<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 07.02.26.09" title_num="07" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="26" heading="Appeal of Outcome of Conference.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If as a result of the conference the local department does not agree to modify its unsubstantiated finding, the appellant may appeal the finding of unsubstantiated child abuse or neglect in a hearing in accordance with this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An appellant may appeal the finding of unsubstantiated child abuse or neglect by, not later than 60 days after receipt of the local department’s summary of conference, filing with OAH:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The contested case hearing request form;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The summary of the conference; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The required filing fee or appropriately documented request for a fee waiver.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If an appellant does not receive a written summary of the conference within 20 days of the conference, the appellant may appeal the finding by:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Requesting a contested case hearing request form from the local department; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Sending to OAH not later than 80 days after the date of the conference:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The contested case hearing request form; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The required filing fee or appropriately documented request for a fee waiver.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>OAH shall dismiss the appeal of an unsubstantiated finding by any individual who does not submit a summary of the conference unless the individual can establish that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The individual had a conference but did not receive a conference summary within 20 days of the conference; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The individual requested a conference in accordance with this chapter, and that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The local department failed to schedule a conference in accordance with this chapter; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The individual had good cause for failing to attend a scheduled conference.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>