishery, aquaculture industry and restoration component in the near term and focusing on meeting needs for the growth of all three components; and

(3) Evaluate the economic impacts substrate has on the State and develop recommendations that take into consideration costs and benefits for the fishery.

E. Procedures.

(1) The Taskforce shall meet monthly.

(2) The Taskforce Chair may convene meetings of the Taskforce and shall preside over the meetings. 

(3) A majority of the Taskforce members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(4) The Taskforce may adopt other procedures as necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.

(5) The Taskforce shall be staffed by the Department of Natural Resources.

F. Reports.

(1) The Taskforce shall submit a report to the Governor containing recommendations for achieving a positive oyster shell and substrate environment by December 1, 2024.

(2) The Taskforce shall hire a consultant to facilitate the reporting to the Governor, in a manner consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

G. This Executive Order shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable statutes and regulations. Nothing in this Executive Order shall operate to contravene any State or federal law or to affect the State's receipt of federal funding.

H. If any provision of this Executive Order or its application to any person, entity, or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, all other provisions or applications of the Executive Order shall remain in effect to the extent possible without the invalid provision or application. To achieve this purpose, the provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

 

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Cambridge, Dorchester County, this 20th Day of July, 2023.

WES MOORE
Governor

 

ATTEST:

SUSAN C. LEE
Secretary of State

[23-16-19]

 

The Judiciary

SUPREME COURT OF MARYLAND

DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

     This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated July 17, 2023, ELLEN F. BIGHAM (CPF# 9106200014), as of July 17, 2023, Ellen F. Bigham’s name has been stricken from the register of attorneys in this Court Maryland Rule 19-761(b).

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

     This is to certify that by an Order of this Court dated July 28, 2023, BRIEN M. PENN (CPF# 0312170142), as of July 28, 2023, Brien M. Penn’s name has been replaced on the register of attorneys permitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of Maryland. Notice of this action is given in accordance with Maryland Rule 19-761(b).

[23-16-16]

 

 

Emergency Action on Regulations

Symbol Key

   Roman type indicates text existing before emergency status was granted.

   Italic type indicates new text.

   [Single brackets] indicate deleted text.

 

Emergency Regulations

Under State Government Article, §10-111(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, an agency may petition the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR), asking that the usual procedures for adopting regulations be set aside because emergency conditions exist. If the Committee approves the request, the regulations are given emergency status. Emergency status means that the regulations become effective immediately, or at a later time specified by the Committee. After the Committee has granted emergency status, the regulations are published in the next available issue of the Maryland Register. The approval of emergency status may be subject to one or more conditions, including a time limit. During the time the emergency status is in effect, the agency may adopt the regulations through the usual promulgation process. If the agency chooses not to adopt the regulations, the emergency status expires when the time limit on the emergency regulations ends. When emergency status expires, the text of the regulations reverts to its original language.

 

Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subtitle 15 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE REGISTRATION

11.15.40 Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax Credit

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 11-103.4, and 13-815, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Emergency Action

[23-157-E]

The Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review has granted emergency status to new Regulations .01—.04 under a new chapter, COMAR 11.15.40 Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax Credit.

Emergency status began: July 19, 2023.

Emergency status expires: December 31, 2023.

 

     Editor’s Note:  The text of this document will not be printed here because it appears as a Notice of Proposed Action on page 753 of this issue, referenced as [23-157-P]. 

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

 

Final Action on Regulations

 

Symbol Key

   Roman type indicates text already existing at the time of the proposed action.

   Italic type indicates new text added at the time of proposed action.

   Single underline, italic indicates new text added at the time of final action.

   Single underline, roman indicates existing text added at the time of final action.

   [[Double brackets]] indicate text deleted at the time of final action.

 

 

Title 03
COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY

Subtitle 06 SALES AND USE TAX

Notice of Final Action

[23-093-F]

On August 1, 2023, the Comptroller of the Treasury adopted:

(1) New Regulation .47 under COMAR 03.06.01 Sales and Use Tax; and

(2) Amendments to Regulations .02 and .03 under COMAR 03.06.03 Administrative and Procedural Regulations—Sales and Use, and Admissions and Amusement Taxes.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:12 Md. R. 478—479 (June 16, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

BROOKE LIERMAN
Comptroller of the Treasury

 

Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.01 Advanced Practice Nurse Services

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, 15-105, and 15-141.2, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-286-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .03 and .06 under COMAR 10.09.01 Advanced Practice Nurse Services. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 135—136 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.15 Podiatry Services

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, 15-105, and 15-141.2, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-291-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .03 and .07 under COMAR 10.09.15 Podiatry Services. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 136 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.27 Home Care for Disabled Children Under a Model Waiver

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, 15-105, and 15-141.2, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-344-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .01 and .03—.06 under COMAR 10.09.27 Home Care for Disabled Children Under a Model Waiver. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:6 Md. R. 225—227 (March 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.34 Therapeutic Behavioral Services

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, and 15-105, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-008-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulation .06 under COMAR 10.09.34 Therapeutic Behavioral Services. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:6 Md. R. 228—229 (March 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.48 Targeted Case Management for People with Developmental Disabilities

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, and 15-105, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-339-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulation .08 under COMAR 10.09.48 Targeted Case Management for People with Developmental Disabilities. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:6 Md. R. 229—230 (March 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.53 Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Nursing Services for Individuals Younger than 21 Years Old

Authority: Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 15-103, and 15-105, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-011-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Secretary of Health adopted amendments to Regulations .01 and .07 under COMAR 10.09.53 Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment: Nursing Services for Individuals Younger than 21 Years Old. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:7 Md. R. 311—312 (April 7, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Subtitle 15 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE REGISTRATION

11.15.22 Apportioned Registration of Fleet Vehicles

Authority: Transportation Article, §12-406, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-080-F]

On August 1, 2023, the Motor Vehicle Administration adopted the repeal of Regulation .17 under COMAR 11.15.22 Apportioned Registration of Fleet Vehicles. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:12 Md. R. 479 (June 16, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Subtitle 17 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—DRIVER LICENSING AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

11.17.13 Point System: Definition of Moving Violation and Assessment of Points

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b) and 16-402, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-305-F]

On July 21, 2023, the Motor Vehicle Administration adopted amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 11.17.13 Point System: Definition of Moving Violation and Assessment of Points. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:10 Md. R. 408 (May 19, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Title 13A
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Subtitle 03 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

Notice of Final Action

[23-078-F]

On July 25, 2023, the State Board of Education adopted amendments to:

(1) Regulations .02, .04, .06, .07, .09, and .09-1 under COMAR 13A.03.02 Graduation Requirements for Public High Schools in Maryland; and

(2) Regulations .01 and .02 under COMAR 13A.03.04 Test Administration and Data-Reporting Policies and Procedures.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:11 Md. R. 449—452 (June 2, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

MOHAMMED CHOUDHURY
State Superintendent of Schools

 

Title 13B
MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION

Notice of Final Action

[22-329-F]

On April 26, 2023, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted:

(1) Amendments to Regulation .17 under COMAR 13B.01.01 Minimum Requirements for Private Career Schools; and

(2) Amendments to Regulations .01, .06, and .11 and new Regulation .14 under COMAR 13B.02.06 Additional Requirements for For-Profit Institutions of Higher Education.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 153—155 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

SANJAY RAI, PH.D.
Acting Secretary of Higher Education

 

Subtitle 03 FIRE-RESCUE EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMISSION

13B.03.01 Certification Standards and Procedures for Emergency Services Instructors

Authority: Education Article, §11-105 and Title 11, Subtitle 5, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-326-F]

On April 26, 2023, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted amendments to Regulations .03 and .13 under COMAR 13B.03.01 Certification Standards and Procedures for Emergency Services Instructors. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 155—156 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

SANJAY RAI, PH.D.
Acting Secretary of Higher Education

 

Subtitle 07 COMMUNITY COLLEGES

13B.07.02 General Regulations and Policies for Community Colleges

Authority: Education Article, §§15-106.11 and §16-305, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-325-F]

On April 26, 2023, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted amendments to Regulation .03 under COMAR 13B.07.02 General Regulations and Policies for Community Colleges. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 156 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

SANJAY RAI, PH.D.
Acting Secretary of Higher Education

 

Subtitle 08 FINANCIAL AID

13B.08.12 Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program

Authority: Education Article, §§11-105(u), 18-204(c), and 18-604, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-327-F]

On April 26, 2023, the Maryland Higher Education Commission adopted new Regulations .01—.08 under a new chapter, COMAR 13B.08.12 Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:4 Md. R. 156—158 (February 24, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

SANJAY RAI, PH.D.
Acting Secretary of Higher Education

 

Title 20
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

Subtitle 50 SERVICE SUPPLIED BY ELECTRIC COMPANIES

Notice of Final Action

[23-022-F]

On July 18, 2023, the Maryland Public Service Commission adopted:

(1) Amendments to Regulation .03 under COMAR 20.50.01 General;

(2) Amendments to Regulation .02 under COMAR 20.50.02 Engineering;

(3) Amendments to Regulation .04 under COMAR 20.50.03 Records and Reports;

(4) Amendments to Regulation .01 under COMAR 20.50.11 Deanna Camille Green Rule — Contact Voltage Survey Requirement and Reporting; and

(5) Amendments to Regulations .01, .02, .04, .05, and .08—.14 and new Regulations .15—.18 under COMAR 20.50.12 Service Quality and Reliability Standards.

This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:10 Md. R. 410—417 (May 19, 2023), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

Attorney General’s Certification

In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and the basis for this conclusion are as follows:

Regulation .08: This nonsubstantive change was made in order to clarify that the subsections First Call Resolution, Average Handling Time, and Vulnerable Individuals Notified Before Storms shall be included in each utility's annual performance report.

 

20.50.12 Service Quality and Reliability Standards

Authority: Public Utilities Article, §§7-213, 13-201, and 13-202, Annotated Code of Maryland

.08 Customer Communications Standards.

A.—C. (proposed text unchanged)

D. Other Customer Communications Information.

[[(1)]] Each utility shall state in its supplemental annual performance report:

[[(a)]] (1)[[(b)]] (2) (proposed text unchanged)

[[(2)]] (3)[[(4)]] (5) (proposed text unchanged)

E.—H. (proposed text unchanged)  

ANDREW S. JOHNSTON
Executive Secretary

 

Subtitle 85 CONSTRUCTION OF UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

20.85.03 Residential Electric Underground Facilities

Authority: Public Utilities Article, §§2-121 and 5-101, and Title 12, Subtitle 1, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-023-F]

On July 18, 2023, the Maryland Public Service Commission  adopted the repeal of Regulation .09 under COMAR 20.85.03 Residential Electric Underground Facilities. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:10 Md. R. 417 (May 19, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

ANDREW S. JOHNSTON
Executive Secretary

 

Title 26
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Subtitle 04 REGULATION OF WATER SUPPLY, SEWAGE DISPOSAL, AND SOLID WASTE

26.04.12 On-Site Wastewater Property Transfer Inspection License

Authority:  Environment Article, §9-217.2, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[22-182-F]

On August 2, 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment adopted new Regulations .01—.07 under a new chapter, COMAR 26.04.12 On-Site Wastewater Property Transfer Inspection License. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:2 Md. R. 73—74 (January 27, 2023), has been adopted with the nonsubstantive changes shown below.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

Attorney General’s Certification

In accordance with State Government Article, §10-113, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Attorney General certifies that the following changes do not differ substantively from the proposed text. The nature of the changes and the basis for this conclusion are as follows:

The changes resolve an internal inconsistency in the minimum number of exam questions by subcategory between Regulations .04 and .05. and a typographical error.

.04 Training Course Requirements.

A. A training course for an on-site wastewater property transfer inspection license shall include:

(1)—(4) (proposed text unchanged)

(5) A closed book examination with a minimum of 100 multiple choice questions with:

(a) (proposed text unchanged)

(b) [[20]] 15 questions specific to the Department standard inspection form; and

(c) [[20]] 10 questions specific to final inspection determinations regarding replacement or repair to an on-site wastewater system.

B.—C. (proposed text unchanged)

.05 Training Course Provider Requirements.

A.—J. (proposed text unchanged)

K. Unless the Department [[withdrawals]] withdraws the approval of the training provider or a training course such approval shall remain valid for 1 year.

L.—N. (proposed text unchanged)

SERENA MCILWAIN
Secretary of the Environment

 

Title 31
MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

Subtitle 04 INSURERS

31.04.22 Title Insurers

Authority: Insurance Article, §§2-108, 2-109, 10-121, and 10-128.1, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-092-F]

On August 1, 2023, the Maryland Insurance Administration adopted amendments to Regulations .02—.07 under COMAR 31.04.22 Title Insurers. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:12 Md. R. 491—492 (June 16, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

KATHLEEN A. BIRRANE
Insurance Commissioner

 

Subtitle 10 HEALTH INSURANCE—GENERAL

31.10.06 Standards for Medicare Supplement Policies

Authority: Health-General Article, §§19-705 and 19-706; Insurance Article, §§2-109 and 8-403(b), Title 15, Subtitle 9, and Title 27; Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Final Action

[23-059-F]

On July 14, 2023, the Maryland Insurance Administration adopted amendments to Regulation .06 under COMAR 31.10.06 Standards for Medicare Supplement Policies. This action, which was proposed for adoption in 50:9 Md. R. 385 (May 5, 2023), has been adopted as proposed.

Effective Date: August 21, 2023.

KATHLEEN A. BIRRANE
Insurance Commissioner

 

Proposed Action on Regulations

 


Title 10
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.41 Employed Individuals with Disabilities

Authority: Health-General Article, §15-138, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-160-P]

The Secretary of Health proposes to amend Regulations .03, .04, and .07 under COMAR 10.09.41 Employed Individuals with Disabilities. At this time, the Secretary of Health also withdraws the amendments to Regulations .04 and .07 under COMAR 10.09.41 Employed Individuals with Disabilities that were proposed in 49:16 Md. R. 762—763 (July 29, 2022).

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to expand the eligible population for the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program by establishing less restrictive financial eligibility requirements and setting new premium levels for higher-income participants

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. The proposed action establishes less restrictive financial eligibility requirements and sets new premium levels for higher income participants. The Department anticipates this action to both increase enrollment in the EID program, as well as additional revenue from premiums to offset the costs. The Department expects the total Fiscal Year 2024 expenditures to be $3,258,144. The Department anticipates increased revenues to total $937,314.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity

Revenue (R+/R-)

Expenditure

(E+/E-)

Magnitude

A. On issuing agency:

 

 

(1) Maryland Department of Health

(R+)

$937,314

(2) Maryland Department of Health

(E+)

$3,258,144

B. On other State agencies:

NONE

 

C. On local governments:

NONE

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit (+)

Cost (-)

Magnitude

D. On regulated industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

E. On other industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

F. Direct and indirect effects on public:

NONE

 

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

A(1). The Department estimates that the 1,211 new participants will be subject to a $129 PMPM premium.

(a) The increase in revenue is therefore estimated to be $156,219 per month.

(b) The Department anticipates a January 1, 2024, effective date, bringing the total Fiscal Year 2024 revenue increase to $937,314.

A(2). The Department estimates that 1,211 new participants will enroll in the Program following the eligibility expansion.

(a) The Department estimates that these new participants will be covered at a cost of $448.41 per member per month (PMPM).

(b) The increase in expenditure is therefore estimated to be $543,024 per month.

(c) The Department anticipates a January 1, 2024, effective date, bringing the total Fiscal Year 2024 expenditures to $3,258,144.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has a meaningful economic impact on small businesses. An analysis of this economic impact follows:

Providers, qualifying as small businesses, that serve EID enrollees stand to benefit from increased revenue as 1,211 new participants are projected to enroll as a result of the proposed action.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has an impact on individuals with disabilities as follows:

The purpose of the proposed action is to enable more employed Marylanders with disabilities to qualify for low-cost health care through the EID Medicaid buy-in program.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Jourdan Green, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of Health, 201 West Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201,  or call 410-767-6499 (TTY 800-735-2258), or email to mdh.regs@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.03 Nonfinancial Eligibility.

A. (text unchanged)

B. An applicant or [recipient] participant meets the nonfinancial eligibility requirements for Medical Assistance benefits under this regulation if the applicant or [recipient] participant:

(1) Is [18] 16 years old or older, but younger than 65 years old;

(2)—(5) (text unchanged)

C. (text unchanged)

.04 Financial Eligibility.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Consideration of Income.

(1) Except as provided in §B(2) or C of this regulation, the Department shall determine, in accordance with the policies and procedures for aged, blind, or disabled coverage groups specified at COMAR 10.09.24, [whether an applicant or recipient meets the income standards for eligibility for the EID coverage group] the countable net income of an EID applicant or participant for purposes of determining the applicable premium amount under Regulation .07 of this chapter.

(2)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) Income Standards. [For an applicant or recipient to be eligible for Medical Assistance benefits under this chapter, the total countable net income attributed to the applicant’s or recipient’s assistance unit pursuant to §B of this regulation may not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level for a family unit size equivalent to the number of individuals in the assistance unit, determined in accordance with §A of this regulation.] Effective January 1, 2024, no income standard applies to applicants or participant under this chapter.

C. Consideration of Resources.

(1) Except as provided in this section [or §D of this regulation], whether an applicant [or recipient] meets the resource standards for eligibility for the EID coverage group shall be determined according to the policies and procedures for aged, blind, or disabled coverage groups specified in COMAR 10.09.24.

(2) To determine the total countable resources of an [assistance unit] applicant, the Department shall apply the general resource exclusions and specific resource exclusions for aged, blind, or disabled coverage groups specified in COMAR 10.09.24 to the total gross resources of the [assistance unit] applicant.

(3) From the total countable resources of the [assistance unit] applicant determined pursuant to §C(1) and (2) of this regulation, the Department shall subtract the aggregate current cash value of the [assistance unit’s] applicant’s or participant’s ownership interest in any of the following types of accounts:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(c) Pension plan; [or]

(d) Keogh plan[.];

(e) Individual retirement account (IRA);

(f) Independence Account; or

(g) Other retirement accounts as defined by the IRS.

(4) For an applicant or participant to be eligible for Medical Assistance benefits under this chapter, the countable resources attributed to the applicant’s or participant’s assistance unit pursuant to §§C and D of this regulation may not exceed $10,000 for an individual.

[D. Resource Standards. For an applicant or recipient to be eligible for Medical Assistance benefits under this chapter, the countable resources attributed to the applicant’s or recipient’s assistance unit pursuant to §D of this regulation may not exceed:

(1) $10,000 for an individual; and

(2) $15,000 for an individual with a spouse.]

D. Independence Accounts.

(1) Account Provisions.

(a) Contributions to any of the participant’s registered Independence Accounts are subject to the rules described in this section and to any policies of the respective financial institution governing the account.

(b) All contributions to the participant’s Independence Account or accounts, including interest, dividends, or other gains from the principal, shall be treated as an exempt asset for the purpose of calculating eligibility for Medical Assistance and the EID program.

(c) The purpose of an Independence Account is to allow the participant to purchase any items or services that may aid in the participant’s pursuit of personal or financial independence.

(d) The EID participant shall be the sole owner of any account registered as an Independence Account.

(e) The Department shall assess the participant’s Independence Account as a part of the verification process at redetermination for Medical Assistance. The review process shall include verifying all contributions to the participant’s Independence Account with the financial institution holding the participant’s account.

(f) The total amount a participant deposits in all independence accounts during an annual certification period may not exceed the participant’s gross earned income for that annual certification period.

(2) Independence Account Registration.

(a) A person shall complete an account registration form to register an applicable account as an Independence Account with the Department.

(b) A person shall re-register the Independence Account with the Department if the financial institution or other information for the Independence Account changes.

(c) The applicant or participant shall report any changes in personal or financial status that may affect the applicant’s or participant’s eligibility for Medical Assistance as described in COMAR 10.09.24.

(d) For all registered Independence Accounts, the date of account creation may be no earlier than the date an EID participant is determined eligible for Medical Assistance under this section.

(e) For all registered Independence Accounts, the funds in the Independence Account shall be held separate from the participant’s non-exempt assets.

.07 Premium.

A. Submission of Premium.

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) An applicant or [recipient] participant whose assistance unit has income:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) Above 200 percent, but at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level, shall pay a monthly premium of $40; [or]

(c) Above 250 percent, but at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, shall pay a monthly premium of $55[.];

(d) Above 300 percent, but at or below 450 percent of the federal poverty level, shall pay a monthly premium of 4 percent of the monthly net countable income determined under Regulation .04B of this chapter;

(e) Above 450 percent, but at or below 600 percent of the federal poverty level, shall pay a monthly premium of 5 percent of the monthly net countable income determined under Regulation .04B of this chapter; or

(f) Above 600 percent of the federal poverty level, shall pay a monthly premium of 7.5 percent of the monthly net countable income determined under Regulation .04B of this chapter.

(4)—(6) (text unchanged)

B.—C. (text unchanged)

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-124-P]

The Secretary of Health proposes to :

(1) Adopt new Regulations .01—.15 under a new chapter, COMAR 10.09.62 Separate Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and CHIP Health Services Initiative Eligibility;

(2) Amend Regulation .01 under COMAR 10.67.01 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Definitions; and

(3) Amend Regulation .01 under COMAR 10.67.02 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Eligibility and Enrollment.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Expand covered services to include coverage for noncitizen pregnant individuals and their children younger than 1 year old in accordance with Ch. 28 (H.B. 1080), Acts of 2022, Maryland Medical Assistance Program—Healthy Babies Equity Act; and

(2) Update COMAR 10.67.01 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Definitions and COMAR 10.67.02 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Eligibility and Enrollment to reflect the expanded coverage.

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. The fiscal impact of this proposal is estimated to be $163,500,000 in Fiscal Year 2024. As MDH already covers labor and delivery costs and coverage for newborns up to 1 year old for this population, the additional costs will be for prenatal and postpartum care, including both full medical and dental coverage.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity

Revenue (R+/R-)

Expenditure

(E+/E-)

Magnitude

A. On issuing agency:

 

 

Maryland Department of Health

(E+)

$163,500,000

B. On other State agencies:

NONE

 

C. On local governments:

NONE

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit (+)

Cost (-)

Magnitude

D. On regulated industries or trade groups:

 

 

Maryland Medicaid providers

(+)

$163,500,000

E. On other industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

F. Direct and indirect effects on public:

NONE

 

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

A. The amount assumes:

(1) For dates of service beginning July 1, 2023, Medicaid will begin reimbursing for medical and dental services for noncitizen pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals. Presently, Medicaid does not cover these services for this group.

(2) The estimated number of participants who will be eligible for the new coverage group is 6,000.

(3) Medicaid estimates it will reimburse prenatal services at a rate of approximately $2,755 per member per month (PMPM) and provide participants with coverage with 9 months of coverage; postpartum coverage is estimated to cost $615 PMPM and will be covered for 4 months.

(3) The total impact of this new benefit in FY 2024 is estimated to be $163,500,000.

(4) This amount is subject to a 65 percent blended federal match ($106,300,00 federal funds; $57,200,000 general funds).

D. See A. above.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has a meaningful economic impact on small businesses. An analysis of this economic impact follows:

The proposed action expands coverage to non-citizen pregnant people and their children younger than 1 year old effective July 1, 2023. To the extent that providers who qualify as small businesses render services to newly eligible Maryland Medicaid adult participants, they will benefit from the reimbursement of services rendered to the new coverage population.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Jourdan Green, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of  Health, 201 West Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-6499 (TTY 800-735-2258), or email to mdh.regs@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.62 Separate Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and CHIP Health Services Initiative Eligibility

Authority: Estates and Trusts Article, §14.5-1002; Health-General Article, §§2-104(b), 2-105(b), 15-103, 15-105, 15-121, and 15-401—15-407; Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Purpose and Scope.

A. This chapter governs the determination of eligibility for the separate Children’s Health Insurance Program (separate CHIP) and the CHIP Health Services Initiative with an income standard based on the modified adjusted gross income methodology specified in the Affordable Care Act of 2010, effective January 1, 2014.

B. Eligibility for the separate CHIP Program may be established for a targeted low-income child from conception to birth when the birthing parent would qualify for Medicaid but for their immigration status, when the family income is equal to or less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

C. Eligibility for the CHIP Health Services Initiative for the birthing parent of a targeted low-income child may be established beginning on the first day of the month following the end of the pregnancy and ending on the last day of the fourth month after the pregnancy ends if the targeted low-income child applied for the separate CHIP Program on or before the day prior to their birth and was subsequently found eligible for the separate CHIP Program.

.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Affordable Care Act” means the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Pub.L.111-148), as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (Pub.L.111-152), as amended by the Three Percent Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act (Pub.L.112-56).

(2) Applicant.

(a) “Applicant” means an individual whose written application for the separate CHIP Program has been submitted to the local health department or the local department of social services but has not received final action.

(b) “Applicant” includes an individual whose application is submitted through a representative.

(3) “Application” means the filing of a written, telephonic, or electronic signed application for health coverage in an insurance affordability program to the Department or its designee.

(4) “Application date” means the date on which a written, telephonic, or electronic signed application is received by the Department or its designee.

(5) “Authorized representative” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.01.04.12.

(6) “Birthing parent” means the individual who gives birth to the targeted low-income child who is enrolled in the separate CHIP Program on the day prior to their birth.

(7) “CHIP Health Services Initiative” means services offered to improve the health of low-income children pursuant to §2105(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Social Security Act.

(8) “Department” means the Maryland Department of Health.

(9) “Determination” means a decision regarding an applicant’s eligibility for the separate CHIP Program.

(10) “Eligibility worker” means an employee of the local health department, or the local department of social services, responsible for determining the eligibility of applicants and participants.

(11) “Family members” means those individuals living with the applicant whose income is counted as household income under Regulation .07B of this chapter.

(12) “Federal poverty level” means the nonfarm income official poverty level as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with §673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.

(13) “Inpatient services” means services received by a participant while in a medical institution, birthing center, or clinic for which Medical Assistance is provided.

(14) “Institution for mental diseases” means an institution which falls within the jurisdiction of Health-General Article, §19-307(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland, and is licensed under COMAR 10.07.04.

(15) “Insurance affordability program” means a program that is one of the following:

(a) Maryland Medicaid;

(b) The Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), including the program known as Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) Premium;

(c) The separate CHIP Program;

(d) An optional state basic health program established under §1331 of the Affordable Care Act;

(e) A program that makes available to qualified individuals coverage in a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange with advance payments of the premium tax credit established under 26 U.S.C. §36B of the Internal Revenue Code; or

(f) A program that makes available coverage in a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange with cost-sharing reductions established under 42 U.S.C. §1402 of the Affordable Care Act.

(16) “Living together” means sharing a common household.

(17) “MAGI” means modified adjusted gross income, as calculated for purposes of determining eligibility for insurance affordability programs under the Affordable Care Act.

(18) “Maryland Health Benefit Exchange” means the unit of State government that determines initial and continuing eligibility for the MAGI-based insurance affordability programs, including, by delegation, certain eligibility in the program.

(19) “Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.24.02.

(20) “Period under consideration” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.24.02.

(21) “Postpartum period” means the period of time beginning on the first day of the month following the end of the pregnancy and ending on the last day of the fourth month after the pregnancy ends.

(22) “Public institution” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.24.02.

(23) “Qualified alien” has the meaning defined in 8 U.S.C. §1641.

(24) “Participant” means an individual who is certified as eligible for the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

(25) “Redetermination” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.24.02.

(26) “Separate CHIP Program” means the program for targeted low-income children established under Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

(27) “Spouse” has the meaning stated in COMAR 10.09.24.02.

(28) “Targeted low-income child” means an individual who qualifies for the Maryland Children’s Health Program from conception to birth when the birthing parent is not eligible for Medicaid as a citizen or qualified alien, when the family income is equal to or less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

(29) “Title XIX” means the title of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. §1396 et seq., which governs establishment of a medical assistance program for low-income individuals.

(30) “Title XXI” means the title of the Social Security Act through which funding is provided, in part, for the separate CHIP Program.

.03 Coverage Groups.

A. Eligibility for the separate CHIP Program may be established for a targeted low-income child from conception to birth when the:

(1) Birthing parent is not a citizen or qualified alien; and

(2) Family income is equal to or less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.

B. Eligibility for the CHIP Health Services Initiative may be established for a birthing parent for postpartum coverage if a targeted low-income child applied for the separate CHIP Program on or before the day prior to their birth and was subsequently found eligible for the separate CHIP Program.

.04 Application.

A. The Department or its designee shall determine eligibility for a targeted low-income child and a birthing parent.

B. The Department or its designee shall give oral, written, or electronic information about the separate CHIP Program and CHIP Health Services Initiative such as:

(1) Requirements for eligibility;

(2) Available services;

(3) An individual’s rights and responsibilities;

(4) Information in plain English, supported by translation services; and

(5) Information accessible to disabled individuals requesting an application.

C. An individual requesting health coverage from an insurance affordability program shall be given an opportunity to apply.

D. The Department or its designee shall make the application available to the individual without delay by telephone, by mail, in person, or by internet or other available electronic means, and in a manner accessible to disabled individuals requesting an application.

E. A resident temporarily absent from the State but intending to return may apply for health coverage from an insurance affordability program by telephone, by mail, in person, or by internet or other available electronic means to the Department or its designee in any jurisdiction. The individual shall:

(1) Demonstrate continued residency in the State; and

(2) Meet all nonfinancial and financial requirements to be determined eligible.

F. Application Filing and Signature Requirements.

(1) An individual who wishes to apply for health coverage under an insurance affordability program shall submit a written, telephonic, or electronic application signed under penalty of perjury to the Department or its designee in any jurisdiction. An applicant is responsible for completing the application but may be assisted in the completion by an individual of the applicant’s choice.

(2) For the purpose of establishing eligibility of a child applicant who is neither pregnant nor postpartum, a parent or stepparent living with the child shall complete and sign the written, telephonic, or electronic application. If the child does not live with a parent, an authorized representative who is 21 years old or older shall complete and sign the application.

G. The date of application shall be the date on which a written, telephonic, or electronic signed application is received by the Department or its designee. The application may be mailed or submitted electronically to the Department or its designee.

H. An individual who has filed a written, telephonic, or electronic application may voluntarily withdraw that application, but the application remains the property of the Department or its designee and the withdrawal does not affect the periods under consideration specified under §I of this regulation.

I. Period Under Consideration.

(1) The Department or its designee shall establish a current period under consideration based on the date of application established under §G of this regulation.

(2) For a targeted low-income child, the period under consideration is from conception to birth, and for retroactive eligibility, the 1, 2, or 3 months immediately preceding the month of application for the separate CHIP Program if those months are prior to the birth.

(3) For the birthing parent, the period under consideration is the postpartum period and contingent on the application of the targeted low-income child on or before the last day of the fourth month after the pregnancy ends.

J. Processing applications time limitations shall operate in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 10.09.24.04.

K. Required Information. All information needed to determine eligibility for the separate CHIP Program and CHIP Health Services Initiative shall be reported. When there is evidence of inconsistency between information attested by the applicant and data reported by the State and federal databases, the applicant shall be required to offer an explanation and appropriate verification to reconcile the inconsistency.

.05 Application — Additional Requirements.

A. Third-Party Liability.

(1) A participant shall notify the Department or its designee within 10 working days when medical treatment has been provided as a result of a motor vehicle accident or other occurrence in which a third party might be liable for the participant’s medical expenses.

(2) A participant shall cooperate with the Department or its designee in completing a form designated by the Department to report all pertinent information and in collecting available health insurance benefits and other third-party payments.

(3) In accident situations, a participant shall notify the Department or its designee of the:

(a) Time, date, and location of the accident;

(b) Name and address of the participant’s attorney;

(c) Names and addresses of all parties and witnesses to the accident; and

(d) Police report number if an investigation is made.

B. The Department or its designee shall:

(1) Maintain a written or electronic record including documentation of any required elements of eligibility; and

(2) Restrict disclosure of information concerning a participant to purposes directly connected with the administration of the Medical Assistance Program, including:

(a) Establishing eligibility;

(b) Determining the extent of coverage under Medical Assistance;

(c) Providing services for participants; and

(d) Conducting or assisting an investigation, prosecution, or civil or criminal proceeding related to the administration of the Medical Assistance Program.

C. An applicant or participant shall give consent to verify information needed to establish eligibility to the Department or its designee, by submitting a written, telephonic, or electronic application.

.06 Nonfinancial Eligibility Requirements.

A. Individuals qualifying for coverage under this section are not required to provide a Social Security number or meet satisfactory immigration status.

B. Residency. To be eligible for benefits under this chapter, an individual shall be a resident of Maryland, in accordance with the requirements of COMAR 10.09.24.05-3.

C. Age. To be eligible for benefits under this chapter, a birthing parent shall apply for coverage before the last day of the fourth month after the pregnancy ends, regardless of the birthing parent’s age.

D. Inmate of a Public Institution. To receive benefits under this chapter, a targeted low-income child or birthing parent may not be an inmate of a public institution, as specified in COMAR 10.09.24.05-5B.

E. Institution for Mental Diseases. To be eligible for benefits under this chapter, a targeted low-income child or birthing parent may not be a patient in an institution for mental diseases, unless such individuals are eligible in accordance with COMAR 10.09.24.05-5C.

F. No Private Health Insurance. In order to be eligible for benefits under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, a targeted low-income child or birthing parent whose income is equal to 133 percent but less than 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may not be covered by an employer-sponsored health benefit plan.

G. Required Information.

(1) An applicant shall report to the Department all information needed to determine eligibility for the separate CHIP Program and CHIP Health Services Initiative.

(2) When there is evidence of inconsistency between information attested by the applicant and data reported by the State and federal databases, the applicant shall be required to offer an explanation and appropriate verification to reconcile the inconsistency.

.07 Consideration of Household Income.

A. The applicant shall report the income of any family member, except for the income of a member that does not file a federal tax return and is not claimed as a federal tax dependent.

B. Determining Countable Household Income.

(1) In determining an applicant’s financial eligibility for the separate CHIP Program, the applicant’s current household income is considered.

(2) For the targeted low-income child applicant, household income shall consist of the income of the child applicant and the following family members when living with the child applicant:

(a) The child applicant’s parents; and

(b) At the option of the child applicant’s parents, any of the child applicant’s siblings.

C. When an individual has regular income the amount to be considered is that which is available or can reasonably be expected to be available for a projected period of 12 months, including the month of application.

D. Treatment of Income.

(1) Countable gross income for the separate CHIP Program shall be the household income calculated according to MAGI.

(2) MAGI income limits shall be:

(a) Converted from traditional income limits to account for elimination of income disregards; and

(b) Increased by 5 percentage points of the federal poverty level for the following circumstances:

(i) When an individual’s income exceeds the Medicaid income standard; and

(ii) The income standard is the highest income standard under which the individual can be determined eligible.

(3) Household Composition. For purposes of determining the income standard applicable to an applicant or participant, the following rules apply:

(a) An individual plus anyone for whom the individual claims personal exemption shall be included in the federal tax filing unit in the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made;

(b) For an individual who does not file a federal tax return and is not claimed as a federal tax dependent in the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made, the household size shall consist of the individual and the following individuals:

(i) Spouse; and

(ii) Natural, adopted, or step children;

(c) In the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made, the household size of a child applicant shall consist of the child and the following individuals:

(i) Natural, adopted, or step parents; and

(ii) Natural, adopted, or step siblings;

(d) In the case of a married couple living together, each spouse shall be included in the household of the other spouse, regardless of whether they expect to file a joint federal tax return in the taxable year in which an initial determination or renewal of eligibility is being made; and

(e) For a child applicant, the household size shall consist of the child and the following individuals:

(i) Natural, adopted, or step parents; and

(ii) Natural, adopted, or step siblings.

(4) No resources or assets test may be applied to an applicant or participant who is subject to a MAGI-based income test.

.08 Determining Financial Eligibility.

An applicant is financially eligible for the separate CHIP Program or the CHIP Health Services Initiative if, for the period under consideration, the applicant’s countable household income as determined under Regulation .07 of this chapter does not exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty level for a family size equal to the size of the family of the applicant.

.09 Certification Periods.

A. For a targeted low-income child, certification for the separate CHIP Program begins:

(1) On the first day of the month of application, no earlier than conception, and continues until the last day of the month in which the pregnancy ends; or

(2) For retroactive coverage, if medical expenses were incurred during the earlier months:

(a) 3 months before the month of application but no earlier than conception; and

(b) Continues until the last day of the month in which the pregnancy ends.

B. For the birthing parent of a targeted low-income child, certification for the CHIP Health Services Initiative begins:

(1) On the first day of the month following the end of the pregnancy, and continues until the last day of the fourth month after the pregnancy ends;

(2) For retroactive coverage, if medical expenses were incurred during the earlier months:

(a) 3 months before the month of application, if those months are not prior to the last day of the month in which the pregnancy ends; and

(b) Continues until the last day of the month in which the pregnancy ends.

.10 Covered Services.

A. A targeted low-income child certified for the separate CHIP Program is entitled to all health benefits through the Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program.

B. A birthing parent certified for the CHIP Health Services Initiative is entitled to all health benefits through the Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program.

.11 Post-Eligibility Requirements.

A. Notice of Eligibility Determination. The Department or its designee shall inform an applicant of the applicant’s legal rights and obligations and give the applicant written or electronic notification of the following:

(1) For eligible individuals:

(a) The basis and effective date for eligibility;

(b) Instructions for reporting changes that may affect the participants’ eligibility; and

(c) The right to request a hearing; or

(2) For ineligible individuals:

(a) A finding of ineligibility, the reason for the finding, and the regulation supporting the finding;

(b) Information regarding application for MAGI Exempt coverage groups; and

(c) The right to request a hearing.

B. Participant Responsibility.

(1) After an individual has been determined to be eligible for the separate CHIP Program and is enrolled in the separate CHIP Program, the participant or the participant’s representative shall:

(a) Within 10 days of the occurrence, notify the Department if there is a change in the participant’s, the participant’s parent’s, or the participant’s guardian’s:

(i) Income;

(ii) Employment;

(iii) Address; or

(iv) Health insurance coverage status;

(b) Limit use of the Medical Assistance card to the individual whose name appears on the card; and

(c) When written or electronic notice of cancellation is received, discontinue use of the Medical Assistance card on the first day of ineligibility and return the card to the Department.

(2) Failure to comply with §B(1) of this regulation may result in:

(a) The termination of assistance; or

(b) Referral to the Department for fraud investigation, or for criminal or civil prosecution.

(3) A participant shall cooperate with the Department’s quality control and audit review process, including verification of all information pertinent to the determination of eligibility.

(4) If the participant refuses to cooperate, the participant’s coverage shall be terminated subject to timely and adequate notice under COMAR 10.01.04.03.

C. Unscheduled Redetermination.

(1) The Department or its designee shall:

(a) Promptly make an unscheduled redetermination of a child participant’s eligibility when changes in circumstances or relevant facts are:

(i) Reported by someone on the participant’s behalf; or

(ii) Brought to the attention of the Department or its designee from other responsible sources;

(b) Notify the participant that redetermination is required to establish continuing eligibility; and

(c) Notify the participant of the required information and verifications needed to determine eligibility and the time standards in acting in the redetermination process.

(2) Eligibility Decisions. Participants who are determined:

(a) Eligible for the remainder of the certification period shall be sent notice in accordance with §A(1) of this regulation; or

(b) Ineligible because of a change in circumstances or failure to establish eligibility following a change in circumstance shall be sent notice in accordance with §A(2) of this regulation.

(3) A participant whose eligibility has been canceled may reapply at any time after the cancellation of eligibility and a new period under consideration shall be established.

D. Scheduled Redetermination. Except for children eligible as newborns of eligible individuals the Department or its designee shall make a scheduled redetermination of a child participant’s eligibility at least every 12 months.

.12 Hearings.

The requirements relating to hearings under COMAR 10.01.04 apply to this chapter.

.13 Fraud and Abuse.

The requirements relating to fraud and abuse under COMAR 10.09.24.14 apply to this chapter.

.14 Adjustments and Recoveries.

The requirements relating to adjustments and recoveries under COMAR 10.09.24.15, except for COMAR 10.09.24.15A(1) and (2), apply to this chapter.

.15 Interpretive Regulation.

State regulations shall be interpreted in conformity with applicable federal statutes and regulations, except if the language of a specific regulation indicates an intent by the Department to provide reimbursement for covered services to Program participants without regard to the availability of federal financial participation.

 

Subtitle 67 MARYLAND HEALTHCHOICE PROGRAM

10.67.01 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Definitions

Authority: Health-General Article, §§15-101 and 15-103(b), Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(29) (text unchanged)

(29-1) “CHIP Health Services Initiative” means services offered to improve the health of low-income children pursuant to 5 U.S.C. §2105(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Social Security Act.

(30)—(160) (text unchanged)

(160-1) “Separate CHIP Program” means the program for targeted low-income children established under Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

(161)—(182) (text unchanged)

 

10.67.02 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Eligibility and Enrollment

Authority: Health-General Article, §15-103(b)(3), (4), (6), (16), and (23) Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Eligibility.

A. Criteria. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, a Program [recipient] participant shall be enrolled in the Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program, described in this chapter, if the [recipient] participant is eligible for receipt of Medical Assistance benefits by qualifying:

(1) As categorically needy or medically needy under COMAR 10.09.24, unless the [recipient] participant is:

(a)—(d) (text unchanged)

(e) Otherwise certified for a period of less than [6] 9 months;

(2) For the Pregnant Women and Children’s Program on or after January 1, 1997, unless the [recipient] participant enters the Program during the postpartum period; [or]

(3) For the Maryland Children’s Health Program on or after July 1, 1998[.]; or

(4) For the Separate CHIP Program and CHIP Health Services Initiative on or after July 1, 2023.

B. A [recipient] participant is not eligible for the Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program if the [recipient] participant:

(1)—(7) (text unchanged)

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Subtitle 09 MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS

10.09.69 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Rare and Expensive Case Management

Authority: Health-General Article, §§15-102.1(b)(1) and 15-103(b)(4)(i), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-114-P]

The Secretary of Health proposes to amend Regulations .04, .14, and .17 under COMAR 10.09.69 Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program: Rare and Expensive Case Management.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Clarify conditions for participant disenrollment from the Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) program and when disenrollment takes effect;

(2) Effectuate a 4 percent rate increase for REM services provided in the FY 2023 budget; and

(3) Update the REM qualifying diagnoses in accordance with ICD-10, effective on October 1, 2022.

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget includes a 4 percent rate increase for REM case management providers. The total impact for FY 2023 is $335,516.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity

Revenue (R+/R-)

Expenditure (E+/E-)

Magnitude

A. On issuing agency:

 

 

Maryland Department of Health

(E+)

$335,516

B. On other State agencies:

NONE

 

C. On local governments:

NONE

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit (+)

Cost (-)

Magnitude

D. On regulated industries or trade groups:

 

 

Maryland Medicaid providers

(+)

 $335,516

E. On other industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

F. Direct and indirect effects on public:

NONE

 

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

A. This amount assumes:

(1) Estimated FY 2023 REM program costs are based on FY 2022 program expenditures. Utilization will remain consistent throughout FY 2023.

(2) Effective July 1, 2022, reimbursement rates for REM services will increase by 4 percent. This rate change represents an estimated $335,516 increase in total funds (47 percent general funds $157,693; 53 percent federal funds $177,823).

D. See A. above.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Jourdan Green, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of \Health, 201 West Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-6499 (TTY 800-735-2258), or email to mdh.regs@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.04 Participant Enrollment and Disenrollment.

A.—J. (text unchanged)

K. Department-Initiated Disenrollment. The Department shall disenroll from REM an enrollee:

(1) Who has been continuously institutionalized for a period of more than 90 successive days in a long-term care facility, subject to the long-term care facility obtaining the Department’s determination that the enrollee’s institutionalization has been medically necessary;

(2) Who has been, or is expected to be, continuously institutionalized for more than 30 successive days in an institution for mental disease (IMD);

(3) Upon admission to an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or persons with related conditions (ICF/IID);

(4) Who loses Medicaid eligibility or who changes to an assistance category not eligible for MCO enrollment, subject to COMAR 10.67.02;

(5) Who has died; or

(6) Who is an inmate of a public institution, including a State-operated institution or facility.

L. Effective Date of Disenrollment. An enrollee’s disenrollment shall take effect:

(1) Immediately when the enrollee dies;

(2) From the first day of the month following the month in which the enrollee lost Medicaid eligibility;

(3) On the first day of the month following the month in which the Department receives the required notification, when the enrollee permanently relocates outside of the State; or

(4) From the first day of the month following the month in which the Department verifies an enrollee is an inmate.

.14 Payment Procedures—Request for Payment.

A.—C. (text unchanged)

[D. Effective July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, the Department shall pay $428.71 for a case management assessment, as described in Regulation .05C of this chapter.

E. Effective July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, the Department shall make payments monthly for case management services at one of the rates specified below:

(1) Level of Care 1: $316.56;

(2) Level of Care 2: $188.66; or

(3) Level of Care 3: $99.58.]

[F.] D. [Effective] For dates of service from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, the Department shall pay $445.86 for a case management assessment, as described in Regulation .05C of this chapter.

[G.] E. [Effective] For dates of service from January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, the Department shall make payments monthly for case management services at one of the rates specified below:

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

F. Effective July 1, 2022, the Department shall pay $463.69 for a case management assessment, as described in Regulation .05C of this chapter.

G. Effective July 1, 2022, the Department shall make payments monthly for case management services at one of the rates specified below:

(1) Level of Care 1: $342.39;

(2) Level of Care 2: $204.07; or

(3) Level of Care 3: $107.70.

H. (text unchanged)

.17 Table of Rare and Expensive Disease Diagnosis.

ICD10

ICD 10 Description

Age Limit

B20—D67

(text unchanged)

(text unchanged)

[D68.0]

[Von Willebrand’s disease]

[0—64]

D68.00

Von Willebrand disease, unspecified

0—64

D68.01

Von Willebrand disease, type 1

0—64

D68.020

Von Willebrand disease, type 2A

0—64

D68.021

Von Willebrand disease, type 2B

0—64

D68.022

Von Willebrand disease, type 2M

0—64

D68.023

Von Willebrand disease, type 2N

0—64

D68.029

Von Willebrand disease, type 2, unspecified

0—64

D68.03

Von Willebrand disease, type 3

0—64

D68.04

Acquired von Willebrand disease

0—64

D68.09

Other von Willebrand disease

0—64

D68.1—G71.02

(text unchanged)

(text unchanged)

G71.031

Autosomal dominant limb girdle muscular dystrophy

0—64

G71.032

Autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to calpain-3 dysfunction

0—64

G71.033

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to dysferlin dysfunction

0—64

G71.0340

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to sarcoglycan dysfunction, unspecified

0—64

G71.0341

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to alpha sarcoglycan dysfunction

0—64

G71.0342

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to beta sarcoglycan dysfunction

0—64

G71.0349

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to other sarcoglycan dysfunction

0—64

G71.035

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy due to anoctamin-5 dysfunction

0—64

G71.038

Other limb girdle muscular dystrophy

0—64

G71.039

Limb girdle muscular dystrophy, unspecified

0—64

G71.09—Z99.2

(text unchanged)

(text unchanged)

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

Subtitle 41 BOARD OF EXAMINERS FOR AUDIOLOGISTS, HEARING AID DISPENSERS, [AND] SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS, AND MUSIC THERAPISTS

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-138-P]

The Secretary of Health proposes to:

(1) Amend Regulations .01—.04 under COMAR 10.41.01 Collection of Fees;

(2) Amend Regulations .01, .02, and .04 under COMAR 10.41.02 Code of Ethics;

(3) Amend Regulations .02, .03, .05, and .06 under COMAR 10.41.03 Licensure and Continuing Education;

(4) Amend Regulations .01, .02, .06, and .08 under COMAR 10.41.04 Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings;

(5) Adopt new Regulations .01—.07 under a new chapter, COMAR 10.41.05 Music Therapy;

(6) Amend Regulations .01-1, .02, .06, .08, .11, and .12, and adopt new Regulation .14 under COMAR 10.41.08 Hearing Aid Dispensing;

(7) Amend Regulation .02 under COMAR 10.41.09 Civil Penalties;

(8) Amend Regulations .01, .02, and .05—.07, repeal existing Regulation .03, adopt new Regulation .04, amend and recodify existing Regulations .04, .08, and .09 to be .03, .09, and .10, respectively, and recodify existing Regulation .10 to be .08 under COMAR 10.41.11 Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants; and

(9) Amend Regulations .02 and .04 under COMAR 10.41.13 Sanctioning Guidelines.

This action was considered by the Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists at public meetings held on October 15, 2020, October 21, 2021, and March 17, 2022, notice of which was given by publication on the Board’s website at Pages - Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers & Speech-Language Pathologists (maryland.gov) pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3–302(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to:

(1) Add audiology assistants to this subtitle pursuant to Chs. 713 and 714, Acts of 2021;

(2) Add music therapists to this subtitle pursuant to Ch. 800, Acts of 2021;

(3) Provide a new fee for The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact pursuant to Ch. 158, Acts of 2021;

(4) Add a music therapists roster fee;

(5) Remove the incorrect term “temporary” speech-language pathology assistant license and replace it with the proper term of “limited” as set forth under Health Occupations Article, §2-310, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(6) Add cultural competence and non-discrimination language for licensees pursuant to Ch. 428, Acts of 2020;

(7) Update and clarify licensure requirements;

(8) Add a provision for new criminal history background checks every 6 years;

(9) Update and clarify continuing education requirements;

(10) Add license reactivation requirements to the regulations;

(11) Clarify and define testing procedures and standards for hearing aid dispensers;

(12) Update sanctions and penalties to remove obsolete categories; and

(13) Remove obsolete language throughout the subtitle.

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. The new application and certification for the Certification Board of Music Therapists is expected to increase the Board’s revenue by $23,850.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity

Revenue (R+/R-)

Expenditure

(E+/E-)

Magnitude

A. On issuing agency:

 

 

(1) Music therapist license

(R+)

$23,850

(2) Music therapists roster fee

(R-)

Indeterminable

(3) Compact privilege

(R+)

Indeterminable

(4) Audiology assistant license

(R+)

Indeterminable

B. On other State agencies:

NONE

 

C. On local governments:

NONE

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit (+)

Cost (-)

Magnitude

D. On regulated industries or trade groups:

 

 

(1) Compact privilege

(-)

Indeterminable

(2) Audiology assistant license

(-)

Indeterminable

(3) Music therapists roster fee

(-)

Indeterminable

(4) Music therapist license

(-)

$23,850

E. On other industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

F. Direct and indirect effects on public:

NONE

 

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

A(1). Due to the fact that licensure for music therapists has not existed previously, the applicant must first be certified with the Certification Board of Music Therapists. There are currently 159 certified music therapists in Maryland, and the Board projects that all 159 Therapists will apply for licensure. The licensing fee is $150, so $150 x 159 = $23,850.

(2). Music therapists are new to this Board, and there is no available data to reliably estimate the number of roster requests.

(3). The compact privilege is new to this Board, and there is no available data to reliably estimate the number of applications.

(4). Audiology assistants have never been licensed, so there is no available data to estimate how many individuals will apply for this credential.

D(1)—(3). See A(1)—(3).

(4). The currently certified music therapists have never paid licensing fees, so this will be a new cost for those licensees. The licensing fee is $150, so $150 x 159 = $23,850.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Jourdan Green, Director, Office of Regulation and Policy Coordination, Maryland Department of  Health, 201 West Preston Street, Room 512, Baltimore, MD 21201, or call 410-767-6499 (TTY 800-735-2258), or email to mdh.regs@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

 

10.41.01 Collection of Fees

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-205 and 2-206, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope.

This chapter governs all persons licensed as audiologists, audiology assistants, hearing aid dispensers, speech-language pathologists, [or] speech-language pathology assistants, or music therapists in the State.

.02 Fees.

A. Application fee for full audiology, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy license ... $150

B.G. (text unchanged)

H. Application fee for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) privileges … $100

[H.] I.—[K.] L. (text unchanged)

[L.] M. [Replacement] Physical copy of registration certificate ... $5

[M.] N. [Replacement] Physical copy of wall certificate ... $25

[N.] O. Application fee for full speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant license ... $100

[O.] P. Application fee for [temporary] limited speech-language pathology assistant license ... $100

[P.] Q. Biennial renewal of full speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant license fee ... $100

[Q.] R. Renewal of [temporary] limited speech-language pathology assistant license fee ... $25

[R.] S.—[V.] W. (text unchanged)

X. Music therapists roster fee … $55

[W.] Y. — [X.] Z. (text unchanged)

.03 Changes in Fees.

A. Fees are subject to change by action of the [Boards of Examiners] Board. All licensees and applicants will be notified of changes. 

B. Application forms should be requested from[:] the Board of Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists [Maryland Department of Health, 4201 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-2299].

.04 Fee Exceptions.

An audiologist, hearing aid dispenser, [or] speech-language pathologist, or music therapist who holds a current license is exempt from paying the license verification fee.

 

10.41.02 Code of Ethics

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-212, 2-205, and 2-314, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope.

This chapter governs individuals licensed as audiologists, audiology assistants, hearing aid dispensers, speech-language pathologists, [or] speech-language pathology assistants, or music therapists in the State.

.02 Ethical Responsibilities.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. Professional Conduct.

(1)—(6) (text unchanged)

(7) Licensees may not refuse to treat based upon:

(a) Race;

(b) Religion;

(c) Color;

(d) Age;

(e) National origin;

(f) Marital status;

(g) Sexual orientation;

(h) Gender identity; or

(i) Disability.

D.—E. (text unchanged)

F. Sexual Misconduct.

(1) An audiologist, audiology assistant, hearing aid dispenser, speech-language pathologist, [or] speech-language pathology assistant, or music therapist may not engage in sexual misconduct in the practice of audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy.

(2) (text unchanged)

G. Penalties. Violation of Regulation .02 may result in Board action to reprimand the licensee, place the licensee on probation, or suspend or revoke the licensee’s license. The Board may also impose a penalty not exceeding [$1,000] $5,000.

.04 Special Responsibilities.

A.—D. (text unchanged)

E. [The licensee may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or handicapping condition in] In the licensee’s professional relationships with colleagues or individuals served professionally[.], the licensee may not discriminate on the basis of:

(1) Race;

(2) Religion;

(3) Color;

(4) Age;

(5) National origin;

(6) Marital status;

(7) Sexual orientation;

(8) Gender identity; or

(9) Disability.

F.—G. (text unchanged)

H. The licensee shall [maintain]:

(1) Maintain adequate records of professional services rendered and products dispensed, [and shall allow access to these records when appropriately authorized.] including:

(a) A full written report outlining all diagnostic results and any recommendations;

(b) Daily therapy notes such as subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) log notes;

(c) License number on written client reports and evaluations;

(d) Progress reports; and

(e) All documents related to referrals; and

(2) Allow access to these records when appropriately authorized.

I.—L. (text unchanged)

 

10.41.03 Licensure and Continuing Education

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-205, 2-302, 2-302.2, 2-304,
2-305, 2-308, 2-310, 2-310.2, 2-311(c), 2-312(b), 2-314(11), and 2-314.9, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) “Board” means the Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

(3)—(7) (text unchanged)

.03 [Requirements for] Licensure Requirements.

A. Limited Licensure.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) An individual seeking limited licensure shall fulfill the following requirements:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(c) Demonstrate oral English competency as follows:

(i) (text unchanged)

(ii) Achievement of a minimum score [as defined by the Board] of 105, with at least a 26 on Speaking and Listening, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within the 2 years preceding license application.

(3)—(4) (text unchanged)

B. Supervision of Professional Experience for Audiologists.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) At least 80 percent of the applicant’s employment during the clinical training shall be in direct client contact, which includes:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) Screening, response to intervention (RTI), or observations of clients;

(c) [Habilitation/rehabilitation; and] Treatment, such as:

(i) Hearing device fitting;

(ii) Diagnostic assessment; and

(iii) Rehabilitation; and

(d) Activities related to client management[.], including:

(i) Writing reports and notes;

(ii) Billing;

(iii) Making rounds; and

(iv) Attendance at an individualized education program (IEP), individualized family service plan (IFSP) meeting, or other meetings related to the management of a client’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

(5)—(8) (text unchanged)

[(9) Individuals granted an audiology limited license before July 31, 2007:

(a) Are exempt from the on-site direct supervision and may follow the initial supervision plan submitted with the application for the limited license; and

(b) Shall follow the current hours per week, hours per period, or both, to complete the limited license, although the Board may review and determine if an exemption should be made on an individual basis.

(10) If a limited license is eligible to be renewed after September 30, 2007, the licensee is no longer exempt from any of the current standards.]

C. Supervision of [Professional Experience] Clinical Fellowship for Speech Pathologists.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) At least 80 percent of the applicant’s employment during the clinical fellowship shall be in direct client contact, which includes:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) Screening, response to intervention (RTI), or observations of clients;

(c) [Habilitation/rehabilitation; and] Treatment, such as:

(i) Diagnostic assessment; and

(ii) Rehabilitation; and

(d) Activities related to client management[.], including:

(i) Writing reports and notes;

(ii) Billing;

(iii) Making rounds; and

(iv) Attendance at an individualized education program (IEP), individualized family service plan (IFSP) meeting, or other meetings related to the management of a client’s diagnosis and treatment plan.

(5) An individual serving as a supervisor:

(a)—(d) (text unchanged)

(e) Shall provide a minimum of [36 hours] 4 hours per month for at least 9 months of supervisory activities during the clinical fellowship to include a minimum of 2 hours of other monitoring activities each month.

(6)—(8) (text unchanged)

D. Full Licensure.

(1) Licensure Requirements for Audiologists.

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

(d) The applicant shall demonstrate oral English competency as follows:

(i) (text unchanged)

(ii) Achievement of a minimum score [as defined by the Board] of 105, with at least a 26 on Speaking and Listening, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within the 2 years preceding license application.

(2)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) Licensure Requirements for Speech-Language Pathologists.

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

(d) The applicant shall demonstrate oral English competency as follows:

(i) (text unchanged)

(ii) Achievement of a minimum score [as defined by the Board] of 105, with at least a 26 on Speaking and Listening, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within the 2 years preceding license application.

(5) (text unchanged)

.05 Renewal of Licensure.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Full Licensure.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) The applicant for license renewal is required to [maintain]:

(a) Maintain evidence of satisfactory completion of continuing education requirements[.]; and

(b) For an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser, submit proof of calibration for each audiometer in use within the previous 12-month period.

(3) (text unchanged)

(4) A licensee shall undergo a new criminal records history check as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §2-303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, every three renewal cycles or every 6 years.

C. (text unchanged)

D. If the Board determines that a licensee has practiced in this State after the license has expired, the Board may:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Take action as follows against a licensee for unprofessional conduct if it determines that the licensee practiced in this State after the license has expired:

[(a) Issue a nonpublic consent agreement in which the licensee agrees to make an anonymous donation of $250 to a charitable institution and to perform 40 hours of Board-approved pro bono services;]

[(b)] (a)[(c)] (b) (text unchanged)

.06 Continuing Education.

A. Required Continuing Education Units.

(1) Within the 2-year renewal period immediately preceding the licensee’s application for renewal, the licensee shall earn 30 continuing education units (CEUs) as follows:

(a) A minimum of 20 CEUs in the area of licensure[; and] that includes a minimum of 1 CEU in each of the following areas:

(i) Cultural competency; and

(ii) Ethics;

(b) No more than 10 CEUs in areas related to speech-language pathology or audiology or both, including practice management[.], that includes:

(i) Supervision;

(ii) Billing; and

(iii) Interdisciplinary collaboration; and

(c) Related training that does not include annual training requirements for:

(i) Job orientation;

(ii) Job maintenance; or

(iii) Other general training or information related to human health.

(2) It is recommended that a licensee applying for the renewal of a license successfully complete, within the 2-year licensing period as a part of the required 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education programs, a minimum of 2 CEUs in the area of supervision.

[(2)] (3) Within the 2-year renewal period immediately preceding the licensee’s application for renewal, an individual licensed as both an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist shall earn 40 CEUs as follows:

(a) A minimum of 15 CEUs in each area of licensure[; and] that includes a minimum of 1 CEU in each of the following areas:

(i) Cultural competency; and

(ii) Ethics;

(b) No more than 10 CEUs in areas related to speech-language pathology and audiology, including practice management[.], that includes:

(i) Supervision;

(ii) Billing; and

(iii) Interdisciplinary collaboration; and

(c) Related training that does not include annual training requirements for:

(i) Job orientation;

(ii) Job maintenance; or

(iii) Other general training or information related to human health.

(4) It is recommended that a licensee applying for the renewal of a license successfully complete, within the 2-year licensing period as a part of the required 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education programs, a minimum of 2 CEUs in the area of supervision.

[(3)] (5) (text unchanged)

B. Time Period for CEUs.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) A speech-language pathologist licensee shall complete the required CEUs within the 2-year period [ending December 31 of the year] immediately preceding the [renewal year] license expiration.

(3) An individual licensed as both an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist shall complete the required CEUs within the 2-year period [ending December 31st of the year] immediately preceding [renewal] the license expiration.

(4)—(9) (text unchanged)

C. Approval of Continuing Education Programs.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Providers of continuing education shall give a participant a certificate of completion which includes the following information:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) [Description of program] Course title;

(c)—(e) (text unchanged)

(3) Not later than 30 days before a program, a provider of continuing education shall submit to the Board a [request]:

(a) Request for [prior] approval of the program[.], using the form available on the Board’s website; and

(b) Biography for each course presenter.

(4) Individual Approval of Program.

(a) If a provider has not requested prior approval of a program, a licensee may apply to the Board for approval of continuing education units for the program, using the approved form available on the Board’s website.

(b) Not later than 30 days [before] after a program, the licensee shall submit to the Board a request for approval of continuing education units for individual participation, using the approved form available on the Board’s website.

(c) (text unchanged)

(5) The following are examples of areas in which CEUs may be earned in activities concerning speech-language pathology and audiology:

(a) Academic course work in areas of speech-language pathology or audiology, or both, or related disciplines, taken at accredited colleges or universities where, along with the submission of an unofficial transcript and course description:

(i) 15 CEU credit hours will be awarded for each 3 credit course earned;

(ii) 10 CEU credit hours will be awarded for each 2 credit course earned; or

(iii) 5 CEU credit hours will be awarded for each 1 credit course earned;

(b) (text unchanged)

(c) [Presentation or attendance] Attendance at lectures, workshops, or [inservice] in-service programs;

(d) Other professional activities such as presentations, books, papers, or publications, [or audiovisual materials; or] where:

(i) 1 hour of CEU credit may be earned by the presenter for each hour of presentation of a program, with a maximum of 3 CEUs;

(ii) 10 hours of CEU credit may be earned for a professional or scientific paper prepared by the licensee or certificate holder, with a maximum per paper of 10 CEUs for the first author, 8 CEUs for the second author, 6 CEUs for the third author, and 4 CEUs for all other authors;

(iii) Authoring of a book chapter may earn a maximum of 10 CEUs, only in the year of publication; and

(iv) Editing or reviewing of a scientific or professional journal recognized by the Board, with a maximum of 8 CEUs for each year of service; or

(e) (text unchanged)

(6) (text unchanged)

(7) Pro Bono Work.

(a) CEUs may be earned for pro bono work performed outside of a place of employment at the rate of 1 Maryland CEU [for every 8 hours] per hour of Board-approved CEU activity, up to a maximum of [3] 10 CEU credits in any single 2-year period.

(b)—(e) (text unchanged)

D. Documentation of CEUs.

(1) A licensee shall submit a signed form to the Board via mail or by electronic means attesting to the licensee’s completion of the required CEUs at the time of license renewal.

(2)—(4) (text unchanged)

E. Continuing Education Audit Procedures.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) The licensee being audited shall submit to the Board [a report] official certificates or transcripts via mail or by electronic means showing evidence of the continuing education hours required for renewal [on a form approved by the Board along with the appropriate documentation] by the date indicated on the audit notification.

(5) [If a licensee submits a false statement of continuing education the] The Board may take formal disciplinary action against the licensee[.], if the licensee:

(a) Submits a false statement of continuing education; or

(b) Fails to submit the required documents by the date indicated on an audit notification.

F. Reactivation.

(1) If a license has been in an inactive status for no more than three 2-year renewal cycles of inactivity, the licensee may apply for reactivation of the inactive license.

(2) The Board shall reactivate the license if the speech-pathologist or audiologist:

(a) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of at least 30 hours of CEU activity for every 2-year cycle of inactivity; and

(b) Pays to the Board the renewal fee and the reactivation fee set by the Board.

[F.] G. Reinstatement Requirement.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) The Board shall reinstate the license if the speech-language pathologist or audiologist:

(a) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of [continuing education hours required of a practitioner on active status during the period] at least 30 hours of CEU activity for every 2-year cycle of inactivity; and

(b) (text unchanged)

[G.] H. Reapplication Requirement.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) The speech-language pathologist or audiologist whose license has been expired for more than 5 years may become licensed if the speech-language pathologist or audiologist:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of [continuing education hours required of a practitioner on active status during the period] at least 30 hours of CEU activity for every 2-year cycle of inactivity, not to exceed 100 hours; and

(c) (text unchanged)

 

10.41.04 Rules of Procedure for Board Hearings

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-205, 2-313, and 2-315; State Government Article §10-206; Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope.

This chapter governs procedures for disciplinary matters and hearings before the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

.02 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) “Board” means the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

(5)—(6) (text unchanged)

(7) “Cease and desist letter” means an informal action consisting of a nonpublic letter issued by the Board ordering:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) An unlicensed individual to cease the unauthorized practice of audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy.

(8) “Charging document” means a nonpublic document issued by the Board which:

(a) Alleges conduct by a licensee which the Board believes constitutes a violation under the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act;

(b) Sets forth provisions of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act that the Board believes were violated; and

(c) (text unchanged)

(9) “Complaint” means a written allegation or other information received by the Board that a licensee may have violated the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act and which may be grounds for an investigation or disciplinary action by the Board.

(10)—(15) (text unchanged)

(16) “Investigation” means the gathering of information to assist the Board in determining if there is reasonable cause to charge a licensee with a violation of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act.

(17) Letter of Admonishment.

(a) “Letter of admonishment” means informal action consisting of a nonpublic letter issued by the Board closing a case, if the Board believes a licensee has engaged in conduct that violates the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act, admonishing the licensee not to repeat the conduct.

(b) (text unchanged)

(18) “Letter of education” means informal action consisting of a nonpublic letter to a licensee:

(a) Issued by the Board if the Board does not believe that conduct rose to the level of a violation of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act; and

(b) In which the Board educates the licensee concerning the laws and standards of the practice of audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy.

(19) Letter of Surrender.

(a) “Letter of surrender” means a public letter accepted by the Board in which the licensee agrees to surrender the license to practice audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy.

(b) (text unchanged)

(20) “Licensure” means permission to engage in the practice of audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy which is evidenced by a license issued by the Board.

(21) “Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act” means Health Occupations Article, Title 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(22)—(24) (text unchanged)

(25) “Preliminary investigation” means the gathering of information to be used by the Board to determine if the Board should dismiss a complaint or conduct further investigation to determine if there is reasonable cause to charge a licensee with a violation of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act.

(26) (text unchanged)

(27) “Prohibited act” means conduct specified in the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act which may result in sanctions or penalties.

(28)—(30) (text unchanged)

(31) “Respondent” means a licensee, subject to the jurisdiction of the Board, that has been:

(a) Given notice to answer allegations concerning violations of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act;

(b)—(c) (text unchanged)

(32) “Revocation” means the removal of an audiologist’s, hearing aid dispenser’s, [or] speech-language pathologist’s, or music therapist’s license to practice audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy.

(33)—(36) (text unchanged)

(37) “Surrender” means the voluntary relinquishing of a license to practice audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy that may be subject to certain conditions set by the Board.

(38)—(39) (text unchanged)

.06 Sanctions, Hearings, and Final Order.

A. Surrender of License.

(1) The Board may require conditions for surrender of a license, including:

(a) An admission of a violation of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act;

(b)—(f) (text unchanged)

(2) (text unchanged)

B. (text unchanged)

C. Burden of Proof.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) The administrative prosecutor has the burden to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the licensee has committed a violation or violations of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act.

D. (text unchanged)

E. Board Final Decision and Order.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Upon a finding that there has been a violation of the Maryland Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists Act, the Board may order that the licensee be fined, reprimanded, placed on probation, or the license suspended or revoked.

.08 Probation and Violation of Probation Proceedings.

A. If the Board imposes a period of probation as a sanction, the Board may impose conditions of probation which the Board considers appropriate, including but not limited to:

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) Providing free audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, or music therapy services in a Board-approved program;

(4)—(11) (text unchanged)

B.—G. (text unchanged)

 

10.41.05 Music Therapy

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-101, 2-201, 2-202(a), 2-206(a) and (d)(2), 2-501, and 2-4A-01—2-4A-25, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Scope.

This chapter governs all persons licensed as music therapists in the State.

.02 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Board” means the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

(2) “CBMT-certified” means a music therapist who:

(a) Is currently certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists; and

(b) Has completed the educational and clinical training requirements established by the American Music Therapy Association.

(3) “Individualized music therapy treatment plan” means a music therapy treatment plan for a client that identifies the goals, objectives, and potential strategies for the music therapy services appropriate for the client using music therapy interventions, including:

(a) Music improvisation;

(b) Receptive music listening;

(c) Songwriting;

(d) Lyric discussion;

(e) Music and imagery;

(f) Music performance;

(g) Learning through music; and

(h) Movement to music.

(4) “Licensed professional music therapist” means an individual who is licensed by the Board to engage in the practice of music therapy.

(5) “Practice of music therapy” has the meaning stated in Health Occupations Article, §2-4A-01, Annotated Code of Maryland.

.03 Licensure Requirements.

A. To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this chapter.

B. The applicant shall:

(1) Be of good moral character; 

(2) Be at least 18 years old;

(3) Be a CBMT-certified music therapist;

(4) Provide proof of:

(a) Passing the examination for certification offered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) or any successor organization approved by the Board; or

(b) Being transitioned into Board licensure and that the applicant is currently a CBMT-certified music therapist;

(5) Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy, or its equivalent, including clinical training, from an educational program that is:

(a) Approved by the American Music Therapy Association or any successor organization; and

(b) Within an accredited college or university;

(6) Be in good standing based on a review of the applicant’s music therapy licensure, certification, or registration history in other jurisdictions, including a review of any disciplinary actions in the practice of music therapy; and

(7) Meet any other requirements established by the Board.

C. To apply for a license, an applicant shall:

(1) Submit an application to the Board on the form that the Board requires;

(2) Pay to the Board the application fee set by the Board; and

(3) Submit to a criminal history records check in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §2–303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

D. The Board shall issue a license to any applicant who meets the requirements of:

(1) Health Occupations Article, Title 2, Subtitle 4A, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(2) §C of this regulation and provides evidence satisfactory to the Board that the applicant is licensed and in good standing as a music therapist in another jurisdiction where the qualifications required are equal to or greater than those required in this subtitle.

E. The Board shall include on each license that the Board issues:

(1) The full name of the licensed music therapist;

(2) The dates of issuance and expiration; and

(3) A license number.

F. A music therapist license authorizes the licensee to engage in the practice of music therapy while the license is effective.

.04 Renewal of Licensure.

A. A license expires on a date set by the Board unless the license is renewed for an additional term as set forth under §D of this regulation.

B. A license may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.

C. At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by first-class mail or email to the last known address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states the:

(1) Expiration date;

(2) Due date by which the renewal application shall be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and

(3) Amount of the renewal fee.

D. Before a license expires, the licensee periodically may renew the license for an additional term if the licensee:

(1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;

(2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and

(3) Submits to the Board:

(a) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and

(b) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education requirements established by the Board under Regulation .05 of this chapter.

E. A licensee shall undergo a new criminal records history check as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §2-303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, every three renewal cycles or every 6 years.

.05 Continuing Education Requirements.

A. The continuing education requirements shall include proof of completion of at least 40 hours of continuing education in a program approved by CBMT or any successor organization approved by the Board that includes:

(1) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of cultural competency;

(2) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of ethics;

(3) Supervision;

(4) Billing;

(5) Interdisciplinary collaboration; and

(6) Related training that does not include annual training requirements for:

(a) Job orientation;

(b) Job maintenance; or

(c) Other general training or information related to human health.

B. It is recommended that a licensee applying for the renewal of a license successfully complete, within the 2-year licensing period as a part of the required 40 hours of Board-approved continuing education programs, a minimum of 2 CEUs in the area of supervision.

C. The Board shall renew the license of each licensee who meets the requirements of Regulations .04 and .05 of this chapter.

.06 Inactive Status, Reactivation, Reinstatement, and Reapplication.

A. Inactive Status.

(1) The Board shall place a licensee on inactive status if the licensee submits to the Board:

(a) An application for inactive status on the form that the Board requires; and

(b) The inactive status fee set by the Board.

(2) The Board shall license an individual on inactive status who applies for a license if the individual meets:

(a) The renewal requirements of Health Occupations Article, §2–4A–10, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(b) Any continuing education requirements established by the Board.

(3) The Board may not require payment of a late fee by an individual as a condition to licensing set forth under §B of this regulation.

B. Reactivation.

(1) If a license has been in an inactive status for no more than two 2-year renewal cycles of inactivity, the licensee may apply for reactivation of the inactive license.

(2) The Board shall reactivate the license if the music therapist:

(a) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of at least 40 hours of CEU activity, in a program approved by CBMT or any successor organization, for every 2-year cycle of inactivity; and

(b) Pays to the Board the renewal fee and the reactivation fee set by the Board.

C. Reinstatement.

(1) If a license has been expired for 5 years or less, a music therapist may apply for reinstatement of the expired license.

(2) The Board shall reinstate the license if the music therapist:

(a) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of continuing education hours required of a music therapist on active status during the period of inactivity; and

(b) Pays to the Board the renewal fee and the reinstatement fee set by the Board.

D. Reapplication.

(1) The Board may not reinstate the license of a music therapist who fails to apply for reinstatement of the license within 5 years after the license expires.

(2) The music therapist whose license has been expired for more than 5 years may become licensed if the music therapist:

(a) Meets the current requirements for obtaining a license;

(b) Submits to the Board satisfactory proof of completion of continuing education hours required of a music therapist on active status during the period of inactivity; and

(c) Pays to the Board the application fee set by the Board.

.07 Licensee Responsibilities.

A. A licensee shall notify the Board in writing of a change of:

(1) Mailing address within 30 days after the change;

(2) Name within 30 days after the change; or

(3) Email address within 30 days after the change if the licensee has previously submitted an email address to the Board.

B. A licensee who fails to comply with the requirements of this regulation may be subject to disciplinary action.

 

10.41.08 Hearing Aid [Dispensers] Dispensing

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-101(d), 2-205, 2-302.1, 2-304,
2-308, 2-310.1, 2-311(c), 2-311—2-314.8, 2-314(10) and (11), and 2-314.9, Annotated Code of Maryland

.01-1 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) “Locked, nonproprietary programming software” means software that any provider can render inaccessible to other hearing aid programmers.

[(2)] (3) (text unchanged)

(4) “Proprietary programming software” means software that is:

(a) Used to program hearing aids that is supplied by a hearing aid distributor or manufacturer for the exclusive use by affiliated providers; and

(b) Locked and inaccessible to nonaffiliated providers.

.02 Application for License.

A.—E. (text unchanged)

F. The Board shall include in the application for a limited license the following statement: “I do hereby affirm, under penalty of perjury, that I am the holder of a valid unrevoked, unsuspended license issued by the Maryland Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists and that I have read the above excerpts, and that I fully understand my responsibilities as supervisor for the applicant who will work and train under my supervision and for whose technical training and ethical conduct I am to be responsible. I further affirm that I have read the application of the above-named person and that to the best of my knowledge all answers are true and correct.”

G.—H. (text unchanged)

I. The applicant shall demonstrate oral English competency as follows:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Achievement of a minimum score [as defined by the Board] of 105, with at least a 26 on Speaking and Listening, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within the 2 years preceding license application.

J.—K. (text unchanged)

.06 Practice of Limited Licensee.

A. (text unchanged)

B. On obtaining a limited license, the holder of a limited license shall engage in the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids for 20 consecutive days under the direct and continuous supervision of a licensee. The licensee shall provide direct supervision subsequently for a minimum of [20] 40 hours per month for at least 6 months.

C. The supervising hearing aid dispenser shall be immediately available and physically on-site.

[C.] D.[I.] J. (text unchanged)

[J.] K. The supervisor of a limited licensee:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Shall conduct all required direct and continuous supervision as defined in §B of this regulation, at a Maryland hearing aid dispensing practice only;

[(2)] (3)—[(5)] (6) (text unchanged)

.08 Testing Procedures.

A. (text unchanged)

B. The licensee or holder of a limited license shall perform the following minimum testing procedures on each client [seen] evaluated prior to the fitting of a hearing aid or hearing aids:

(1) [Air conduction tests at frequencies of 500-1,000-2,000-4,000 hertz,] Pure tone air conduction thresholds at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz, including [appropriate] masking as needed, if the threshold [of the second ear tested appears to differ by 30 decibels at any one frequency from those of the first ear; and] between the ears differs, at any frequency, by:

(a) 40 decibels when using supra aural headphones;

(b) 60 decibels when using insert earphones, properly inserted; or

(c) Inter-octave frequencies that shall be tested if there is a difference of 15dB or greater between octave frequencies as specified under §B(1)(a) and (b) of this regulation;

(2) [Bone conduction tests at frequencies of 500-1,000-2,000-4,000 hertz, including appropriate masking, if there is a greater than 10 decibel difference in the bone readings of one ear over the other.] Pure tone bone conduction thresholds, including masking as needed, at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000Hz; and

(3) Word recognition scores obtained using recorded word lists or monitored live voice. Presentation level shall be at least 40dB above speech recognition threshold or at least 5dB above the threshold at 2000Hz, or both, if within level of tolerance.

C. The use of speech stimuli, such as speech in noise testing, is recommended before and [during] after the fitting of the hearing aid.

D. The use of probe microphone measurements are recommended to verify the audibility of speech at 50dB, 65dB, and 80dB input levels as well as MPO measurements to avoid damage to the peripheral auditory system and check comfort of the hearing aid users.

[D.] E. The hearing aid dispenser shall [maintain]:

(1) Maintain and retain all test results as part of a client’s record. Part or all of the tests may be performed by an otologist or clinical audiologist, but [copies of the tests given] the test may not be more than 6 months old[. The hearing aid dispenser shall retain the test results in the client’s record.] for the use of a hearing device fitting; and

(2) Provide to the client a copy of all:

(a) Test results;

(b) Recommendations; and

(c) Referrals.

[E.] F. (text unchanged)

[F.] G. Before fitting or selling a hearing aid to a potential client, the licensee shall refer the client to a physician, preferably one specializing in the diseases of the ear, if the licensee determines that the client has any of the following conditions:

(1)—(4) (text unchanged)

(5) Pain, discomfort, foreign body/material, or active drainage in the ear;

[(5)] (6) Air-bone gap in excess of 15 decibels on more than one frequency; [or]

(7) Evidence of congenital or traumatic deformity of the ear, not previously evaluated;

(8) Unilateral or asymmetrical hearing loss with a difference of greater than 15dB pure tone average between ears, or asymmetry greater than 15dB at 2 or more frequencies; or

[(6)] (9) (text unchanged)

.11 Continuing Education Requirements.

A. A licensee applying for renewal of a license shall have successfully completed, within the 2-year licensing period, a total of 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education programs. Of the 30 hours, the licensee shall complete:

(1) 26 or more hours of instruction directly relating to the practice of fitting hearing aids, including the:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(c) Psychology of the hearing impaired; [and]

(2) Not more than:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) 5 hours of continuing education credit in a single continuing education cycle by attending regularly scheduled Board meetings where 1 hour of an open session at a Board meeting equals 1 hour of continuing education credit[.];

(3) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of cultural competency; and

(4) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of ethics.

B. It is recommended that a licensee applying for the renewal of a license successfully complete, within the 2-year licensing period as a part of required 30 hours of Board-approved continuing education programs a minimum of 2 CEUs in the area of supervision.

[B.] C.—[C.] D. (text unchanged)

[D.] E. First-Time Renewal of License.

(1) Continuing education units shall be prorated for:

(a) (text unchanged)

(b) Newly licensed individuals; and

(c) Individuals seeking reinstatement[; and

(d) Individuals who have been licensed in another state and are seeking licensure in Maryland].

(2) The Board shall waive all continuing education requirements for a licensee obtaining full licensure within the last 6 months [of the beginning] of the renewal cycle.

[E.] F. (text unchanged)

.12 Renewal of Licensure.

A. A licensee shall undergo a new criminal records history check as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §2-303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, every three renewal cycles or every 6 years.

[A.] B.[B.] C. (text unchanged)

.14 Sale of Hearing Aid Software Guidelines.

A. To the extent not inconsistent with federal law, a licensee shall, before the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid that uses proprietary programming software or locked, nonproprietary programming software, provide the purchaser with a written notice that:

(1) States, “The hearing aid being purchased uses proprietary or locked programming software and can only be serviced or programmed at specific facilities or locations.”;

(2) Shall be signed by the purchaser before the sale; and

(3) Includes a copy that is kept and maintained by the licensee.

B. To the extent not inconsistent with federal law, a licensee shall, upon the consummation of a sale of a hearing aid, deliver to the purchaser a written receipt, signed by or on behalf of the licensee, containing all of the following:

(1) The date of consummation of the sale;

(2) Specifications as to the make, serial number, and model number of the hearing aid or aids sold;

(3) The address of the principal place of business of the licensee, and the address and office hours at which the licensee shall be available for fitting or post-fitting adjustments and servicing of the hearing aid or aids sold;

(4) A statement to the effect that the aid or aids delivered to the purchaser are used or reconditioned, as the case may be, if that is the fact;

(5) The number of the licensee’s license and the name and license number of any other hearing aid dispenser, temporary licensee, or trainee licensee, who provided any recommendation or consultation regarding the purchase of the hearing aid; and

(6) The terms of any guarantee or written warranty, as required by federal law or regulations, made to the purchaser with respect to the hearing aid or hearing aids.

 

10.41.09 Civil Penalties

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-205, 2-314.9, and 2-315, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Board” means Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

(2) “Licensee” means an individual licensed by the Board to practice audiology, hearing aid dispensing, [or] speech-language pathology, music therapy, or assists in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.

(3) (text unchanged)

 

10.41.11 Speech-Language Pathology Assistants and Audiology Assistants

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§2-101, 2-102, 2-205, 2-308,
2-311(c), 2-312(b), [2-314(10) and (11)] 2-314, [and] 2-319, 2-3A 01—
2-3A-07, 2-401, 2-402.4, and 2-406,
Annotated Code of Maryland

.01 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Audiology assistant” means an individual who:

(a) Meets the minimum qualifications established under:

(i) Health Occupations Article, Title 2, Subtitle 3A, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(ii) This chapter;

(b) Does not work independently; and

(c) Works under the general supervision of an audiologist licensed under Health Occupations Article, Title 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.

[(1)] (2) “Board” means the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

[(2)] (3)—[(3)] (4) (text unchanged)

[(4)] (5) “Delegation agreement” means an agreement between a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant and a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist which identifies the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist and the facility at which the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant will be practicing.

[(5)] (6) “Direct supervision” means on-site, in-view, observation and guidance by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist while on an assigned activity.

(7) “General supervision” means the supervision of a licensed audiology assistant by a licensed audiologist who may or may not be present when the licensed audiology assistant assists in the practice of audiology.

[(6)] (8) “Indirect supervision” means those activities other than direct observation and guidance conducted by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist including, but not limited to:

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

[(7)] (9)—[(9)] (11) (text unchanged)

.02 Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License Requirements.

A. The Board shall issue a speech-language pathology assistant license to an applicant who:

(1) Meets the following qualifications:

(a) Has completed the educational requirements in [Regulation .03A of this chapter] §C of this regulation;

(b) Has completed the clinical hours requirements in [Regulation .03B of this chapter] §D of this regulation;

(c) (text unchanged)

(d) Has completed a period of not less than 9 months of supervised practice as specified in Regulation [.03C] .03B of this chapter; and

(e) (text unchanged)

(2) (text unchanged)

B. (text unchanged)

C. Academic Curriculum Requirements.

(1) A speech-language pathology assistant shall demonstrate completion of one of the following requirements, unless a request for an exception based on extenuating circumstances, with documented continuing education during the previous 5 years is approved by the Board:

(a) An associate’s degree from an approved program for speech-language pathology assistants at an accredited institution;

(b) An associate’s degree or higher in an allied health field from an accredited institution with minimum course work that includes at least 3 credit hours in each of the following areas:

(i) Language acquisition and usage throughout the lifespan;

(ii) Speech disorders;

(iii) Anatomy and physiology of speech systems;

(iv) Language disorders, including pragmatics; and

(v) Phonology; or

(c) A baccalaureate degree in speech-language pathology or communication science disorders from an accredited institution.

(2) The Board shall accept only an official transcript that demonstrates course work completed with a grade of at least a “C” taken for credit.

(3) Academic course titles which are not self-explanatory shall be substantiated through course descriptions in official school catalogs or bulletins, or by other official means.

(4) Degrees or course work, or both, received at foreign universities are acceptable only if the course work and clinical practicum hours can be demonstrated, at the applicant’s expense, to meet the requirements of this section.

D. Clinical Hours Requirements.

(1) A speech-language pathology assistant shall demonstrate at the time of application for licensure:

(a) Completion of at least 25 hours of clinical observation and 75 hours of clinical assisting experience in an associate’s program; or

(b) 25 observation and 75 clinical practice hours as a speech-language pathology student in a bachelor’s or master’s program obtained within an educational institution or in one of the educational institution’s cooperating programs.

(2) Alternative Method for Completion of Clinical Hours.

(a) If an applicant has not obtained the hours required in §D(1) of this regulation, the applicant may file with the Board a written plan for an alternative method to obtain the hours which shall include:

(i) A plan for the clinical observation, or clinical assisting experience, or both, designed and signed by the supervising speech-language pathologist;

(ii) Further information or revisions as requested by the Board;

(iii) An application for limited licensure; and

(iv) The fee for limited licensure.

(b) The plan for obtaining the 75 hours of clinical assistance shall include 100 percent direct supervision by the supervising speech-language pathologist of the speech-language pathologist assistant during any client contact hours.

(c) The Board shall approve the plan and issue the limited license before any clinical observation or clinical assisting experience may be obtained.

(d) The limited licensee shall then complete the hours in accordance with the Board-approved plan within 60 days.

(e) If the Board does not receive proof of successful completion of the hours by the end of 90 days, the limited assistant license is void and the speech-language pathology assistant may reapply.

[.04] .03 [Issuance of] Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Limited License.

A. (text unchanged)

B. [A speech-language pathology assistant shall complete a delegation agreement for each supervising speech-language pathologist.] Supervised Practice Requirements.

(1) A speech-language pathology assistant shall have a limited license from the Board before beginning supervised practice.

(2) The Board shall issue a limited license to practice as a speech-language pathology assistant to an applicant who:

(a) Is of good moral character;

(b) Meets the qualifications indicated in Regulation .02A of this chapter and:

(i) Has completed the requirements of Regulation .02D(1) of this chapter; or

(ii) Has submitted a plan approved by the Board as provided in Regulation .02D(2) of this chapter;

(c) Submits the completed application and fee to the Board; and

(d) Submits a delegation agreement to the Board for each supervising speech-language pathologist.

(3) During the period of limited licensure, the speech-language pathology assistant shall:

(a) Practice only under the supervision of:

(i) A fully licensed speech-language pathologist; or

(ii) In an exempt setting, an individual who holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association;

(b) Demonstrate completion, within the first 60 days, under direct supervision as documented by the supervising speech-language pathologist of:

(i) At least 25 hours of clinical observation earned during the educational training or on the job, or both; and

(ii) A cumulative total of 75 hours of clinical assistance earned during the educational training or on the job, or both; and

(c) Practice a minimum of 9 months under a limited license.

(4) The limited license shall expire 12 months after its effective date.

(5) The supervising speech-language pathologist shall ensure that the speech-language pathology assistant demonstrates successful completion of the Board’s competency skills checklist.

(6) The speech-language pathology assistant shall submit the completed competency skills checklist to the Board at least 60 days before the limited license expiration date.

.04 Audiology Assistant License Requirements.

A. The Board shall issue an audiology assistant license to an applicant who:

(1) Meets the following qualifications:

(a) Holds a high school diploma or equivalent degree such as a GED from an accredited institution;

(b) Is of good moral character;

(c) Demonstrates oral competency;

(d) Submits a criminal history records check in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §2-303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland;

(e) Submits an application to the Board on the form that the Board requires; and

(f) Pays the application fee set by the Board; or

(2) Meets the qualifications for waiver of requirements in Regulation .05 of this chapter.

B. Incomplete Applications.

(1) If an incomplete application is submitted to the Board, the Board shall notify the applicant within 30 days after receipt of an incomplete application of the materials that are required.

(2) An application is not complete until all required material, including the application fee and supporting documentation, is received by the Board.

(3) If the applicant fails to provide the required documentation within 1 year of receipt of the initial receipt, the Board may administratively close the application.

(4) An applicant whose application is administratively closed may reapply and submit with the new application proof of compliance with:

(a) This subtitle; and

(b) Health Occupations Article, Title 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. Academic Curriculum Requirement. An audiology assistant shall provide proof of completion of a high school diploma or higher.

D. An audiology assistant:

(1) May not work independently; and

(2) Works under the general supervision of a licensed audiologist.

.05 Waiver of Requirements [— Speech-Language Pathology Assistants].

A. The Board may waive the qualifications required for a license to practice as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant under this chapter for an individual who:

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) Has been working as [a]:

(a) A speech-language pathology assistant [for at least 2 years;] prior to October 1, 2007; or

(b) An audiology assistant prior to October 1, 2022;

(4) Has completed the educational requirements in [Regulation .03A] Regulations .02C and .04C of this chapter;

(5)—(6) (text unchanged)

B. The Board may waive any of the qualifications required for a license to practice as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant under this chapter for an individual who:

(1) Holds a valid registration as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association;

(2) Holds a valid license, certification, or registration as a speech language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant in another state whose qualifications for a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant are equivalent to the qualifications for a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant in this State; or

(3) (text unchanged)

.06 [Speech-Language Pathology Assistant] Scope of Practice.

A. A speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant may provide only services which assist the direct services provided by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist, and not services which are alternatives to direct services.

B. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall include the following:

(1) Engaging only in those duties planned, designed, and supervised by a supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

(2) Following treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist who maintains professional responsibility for the plans of care;

(3) (text unchanged)

(4) Identifying the licensee as a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant to consumers and co-professionals;

(5) Following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist when conducting speech-language or audiology screenings; and

(6) Reporting documented evidence of treatment and non-interpretive data regarding the client’s performance to the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

C. Activities within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant may include the following:

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) Performing checks and maintenance of equipment; [and]

(5) Participating with the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs[.];

(6) Assisting the speech-language pathologists or audiologists during patient assessments; and

(7) Assisting the audiologists with basic diagnostic tests, such as audiometry and tympanometry.

D. Activities not within the scope of practice of a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant include:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Participating in parent conferences, case conferences, or interdisciplinary team meetings without the presence of the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist, or other licensed speech-language pathologist or audiologist designated by the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

(3)—(6) (text unchanged)

(7) Disclosing clinical or confidential information either orally or in writing to anyone other than the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist; or

(8) Providing specialized [dysphagia] treatment that requires advanced knowledge and training.

E. Audiology assistants may not perform any task:

(1) Without the express knowledge and approval of the supervising audiologist; and

(2) That may be prohibited by state or federal law.

.07 [Requirements of the Supervising Speech-Language Pathologist] Supervisor Responsibilities.

A. A supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist is responsible for the direction of all client services provided by a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant.

B. A licensed full-time (35 hours or more a week) speech-language pathologist or audiologist may not supervise more than the equivalent of two full-time (35 hours or more a week) speech-language pathology assistants or audiology assistants.

C. A licensed part-time (less than 35 hours a week) speech-language pathologist or audiologist may not supervise more than the equivalent of one full-time (35 hours a week) speech-language pathology assistant or audiology assistant.

D. A supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist shall:

(1) Have a minimum of 3 years work experience (2 years since receipt of full license or ASHA-CCC) as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist;

(2) Maintain on-going contact with all clients seen by a speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant by participating in:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(3) Provide supervision of the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant that is a combination of direct on-site activities and indirect activities;

(4) Be on-site to supervise the speech-language pathology assistant [a minimum of 2 times per month] during the first 2 hours of treatment for each client and then at least 1 direct hour of supervision during each subsequent month;

(5) Provide general supervision to the audiology assistant and continuous availability by phone or telehealth technologies;

[(5)] (6) Conduct and maintain performance evaluations of the speech language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant within the first 3 months, and at least annually thereafter, that are cosigned by both the supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist and the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant;

[(6)] (7) Provide a copy of the signed performance evaluation to the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant;

[(7)] (8) Maintain documentation of client contact and supervisory activities of the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant; and

[(8)] (9) Have the authority to combine in-person client contact and on-site supervision of the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant when appropriate.

[.08] .09 [Term and] License Renewal [of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant License].

A. A speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant license expires on the date set by the Board, unless it is renewed for an additional term as provided in this regulation.

B. (text unchanged)

C. At least 1 month before the license expires, the Board shall notify the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant of the date the license expires and the procedures for renewing the license.

D. The speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant is responsible for renewing licensure.

E. The speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant may apply to renew the license for another term if the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant:

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) Submits to the Board:

(a) text unchanged)

(b) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education requirements under [Regulation .09] Regulation .10 of this chapter; and

(c) A delegation agreement for each supervising speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

F. A speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall undergo a new criminal records history check as set forth in Health Occupations Article, §2-303.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, every three renewal cycles or every 6 years.

[F.] G.[G.] H. (text unchanged)

[.09] .10 Continuing Education Requirements [(CEU) for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants].

A. A speech-language pathology assistant or an audiology assistant shall obtain CEUs as a means of staying current in the field.

B. The speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant shall earn a minimum of ten CEUs as a condition of renewal as follows:

(1) (text unchanged)

(2) Five CEUs in work-related areas[.] that may include the recommended completion of:

(a) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of cultural competency;

(b) A minimum of 1 CEU in the area of ethics; and

(c) Related training that does not include annual training requirements for:

(i) Job orientation;

(ii) Job maintenance; or

(iii) Other general information related to health care.

C. The speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant shall retain records documenting completion of CEUs.

D. At the time of license renewal, the Board shall audit 25 percent of the speech-language pathology assistants or the audiology assistants for compliance with the continuing education requirement.

E. If the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant is audited by the Board, the speech-language pathology assistant or the audiology assistant shall submit to the Board the following:

(1)—(2) (text unchanged)

(3) Documentation of earned CEUs completed within the 2 years immediately preceding the license expiration date.

 

10.41.13 Sanctioning Guidelines

Authority: Health Occupations Article, §§1-606, 2-314, and 2-314.9, Annotated Code of Maryland

.02 Definitions.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Board” means the State Board of Examiners for Audiologists, Hearing Aid Dispensers, [and] Speech-Language Pathologists, and Music Therapists.

(2) (text unchanged)

(3) “License” means a license issued by the Board to:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(c) Practice speech-language pathology; [or]

(d) Practice music therapy; or

[(d)] (e) Assist in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.

(4) “Licensee” means an individual licensed by the Board to:

(a)—(b) (text unchanged)

(c) Practice speech-language pathology; [or]

(d) Practice music therapy; or

[(d)] (e) Assist in the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology.

(5)—(6) (text unchanged)

.04 Guidelines for Disciplinary Sanctions and Imposition of Penalties.

A. Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may impose sanctions and penalties for violations of the Maryland Audiology, Hearing Aid Dispensing, [and] Speech-Language Pathology, and Music Therapy Act and its regulations according to the guidelines set forth in the following chart:

Violation

Minimum

Sanction/Penalty

Maximum

Sanction/Penalty

(1)—(20) (text unchanged)

 

 

[(21) Immoral behavior

Reprimand

Revocation;

$5,000 fine

(22) Discrimination against HIV or HIV positive patient

Reprimand

Suspension for 90 days;

$1,000 fine]

[(23)] (21)—

[(26)] (24) (text unchanged)

 

 

B.—D. (text unchanged)

LAURA HERRERA SCOTT
Secretary of Health

 

Title 11
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-132-P]

The Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration  proposes to amend:

(1) Regulation .03 under COMAR 11.11.05 Motor Vehicle Fees;

(2) Regulation .05 under COMAR 11.17.09 Proof of Age, Full Name, Identity, Maryland Residence, Social Security Number, and Lawful Status; and

(3) Regulation .05 under COMAR 11.17.21 Proof of Age, Name, Identity, and Residency for Federally Noncompliant Driver Licenses and Identification Cards.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to update the term “inmate” to be “incarcerated individual” pursuant to Ch. 721 (S.B. 293), Acts of 2023.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Tracey C. Sheffield, Regulations Coordinator, MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Room 200, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or call 410-768-7545, or email to tsheffield@mdot.maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

 

Subtitle 11 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION — ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

11.11.05 Motor Vehicle Fees

Authority: Transportation Article, §12-104(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, and as cited in Regulations .02—.06 of this chapter

.03 Driver’s License and Identification Card Fees.

Service

Section

Fee

A.—G. (text unchanged)

 

 

H. Identification Card:

 

 

      (1)—(2) (text unchanged)

 

 

      (3) Issued to an [inmate] incarcerated individual within 60 days of release from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services or Federal Bureau of Prisons.

12-301

1

      (4)—(6) (text unchanged)

 

 

I. (text unchanged)

Subtitle 17 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION — DRIVER LICENSING AND IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS

11.17.09 Proof of Age, Full Name, Identity, Maryland Residence, Social Security Number, and Lawful Status

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 12-301, 16-103.1, 16-104.2, 16-106, 16-115, and 16-121—16-122, Annotated Code of Maryland;
6 CFR 37

.05 Source Document Exception Process.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. The Administration may accept the following documents as proof of Maryland residency if submitted by an applicant under the following circumstances[.]:

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) If the applicant is an [inmate] incarcerated individual or former [inmate] incarcerated individual within 60 days of release:

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

(5)—(6) (text unchanged)

D.—F. (text unchanged)

 

11.17.21 Proof of Age, Name, Identity, and Residency for Federally Noncompliant Driver Licenses and Identification Cards

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 12-301, 16-103.1, 16-104.2, 16-106, 16-115, 16-121, and 16-122, Annotated Code of Maryland

.05 Exception Process.

A. If an applicant is unable to comply with the Maryland residency source document requirements set forth in Regulation .04C of this chapter due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, the applicant may submit the following alternate source documents under the following circumstances[.]:

(1)—(3) (text unchanged)

(4) If the applicant is an [inmate] incarcerated individual or former [inmate] incarcerated individual within 60 days of release:

(a)—(c) (text unchanged)

(5)—(6) (text unchanged)

B. (text unchanged)

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Subtitle 11 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

11.11.05 Motor Vehicle Fees

Authority: Transportation Article, §12-104(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, and as cited in Regulations .02—.06 of this chapter

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-129-P]

The Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration  proposes to amend Regulation .04 under COMAR 11.11.05 Motor Vehicle Fees.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to set the fee charged for the issuance of a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) sticker pursuant to Ch. 121 (H.B. 123), Acts of 2023.

Estimate of Economic Impact

I. Summary of Economic Impact. This proposal is for the purpose of authorizing certain plug–in electric drive vehicles for which a permit has been obtained from the Motor Vehicle Administration to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicles; and generally relating to the use of HOV lanes by plug–in electric drive vehicles.

Currently, MDOT MVA has a permit in place. This proposal would not have an impact on either the expenditures or the revenues for MDOT MVA. The production cost and the mailing of the sticker are offset by the $5 fee for each sticker. MDOT MVA plans on charging a $5 fee for each sticker, and that would cover the cost of the production of the sticker and the mailing. Currently, there are approximately 60,000 registered vehicles eligible under the bill to receive (HOV) lanes stickers. The anticipation is that approximately 35,000 customers will request HOV stickers. Also, programming hours would be required but could be handled with existing resources.

II. Types of Economic Impact.

Impacted Entity

Revenue (R+/R-)

Expenditure (E+/E-)

Magnitude

A. On issuing agency:

 

 

Maryland Department of Transportation

(R+)

175,000

B. On other State agencies:

NONE

 

C. On local governments:

NONE

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit (+)

Cost (-)

Magnitude

D. On regulated industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

E. On other industries or trade groups:

NONE

 

F. Direct and indirect effects on public:

NONE

 

III. Assumptions. (Identified by Impact Letter and Number from Section II.)

A. Ch. 121 (H.B. 123), Acts of 2023, requires the MDOT MVA to charge a fee of up to $20 for (HOV) lanes stickers. If the MDOT MVA charges a $5 fee to the customer per HOV sticker, the estimated income would be $175,000. This would be 35,000 stickers at a $5 cost for a total of $175,000.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Tracey C. Sheffield, Regulations Coordinator, MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Room 200, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or call 410-768-7545, or email to tsheffield@mdot.maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.04 Vehicle Registration Fees.

Service

Section

Fee

A.—L. (text unchanged)

M. High occupancy vehicle (HOV) sticker.

25-108

5

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Subtitle 13 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE EQUIPMENT

11.13.12 Safety Glass Replacement Standards

Authority: Commercial Law Article, §13-301; Transportation Article,
§§12-104(b) and 22-406[,]; Annotated Code of Maryland.

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-130-P]

The Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration proposes to amend Regulations .01, .04, .05, and .09 under COMAR 11.13.12 Safety Glass Replacement Standards.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this regulation is to conform the regulations to the newly adopted ANSI standard for glass installation, and to conform the regulation to the disclosures pursuant to Ch. 561 (H.B. 920), Acts of 2023.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Tracey C. Sheffield, Regulations Coordinator, MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Room 200, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or call 410-768-7545, or email to tsheffield@mdot.maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.01 Scope.

This chapter implements the American National Standards Institute/Auto Glass Safety Council/Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard (ANSI/AGSC/AGRSS) addressing procedures, education, and product performance for motor vehicles falling within the guidelines of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) [208 and 212].

.04 Vehicle Assessment Before Replacement.

A.—B. (text unchanged)

C. If, after the assessment made under §A of this regulation, it has been determined that the vehicle has an ADAS which could require recalibration after any automotive glass replacement, and the technician chooses not to follow Regulation .08I of this chapter, the technician may not undertake or complete the installation. The owner/operator then shall be so notified verbally and in writing. Documentation of customer notification shall be kept as a record in accordance with the provisions of Regulation .08G of this chapter. The technician shall provide the customer with a written statement that the work to be performed on the motor vehicle will meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer specifications. 

D. (text unchanged)

.05 Selection of Glass and Retention Systems.

Those engaged in automotive glass replacement shall:

A.—C. (text unchanged)

D. Use only retention systems that have lot numbers and expiration dates printed on appropriate products; [and]

E. Use glass products compatible with the ADAS which may be affected/impacted by the glass replacement[.]; and

F. Use only equipment specifically designed and purposed for recalibration when recalibration of the ADAS is required by the vehicle manufacturer. Further:

(1) Recalibration shall be completed using either an OEM-approved recalibration system/procedure, or equivalent recalibration procedure as assured in writing by the equivalent recalibration equipment manufacturer;

(2) Equivalent recalibration equipment, and the procedures used in conjunction with that equipment, shall be represented in writing by the manufacturer as being suitable for and compatible with the accurate recalibration of ADAS on the vehicle specifically contained within that equipment’s database;

(3) Recalibration equipment shall only be used on vehicles specifically covered within the device’s database/software and may not be used to recalibrate models beyond the scope of the software; and

(4) Recalibration equipment may not be altered or modified without the express permission of the manufacturer, and all regular maintenance shall be sufficient to comply with the manufacturer’s requirements.

.09 Education.

A. (text unchanged)

B. Technicians performing recalibration/calibration procedures shall be fully qualified for the tasks they are required to perform. Such qualifications shall include, at a minimum, completion of a comprehensive training program with a final exam and ongoing education component. Curriculum used for ADAS training shall be kept on file (in an auditable format) and shall contain the following elements:

(1) What ADAS are, what they do, and how they function;

(2) Types of ADAS;

(3) Purpose of recalibration/calibration and the need for precise execution; and

(4) Types of recalibration/calibration:

(a) Static;

(b) Dynamic; or

(c) Dual (static and dynamic).

(5) Comprehensive and manufacturer specific recalibration/calibration training for the system/equipment used by the automotive glass company are as follows:

(a) Set up and operation of the equipment; and

(b) Maintenance of the equipment.

(6) Successful completion/mastery of the training shall be verified by a final exam which includes:

(a) Knowledge assessment of ADAS and the recalibration/calibration process; and

(b) Skill assessment to verify proper technique and use of equipment.

[B.] C. (text unchanged)

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Subtitle 15 MOTOR VEHICLE ADMINISTRATION—VEHICLE REGISTRATION

11.15.40 Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax Credit

Authority: Transportation Article, §§12-104(b), 11-103.4, and 13-815, Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-157-P]

The Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Administration proposes to adopt new Regulations .01—.04 under a new chapter, COMAR 11.15.40 Electric Vehicle and Low Emission Vehicle Excise Tax Credit.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to adopt new regulations to set procedures for excise tax credits issued for eligible zero-emission vehicles pursuant to Ch. 234 (H.B. 1391), Acts of 2022.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Tracey C. Sheffield, Regulations Coordinator, MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Room 200, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or call 410-768-7545, or email to tsheffield@mdot.maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.01 Purpose.

This chapter applies to applications for excise tax credits issued for eligible zero-emission vehicles.

.02 Incorporation by Reference.

In this chapter, 15 U.S.C. §1232, as amended, is incorporated by reference.

.03 Definitions.

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Administration” means the Motor Vehicle Administration.

(2) “Autocycle” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §11-103.4, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(3) Base Purchase Price.

(a) “Base purchase price” means the standard vehicle price as printed on the Monroney sticker.

(b) “Base purchase price” does not include:

(i) Shipping or freight charges;

(ii) After manufacture items included with the vehicle at the time of purchase;

(iii) Extended warranties;

(iv) State or federal taxes;

(v) Registration fees;

(vi) Calculation of a dealer trade-in allowance;

(vii) Dealer discounts or rebates;

(viii) State, federal, or local government purchase incentives; or

(ix) Vehicle options.

(3) “Excise tax” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §13-809, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(4) “Fuel cell electric vehicle” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §11-125.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(5) “Monroney sticker” means the label required under 15 U.S.C. §1232, as amended.

(6) “Zero-emission plug-in electric drive vehicle” has the meaning stated in Transportation Article, §13-815, Annotated Code of Maryland.

.04 Electric Vehicle Excise Tax Credit Eligibility.

A. For determining eligibility of a zero-emission plug-in electric vehicle, fuel cell electric vehicle, zero-emission electric motorcycle, or zero-emission autocycle for a vehicle tax credit, the Administration shall use the base purchase price of the vehicle.

B. Subject to available funding, the vehicle owner is eligible to apply to the Administration for an applicable excise tax credit if the following conditions are met:

(1) The vehicle was purchased new and titled for the first time on or after July 1, 2023, but before July 1, 2027;

(2) The vehicle has not been modified from original manufacturer specifications;

(3) The vehicle is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale;

(4) The vehicle has a total base purchase price not exceeding $50,000;

(5) If applicable, the vehicle has a battery capacity of at least 5.0 kilowatt hours; and

(6) The applicant is either:

(a) An individual who has not received a previous excise tax credit for the purchase of a vehicle in accordance with Transportation Article, §13-815; Annotated Code of Maryland; or

(b) A business entity that has not received excise tax credits for the purchase of more than 10 vehicles in accordance with Transportation Article, §13-815, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Subject to available funding, the credit shall be issued in an amount in accordance with Transportation Article, §13-815, Annotated Code of Maryland.

CHRISTINE NIZER
Administrator

 

Title 14
INDEPENDENT AGENCIES

Subtitle 35 MARYLAND HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE

14.35.19 State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Program

Authority: Insurance Article, §31-106(c)(1)(iv), Annotated Code of Maryland

Notice of Proposed Action

[23-154-P]

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange proposes to amend Regulation .03 under COMAR 14.35.19 State-Based Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Program. This action was considered at the regular session of the MHBE Board of Trustees on June 20, 2023.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this action is to comply with Chs. 256 (S.B. 601) and 257 (H.B. 814), Acts of 2023, which extended the Young Adult Health Insurance Subsidies Pilot Program through 2025.

Estimate of Economic Impact

The proposed action has no economic impact.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

The proposed action has minimal or no economic impact on small businesses.

Impact on Individuals with Disabilities

The proposed action has no impact on individuals with disabilities.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Becca Lane, Senior Health Policy Analyst, Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, 750 E Pratt St., 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, or call 410-547-7371, or email to becca.lane@maryland.gov. Comments will be accepted through September 11, 2023. A public hearing has not been scheduled.

.03 Eligibility Requirements for Subsidies Through the Program.

A.—C. (text unchanged)

D. In any calendar [years 2022 and 2023] year of the program:

(1)—(4) (text unchanged)

E. (text unchanged)

MICHELE EBERLE
Executive Director

 

Special Documents

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0008

 

Sun TRS Castaways LLC

27777 Franklin Rd, Ste 200

Southfield, MI  48034

 

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0008

 

Location: 12550 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin, MD  21811

 

The purpose of the project is to provide for deeper water for navigation.

 

Description of Authorized Work:  Maintenance dredge by mechanical method an 8,953 square foot area, and new mechanical

dredge a 16,573 square foot area in both Private and State tidal wetlands to a maximum depth of 3.0 feet at mean low water; to provide for periodic maintenance dredging for six years; and transport 1,575 cubic yards of dredged material to an approved disposal site located at 7968 Libertytown Road, Berlin, MD in Worcester County.

 

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

 

Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.

 

Contact: Miles Simmons at robertm.simmons@maryland.gov or at 410-901-4044.

[23-16-12]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0010

 

Flying Point Marina

Attn: Phil Cianelli

C/o Doldon W. Moore & Associates

P.O. Box 1

Owings, MD 20736

 

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0010

 

Location: 324 Flying Point Road, Edgewood, Maryland 21040

 

The project includes the following:

 

1.        Remove any unauthorized structures, as determined by MDE Compliance Program, which include a covered structure over the bridge.

2.        Clarify and reauthorize the following structures that appeared in a previous authorization: a. 201-foot and 9-inch replacement bulkhead 18-inches channelward of the mean high water line around an existing jetty; b. 242-foot long by 8-foot wide pier with a 10-foot section tapering out to 16-feet and 9-inches where it meets the bulkhead; extending 242 channelward of the bulkhead.

3.        Mechanically or hydraulically maintenance dredge a previously dredged marina basin and entrance channel totaling 215,167 square feet (4.93 acres) that include the following sections:

-          Section A (entrance channel): 8,476 square feet;

-          Section B (around the T-head pier): 73,180 square feet;

-          Sections C, D, E (original marina basin): 133,511 square feet;

-          All section will be dredged to a depth of 4.5 feet at mean low water;

-          Approximately 11,650 cubic yards of dredged material will be transported by hydraulic pipeline, by barge, or by truck to the Bush River Dredged Material Placement Site at Fords Lane, Perryman, Harford County, Maryland 21001;

-          Provide periodic maintenance dredging for a period of 6 years.

4.        In the entrance channel area, construct or install the following:

-          182-foot long segmented breakwater containing an 87-foot long by 11-foot wide segment and a 95-foot long by 11-foot wide segment extending a maximum of 161 feet channelward of the mean high water line;

-          Six 4-pile dolphin channel markers extending a maximum of 325 feet channelward of the mean high water line.

5.        On the “T head” pier, construct or install the following:

-          Twelve, 60-foot long by 6-foot wide floating finger piers, that each include 14-foot long by 3- foot wide gangways;

-          Three 60-foot long by 6-foot wide floating piers that each include 12-foot long by 3-foot wide gangways; 

-          Boatlift with associated piles;

-          26 new mooring piles; e. 62-foot long by 13-foot wide floating jet ski dock to accommodate 12 jet skis;

-          18-foot long by 8-foot wide by 12-foot high covering over the gas pump area;

-          8-foot long by 8-foot wide by 12-foot high covering over the pump out area;

-          All extending a maximum of 250 channelward of the mean high water line.

6.        Around the island, construct or install the following:

-          50-foot long by 5-foot wide floating parallel pier;

-          100-foot long by 5-foot wide floating parallel pier;

-          Two 30-foot long by 6-foot wide floating finger piers that include 10-foot long by 3-foot wide gangways;

-          Two mooring piles;

-          Boatlift with associated piles.

7.        Near the main building, construct or install the following:

-          Two 40-foot long by 6-foot wide floating work platforms.

8.         In the original marina basin area, construct the following:

-          640 linear feet of replacement bulkhead 18 inches channelward of an existing bulkhead

 

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

 

Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC. 

 

Contact:  Matt Wallach at matthew.wallach@maryland.gov or 410-207-0893

[23-16-11]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0016

 

Bay Bridge Marina

337 Pier One Rd.

Stevensville, MD  21666

 

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0016

 

Location: 337 Pier One Rd, Stevensville, MD  21666

 

The purpose of the project is to provide for deeper water for navigation.

Description of Authorized Work:  Maintenance dredge by mechanical method a 1,200-foot long by 55-foot wide area and a new dredge area of 1,610 square feet in State wetlands to a maximum depth of 6.5 feet at mean low water; to provide for periodic maintenance dredging for six years; and transport approximately 5,000 cubic yards of dredge material to an approved disposal site located at 337 Pier One Road, Stevensville in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

 

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

 

Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision, and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.

 

Contact: Miles Simmons at robertm.simmons@maryland.gov or at 410-901-4044.

[23-16-13]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0021

 

McLean Contracting Company.

Attn: Cory Heisey

C/o Joe Wallenfelsz

6700 McLean Way

Glen Burnie, MD 21060

 

Add’l. Info:  Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0021

 

Location: 2001 Benhill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21226

 

The work includes the following:

- Construct 1,164 linear feet of bulkhead, which includes 606 linear feet of replacement bulkhead 18 inches channelward of an existing bulkhead and 558 linear feet of bulkhead constructed 18 inches channelward of an existing relieving platform;

- Fill 38,000 square feet (.87 acres) with up to 24,000 cubic yards of clean fill.

- Construct a 245 foot long by 31-foot wide temporary trestle with four 24-inch mooring piles 245 feet channelward of the mean high water line.

 

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

 

Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC. 

 

Contact:  Matt Wallach at matthew.wallach@maryland.gov or 410-207-0893

[23-16-14]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0028

 

Wroten Island Land Conservation, Inc

C/o Mike Novak

1401 Hollingsworth Rd

Joppa, MD 21085

 

Add’l. Info:      Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(3)(c), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of its issuance of a Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0028.

 

Location: The project is located at Wroten Island in the Honga River near Crapo in Dorchester County, Maryland.

 

The purpose of the project is to stabilize an eroding shoreline.

Project Description: Stabilize an eroding island as depicted on plans dated January 7, 2022 and described below:1.Construct a 224-foot long by 22-foot wide stone groin all within a maximum of 161 feet channelward of the mean high water line; 

2. a 1,253 linear foot low profile stone marsh edging revetment all within a maximum of 8 feet channelward of the marsh/open water interface, and 3. a 141-foot long by 14-foot wide groin within a maximum of 67 feet channelward of the mean high water line at the southwest peninsula; and 4.construct 112-foot long by 14-foot wide groin within a maximum of 92 feet channelward of the mean high water line, 5.a 1,302 linear foot linear foot low profile stone marsh edging revetment all within a maximum of 8 feet channelward of the marsh/open water interface, and  6. a 52-foot long by 14-foot wide stone groin all within a maximum of 43 feet channelward of the mean high water line at the northeast peninsula.

 

The WQC and its attachments may be viewed at the following link:

https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/WetlandsandWaterways/Pages/WQC.aspx

Appeal of Final Decision. This Water Quality Certification is a final agency decision. Any person aggrieved by the Department’s decision to issue this WQC may appeal such decision in accordance with COMAR 26.08.02.10F(4). A request for appeal shall be filed with the Department within 30 days of publication of the final decision and specify in writing the reason why the final decision should be reconsidered. A request for appeal shall be submitted to: Secretary of the Environment, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230. Any request for an appeal does not stay the effectiveness of this WQC.

 

Contact: Mary Phipps-Dickerson at (443) 509-0797 or mary.phippsdickerson@maryland.gov

[23-16-10]

 

WATER AND SCIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0029

 

Kentmorr Marina Properties LLC

910 Kentmorr Road

Stevensville, Maryland 21666

 

Add’l. Info: Pursuant to COMAR 26.08.02.10F(1)(d), The Maryland Department of the Environment is providing notice of a scheduled Public Hearing for Water Quality Certification 23-WQC-0029.

 

Location: 910 Kentmorr Road in Stevensville, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland 21666

 

Kentmorr Marina LLC has requested a Water Quality Certification for the proposed tidal wetland impacts to the existing marina, which includes to hydraulically or mechanically dredge an approximately 2,000 linear feet by 76 ­feet wide (151,249 square foot) entrance channel area to a maximum depth of -6.0 ft at mean low water, approximately 55,349 square feet of channel area is proposed as maintenance dredging and approximately 95,900 square feet as new dredging area; to provide for periodic dredging for six years; place up to approximately 5,682 cubic yards of resulting dredge spoil to nourish an existing beach within the historic footprint, a maximum of 73 feet channelward of the mean high water line; and transport surplus dredge material to an approved disposal site at 5360 Browns Way Road, Churchton in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. The purpose of the project is to improve navigable access and restore an existing beach to within its historic footprint.

 

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public about the proposed work and to announce the date of a Maryland Department of the Environment public informational hearing on the subject application. At this time, no decision has been made as to whether a certification will be issued. An in person public informational hearing has been scheduled for the referenced project on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Centreville Branch of the Queen Anne’s County Public Library, 121 Commerce Street, Centreville, Maryland, 21617.  The hearing will begin at 6:30 P.M. and end no later than 8:00 P.M. Written comments will be accepted until October 13, 2023.

 

Contact:  R. Miles Simmons at robertm.simmons@maryland.gov or 410-627-4826.

[23-16-15]

 

General Notices

 

Notice of ADA Compliance

   The State of Maryland is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are able to fully participate in public meetings.  Anyone planning to attend a meeting announced below who wishes to receive auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations is invited to contact the agency representative at least 48 hours in advance, at the telephone number listed in the notice or through Maryland Relay.

 

CHESAPEAKE BAY TRUST

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: September 22, 2023, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Place: Wades Point, 10090 Wades Point Rd., McDaniel, MD

Contact: Jana Davis 410-974-2941

[23-16-07]

 

STATE COLLECTION AGENCY LICENSING BOARD (SCALB)

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: September 12, 2023, 2 — 3 p.m.; thereafter, the public meetings will take place the second Tuesday of every month, accessed via the Google Meet information given below.

Place: Via Google Meet

Add’l. Info: Google Meet joining info:

     Video call link:

     https://meet.google.com/ahz-mgnk-jsu

     Or dial: (US) +1 530-738-1353

     PIN: 815 799 863 #

     More phone numbers:

     https://tel.meet/ahz-mgnk-jsu?pin=1097700804795
     If necessary, the Board will convene in a closed session to seek the advice of counsel or review confidential materials, pursuant to General Provisions Article, §3-305, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Contact: Ayanna Daugherty 410-230-6019

[23-16-17]

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: August 23, 2023, 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Place: Via Google Meet

Contact: Duane Johnson 410-537-4466

[23-16-01]

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: August 23, 2023, 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Place: Dept. of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, MD

Contact: Taj Goodlow 410-537-4466

[23-16-02]

 

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: August 21, 2023, 1 — 3 p.m.

Place: Via Google Meet — please see details below.

Add’l. Info: The Maryland CHW State Advisory Committee meets quarterly. Members of the public are welcome to attend, but are requested to pre-register with this link:

     https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenbz-qRQYU_TQoF6LQJiP4-q0a1EvWPKz4R4RS2GG5KvxT4g/viewform?gxids=7757.

     The Google Meet link and call in line are available on the Maryland CHW State Advisory Committee webpage at https://pophealth.health.maryland.gov/Community-Health-Workers/Pages/Advisory-Committee.aspx.

Contact: Tina Backe 443-401-7531

[23-16-06]

 

MARYLAND INSURANCE ADMINISTRATION

Subject: Public Hearing

Date and Time: Monday August 28, 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Add’l. Info: The Maryland Insurance Administration will conduct a public hearing on specific rate increase requests being made by certain Long-Term Care Insurance carriers operating in Maryland.

     In the individual long-term care market, the hearing will focus on requests from Continental General Insurance Company, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, Transamerica Life Insurance Company and Unum Life Insurance Company of America.

     In the group long-term care market, the hearing will focus on requests from Unum Life Insurance Company of America.

     The purpose of the hearing is for insurance company officials to explain the reasons for the rate increases, to explain the new benefit options and for the MIA to consider whether the proposed rate increase is in compliance with Maryland’s laws and regulations relating to long term care insurance.

     Interested stakeholders will also have the opportunity to provide comments at the hearing. Prior to the hearing, copies of each company’s actuarial memorandum will be posted to the Maryland Insurance Administration’s website. 

     Given the current COVID-19 situation, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the hearing will be held via Zoom.

     Dial-in Information:

     Zoom Gov link:

     https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1600635999

     Dial-in: (646) 828-7666

     Webinar ID: 160 063 5999

     Information about the Maryland Relay Service can be found at doit.maryland.gov/mdrelay.

     If you will be dialing into the public hearing, and wish to provide oral testimony, please RSVP to Nancy Muehlberger. Testimony will only be heard from those who have RSVP’d in advance of the public hearing. Written comments and RSVPs should be sent to Nancy Muehlberger by August 21, 2023, either by email to longtermcare.mia@maryland.gov or by mail to 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202, or by fax to 410-468-2038.

     Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to Nancy Muehlberger, Actuarial Analyst, by August 21, 2023, by email to Nancy.Muehlberger@maryland.gov. 

     For more information on the hearing please see the following link:

     https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/Long-Term-Care-Hearing-August-28-2023.aspx

Contact: Nancy Muehlberger, 410-468-2050

[23-16-20]

 

MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

Subject: Formal Start of Review

Add’l. Info: The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) hereby gives notice of docketing of the following application for Certificate of Need:

     Hygea Detox at Camp Meade — Docket No. 23-02-2468 — Establish a 16-bed adult detoxification Track One Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Intermediate Care Facility (“ICF”) at the site of the former Maryland House Detox facility, a 1.9029 acre site in Anne Arundel County, located at 817 S. Camp Meade Rd, Linthicum Heights, Maryland; Proposed Cost:  $136,781.

     MHCC shall review the applications under Health-General Article, §19-101 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 10.24.01, and the applicable State Health Plan standards.

     Any affected person may make a written request to the Commission to receive copies of relevant notices concerning the application. All further notices of proceedings on the application will be sent only to affected persons who have registered as interested parties.

     Persons desiring to become interested parties in the Commission’s review of the above-referenced application must meet the requirements of COMAR 10.24.01.01B(2) and (20) and must also submit written comments to the Commission no later than close of business September 11, 2023. These comments must state with particularity the State Health Plan standards or review criteria that you believe have not been met by the applicant as stated in COMAR 10.24.01.08F.

     Please refer to the Docket Number listed above in any correspondence on the application. Copies of the application are available for review in the office of MHCC during regular business hours by appointment. All correspondence should be addressed to Wynee Hawk, Director, Center for Health Care Facilities and Planning, Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.

Contact: Ruby Potter 410-764-3276

[23-16-05]

 

MARYLAND HEALTH CARE COMMISSION

Subject: Formal Start of Review

Add’l. Info: The Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) hereby gives notice of docketing of the following application for Certificate of Need:

     University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton — (Talbot County) — Docket No. 23-20-2463 — Propose to replace and relocate the regional medical center three miles to the north of the existing facility. The new hospital will have 110 acute care beds and 12 special hospital rehabilitation beds, for a total of 122 inpatient beds. It will also have 25 observation beds. The facility will have seven operating rooms and 27 emergency department treatment spaces. The replacement facility is needed to address the aging, inefficient, and obsolete existing hospital building, and will complement the health care infrastructure developed in the five-county eastern shore region over the past decade; Proposed Cost: $539,558,871.

MHCC shall review the applications under Health-General Article, §19-101 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 10.24.01, and the applicable State Health Plan standards.

     Any affected person may make a written request to the Commission to receive copies of relevant notices concerning the application. All further notices of proceedings on the application will be sent only to affected persons who have registered as interested parties. Persons desiring to become interested parties in the Commission’s review of the above-referenced application must meet the requirements of COMAR 10.24.01.01B(2) and (20) and must also submit written comments to the Commission no later than close of business September 11, 2023. These comments must state with particularity the State Health Plan standards or review criteria that you believe have not been met by the applicant as stated in COMAR 10.24.01.08F.

     Please refer to the Docket Number listed above in any correspondence on the application. Copies of the application are available for review in the office of MHCC during regular business hours by appointment. All correspondence should be addressed to Wynee Hawk, Director, Center for Health Care Facilities and Planning, Maryland Health Care Commission, 4160 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215.

Contact: Ruby Potter 410-764-3276

[23-16-09]

 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/OFFICE OF MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: August 23, 2023, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.; Additional Dates: September 6, September 20, and October 4, 2023

Place: Virtual Meeting — please see the website for details.

Add’l. Info: Meetings are being held virtually until further notice. Please check the website for additional information https://mdot.maryland.gov.

Contact: Sabrina Bass 4108651240

[23-16-04]

 

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Subject: Public Meeting

Date and Time: August 24, 2023, 9:30 — 11:30 a.m.

Place: 10 E. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD

Add’l. Info: Portions of this meeting may be held in closed session.

Contact: Amy S. Lackington 410-864-5300

[23-16-03]