# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 20. Residential Child Care Program Professionals

### Subtitle 4. Prohibited Acts; Penalties

#### Section 20-401

Except as otherwise provided in this title, an individual may not:

(1) Perform the duties of, attempt to perform the duties of, or offer to perform the duties of a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner in this State unless certified by the Board; or

(2) Supervise, direct, induce, or aid an uncertified individual to perform the duties of a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner.

#### Section 20-402

(a) Unless authorized to perform the duties of a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner under this title, a person may not represent to the public by title, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner in this State.

(b) Unless authorized to practice under this title, a person may not use the title "residential child care program administrator", "residential child and youth care practitioner", or any other designation, title, or abbreviation with the intent to represent that the person is authorized to perform the duties of a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner.

#### Section 20-403

A person may not:

(1) Sell or fraudulently obtain or furnish or aid in selling or fraudulently obtaining or furnishing a certificate issued under this title; or

(2) Perform the duties of a program administrator or residential child and youth care practitioner under any certificate unlawfully or fraudulently obtained or issued.

#### Section 20-404

Except when a program administrator is removed from the position by death or for any other unexpected cause as provided in Sec. 20-301 of this title, a program may not be operated unless it is under the day-to-day management and operation of a certified program administrator.

#### Section 20-405

A person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

(1) A fine not exceeding $1,000 for a first offense; and

(2) A fine not exceeding $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both for any subsequent violation of the same provision.

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Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)