<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".17" citation="COMAR 07.03.16.17" title_num="07" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="16" heading="Conciliation, Sanctions, and Other Penalties.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Sanctions for Noncompliance.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The LDSS:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Shall terminate the case if the sanctioned individual is the only member of the assistance unit; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>May not include the sanctioned individual's needs in determining the assistance unit's need for assistance if the assistance unit includes other members.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A sanction may not be imposed less than 30 days from the first written notice of noncompliance with a Program requirement.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Conciliation Process.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The LDSS shall allow one 30-day conciliation period for each individual's failure to comply with requirements for each act of noncompliance with a Program requirement.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>During the 30-day period, the case manager shall help the individual comply by:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Sending the individual a letter to schedule a conciliation conference; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Following up on the letter through telephone contact or personal contact as appropriate and feasible.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>After the 30-day period, a later instance of noncompliance with the same Program requirement does not entitle the individual to another 30-day conciliation period.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>For noncompliance with any Program requirement other than a work activity, RCA shall be resumed upon compliance with the Program requirement.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>For noncompliance with a work activity, RCA shall be resumed as described in Regulation .08B of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Sanctions for IPV. An assistance unit is ineligible for RCA benefits for the following periods of time upon a finding of fraud or an IPV by a court of law, through an administrative disqualification hearing, or through the waiver of an administrative disqualification hearing:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>For a period of 6 months after the first finding or until full repayment of any overpayment of RCA benefits;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For a period of 12 months after the second finding or until full repayment of any overpayment of RCA benefits; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Permanently after the third finding.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>