<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 07.01.04.17" title_num="07" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="04" heading="Proposed Decision.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Within 60 calendar days of the filing of the appeal request, the administrative law judge shall issue a proposed decision with a written statement to the parties of the right to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Seek judicial review; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>File exceptions with the Secretary and specifically request an opportunity to present oral argument.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The administrative law judge shall transmit a copy of the proposed decision or the complete administrative record, including the proposed decision, to the Secretary within 5 business days of mailing the proposed decision to the parties.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If no party has filed exceptions and, after reviewing the proposed decision, the Secretary is unable to approve that decision as written, the Secretary shall notify all parties and invite arguments on the issues the Secretary is reconsidering.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A proposed decision becomes final when the time for filing exceptions has expired unless:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Secretary decides to review the proposed decision; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A party files exceptions pursuant to Regulation .18 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>