§ 9–717
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. § 9-717 (2026)
Title 9. Workers' Compensation
Subtitle 7. Claims Procedure, Hearings, and Appeals
§ 9–717LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If, without reasonable cause, a witness refuses to produce a document or to testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the Commission may and, on request of a party to the proceeding, shall apply to a circuit court for an order to show cause.
(b)
On proof by affidavit that a witness has refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court shall pass an order, returnable within 2 to 5 days, that directs the witness to show cause why the witness should not be imprisoned.
(c)
(1)
On return of the order, the circuit court shall conduct a hearing to determine if the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to testify or provide a document in accordance with an order of the Commission.
(2)
The circuit court shall:
(i)
examine the witness under oath; and
(ii)
give the witness an opportunity to be heard.
(3)
If the circuit court finds that the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court may have the witness immediately imprisoned until the witness:
(i)
produces the document or testifies; or
(ii)
is discharged in accordance with law.