.04  Licensing Procedure.

A. The president of the governing board of the organization that seeks licensure as a child placement agency shall apply to OLM for a license.

B. An application for an agency license shall include:

(1) The application form, signed by the governing board president and the chief administrator;

(2)  The administrative file of the agency as described in Regulation .08B of this chapter, but, if the agency has existed for less than 1 fiscal year, in lieu of an audit or audit review, it shall provide an analysis of the agency’s financial solvency performed by a certified public accountant;

(3) A detailed agency manual of operation based on this chapter;

(4) A detailed written plan for the provision of services based on one or more of the COMAR chapters cited in Regulation .03C(3) of this chapter; and;

(5) Additional documentation that OLM may require.

C. Application Process.

(1) The applicant shall request an application for licensure from OLM and inform OLM of the type of license the applicant is requesting.

(2) OLM require the applicant to request a new application form if the applicant has not returned the required application material within 1 year after receiving the application .

(3) The applicant may withdraw the application at any time and OLM shall acknowledge in writing the receipt of the withdrawal. OLM may retain any materials or documentation supplied before the withdrawal.

(4) Upon request, the Administration shall provide consultation to any person planning a child placement service.

(5) When an applicant requests information regarding licensure, OLM shall provide information regarding the:

(a) Licensing process; and

(b) Requirements of the type of license requested.

D. Interview and Inspection.

(1) The agency’s governing board shall designate the chief administrator to work with OLM during the application process.

(2) During OLM’s review of the application, the chief administrator shall, at OLM’s invitation:

(a) Meet with OLM to respond to questions;

(b) Clarify parts of the application; and

(c) Arrange for OLM’s inspection of the agency office and other facilities.

E. Decision on the Application.

(1) OLM shall examine the application including the service plan and, within 60 days of receipt of the completed application:

(a) Issue a child placement agency license if the applicant meets the requirements for licensure; or

(b) Deny a child placement license if the applicant:

(i) Does not meet the licensure requirements for the type of license requested; or

(ii) Knowingly provides false information.

(2) If OLM denies a child placement agency license, OLM shall notify the applicant in writing stating the:

(a) Reason for the denial;

(b) Specific regulations on which OLM based its decision;

(c) Applicant's right to appeal the decision; and

(d) Process for the appeal.

F. Duration of License. A license expires 2 years after the date of issuance unless revoked.