<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 09.12.20.16" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="20" heading="Hearings — Determination and Review.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Within a reasonable time after the hearing examiner has heard and considered all evidence, written briefs, and memoranda, the hearing examiner shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Issue a written determination which:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is dated,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Summarizes testimony and exhibits,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Is the hearing examiner's final disposition of the proceedings, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Comports with the Act, regulations adopted under the Act, and State Government Article, §10-214, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Serve a copy of the determination on each party; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Return all documents and exhibits to the Commissioner.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The determination of the hearing examiner shall become the final order of the Commissioner unless, in accordance with the Act:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The employer, or an employee or representative of an employee, requests a review; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Commissioner orders a review.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Review of Proceedings Before the Commissioner.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A request for review filed by an affected employer, or an employee or representative of an employee, shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Be in writing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Contain a concise statement identifying each portion of the hearing examiner's determination for which a review is requested;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Be filed with the Commissioner within 15 work days after the date of the hearing examiner's determination; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Be mailed by the requesting party to all other parties to the proceeding.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Affected parties have the opportunity to present argument to the Commissioner.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Order of the Commissioner.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>After review of the proceedings with or without a hearing, the Commissioner shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Issue an order based on findings of fact;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Mail copies of the order to all affected parties.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The Commissioner's order shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Affirm, modify, or vacate the citation or proposed penalty, or direct other appropriate relief; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Become final 15 days after it is issued.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>