# Labor and Employment (GLE)

## Title 9. Workers' Compensation

### Subtitle 7. Claims Procedure, Hearings, and Appeals

#### Section 9-717

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)