<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 07.01.04.16" title_num="07" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="04" heading="Final Decision.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Except as provided in §B of this regulation, within 90 calendar days of the filing of the appeal request:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The administrative law judge shall issue a final decision to all parties with a written statement of the right to seek judicial review; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The agency shall complete all administrative or corrective action necessary to implement the decision.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>In an appeal concerning food stamps, within 60 calendar days of the filing of the appeal request:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The administrative law judge shall issue a final decision with a written statement of the right to seek judicial review; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The agency shall complete all administrative or corrective action necessary to implement the decision.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the decision is favorable to the agency, the agency may:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Take immediate steps to implement the decision; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Reduce or terminate assistance that has been continued pending appeal effective with the next scheduled issuance after the agency's receipt of the decision or, in the case of assistance for which there is no scheduled issuance, immediately upon receipt.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If the decision is favorable to the appellant, the agency shall, within 10 calendar days of the date of the decision:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Comply with the decision;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Take corrective action retroactive to the date the incorrect action was taken, except that food stamp benefits may not be restored for more than 12 months before the earlier of the date the agency:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Receives the request for a restoration of benefits, or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Discovers that the loss has occurred; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Immediately notify OAH that it has completed all required action.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The agency's obligation to take corrective or administrative action when a final decision is favorable to the appellant does not prevent the agency from appealing an adverse decision of an administrative law judge and seeking any remedy available to it, including but not limited to obtaining a stay of the final order.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The Record.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>After issuing a final administrative decision, OAH shall promptly forward to the agency the complete record, including all:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Papers filed;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Evidence submitted; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Orders and decisions issued.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>This record constitutes the exclusive record and shall be made available for review by a party for 2 years or until all litigation in the matter has ended, whichever is later.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Consistent with confidentiality requirements, OAH shall prepare a periodic compilation of hearing decisions, which shall be accessible to the public.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>