<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".19" citation="COMAR 09.12.43.19" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="43" heading="Hearings.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Notice of Hearing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Within 10 days of receipt of a request for hearing, the Council shall request that the Office of Administrative Hearings designate an administrative law judge.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The administrative law judge shall give reasonable notice of the hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the appropriate sponsor.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The notice shall include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A reasonable date, time, and place of the hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Reference to the provisions of this subtitle under which the hearing is being held; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A concise statement of the matters under which the action forming the basis of the hearing is proposed to be taken.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Conduct of Hearings.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The administrative law judge shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Regulate the course of the hearing; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>On the basis of the record:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Make proposed findings, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Recommend decisions.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Hearings shall be informally conducted.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>All parties have the right to counsel and a fair opportunity to present the case, including cross-examination as may be appropriate in the circumstances.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Rules of Procedure.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>All hearings shall be public.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The administrative law judge shall explain the purpose and nature of the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The following exhibits shall be introduced:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The written complaint;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Acknowledgment of complaint;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Preliminary investigation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Written request for hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Rules of evidence in all hearings shall be as set forth in State Government Article, §§10-213 and 10-214, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A party involved in the complaint may appear at the hearing in person or by counsel.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>All decisions of the Council shall be in writing and given to each party involved.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>