Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, all or part of proceedings in a contested case shall be transcribed if any party: requests the transcription; and pays any required costs. If a petition for judicial review is filed in circuit court by a Maryland Medical Assistance Program recipient, applicant, or authorized representative, the petitioner may not be charged a fee for the costs of: the transcription; or the preparation or delivery of the Office record to the circuit court or to a party.