<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 09.12.43.16" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="43" heading="Formal Deregistration.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Reasonable Cause. Deregistration proceedings may be undertaken when the apprenticeship program is not conducted, operated, and administered in accordance with the registered provisions or the requirements of this chapter. Deregistration proceedings for violation of equal opportunity requirements are processed in accordance with the provisions of COMAR 09.12.42.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Voluntary Correction.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>In its discretion, the Council may allow the sponsor a reasonable time to achieve voluntary corrective action.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If, after the time allowed by the Council, the apprenticeship program is not operating in accordance with the registered provisions or requirements, the apprenticeship program shall be deregistered.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Notice of Violations.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>When there is evidence a program is not being operated in accordance with the registered standards, the Council shall notify the program sponsor in writing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The notice shall be sent by certified mail with return receipt requested and shall state:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The violations;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The remedy required; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>That a determination of reasonable cause for deregistration will be made unless corrective action is taken within 30 days.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Extension.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Upon request by the sponsor for cause, the 30-day term may be extended for another 30 to 60 days, as the Council considers reasonable.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>During the period for correction, the sponsor shall be assisted in every reasonable way to achieve conformity.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Failure to Correct. If the required correction is not carried out within the allotted time, the Council shall issue a notice to the sponsor by certified mail, return receipt requested, which specifies:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>That notice is being sent under this subsection;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>That the sponsor has failed or refused to correct certain deficiencies and requested remedial measures;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The date of the occasions and letters; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>That based on the stated deficiencies and failure of remedy, a determination of reasonable cause has been made and the program may be deregistered, unless, within 15 days of the receipt of the notice, the sponsor requests a hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>If a sponsor does not request a hearing under §E(4) of this regulation, the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Director shall transmit to the Council a report containing:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Pertinent facts and circumstances concerning the nonconformity, including findings and recommendation for deregistration,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A copy of relevant documents and records, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A statement concerning any interview, meeting, or conference, including the time, date, place, and persons present; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Council shall make a final order on the basis of the record before them.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Request for Hearing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the sponsor requests a hearing within the time period in §E(4) of this regulation:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The Director shall submit a report containing the data listed in §F(1) of this regulation to the Office of Administrative Hearings;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The Council shall request that the Office of Administrative Hearings convene a hearing in accordance with Regulation .19 of this chapter; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>An administrative law judge shall conduct the deregistration hearing and submit proposed findings of fact and recommended decisions in writing to the Council.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Council shall make a final decision on the basis of the record before it.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>Notice of Deregistration. In each case in which deregistration is ordered, the Council shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Give public notice of the order; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Notify:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The sponsor,</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>All registered apprentices participating in the program, and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>All federal, State, and local agencies involved.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>The order of deregistration shall contain a provision that the sponsor, within 15 days of the effective date of the order, shall notify all registered apprentices:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Of the deregistration of the program;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Of the effective date;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>That the cancellation automatically deprives the apprentice of individual registration; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>That the deregistration removes the apprentice from coverage for State and federal purposes.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>