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<subtitle num="21" heading="Board of Architects" title_num="09" title_heading="Maryland Department of Labor">
  <chapter num="01" heading="General Regulations">
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Definitions.">
      <text>The definitions set forth in Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, apply in this chapter unless otherwise noted.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Relationship with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>The Board shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Maintain membership in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and pay the necessary costs for membership;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Keep up-to-date information on the rules, appendices, and policies adopted from time to time by NCARB; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Cooperate with NCARB in rendering assistance necessary to aid in establishing uniform standards of professional qualifications throughout the United States and its territories.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The Board has adopted and shall continue to use, until further notice, the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>NCARB examination and NCARB grading procedures; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Examination appeal process recommended by NCARB.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Requirements for Licensure.">
      <text>In order to qualify for a license, an applicant shall satisfy the Board that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications to engage in the practice of architecture in the State as set forth in Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-303, Annotated Code of Maryland, including, but not limited to, the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Be of good character and reputation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Fulfill the educational requirements set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>Complete the experience requirements set forth in Regulation .05 of this chapter; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>Pass all parts of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) more particularly described in Regulation .06 of this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Educational Requirements.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>To qualify for a license, an applicant shall meet the educational requirements set forth in Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-303(c), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>If an applicant does not meet the professional education degree requirements referenced in §A of this regulation, an applicant shall comply with the education requirements by either work experience or academic training, or a combination of both, in accordance with the following Education Equivalency Matrix:</text>
        <paragraph num="1.">
          <text>Combinations of Educational Experience not explicitly stated in the Education Equivalency Matrix shall be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="2.">
          <text>Work experience shall be directly related to architectural work and be completed under the direct supervision of a licensed architect. The work experience shall be full-time, a minimum of 40 hours per week. The work experience shall be completed in the office of a licensed Architect except that 80% of the required work experience may be completed as an employee of an organization other than the office of a licensed Architect if the work experience is directly related to architectural work and is completed under the direct supervision of a licensed Architect. All work experience must be documented on the Board’s ERC Forms.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="3.">
          <text>No credit is given.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Architectural Experience Program (AXP) Requirements.">
      <text>An applicant shall complete the training requirements of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) as outlined in the appropriate NCARB guidelines.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Requirements.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>The Board shall use the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) prepared by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The Board has followed and shall continue to follow, until further notice, appropriate NCARB guidelines pertaining to the ARE methodologies and grading procedures.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>In order to be eligible for admission to the ARE, an applicant shall meet the following requirements:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Satisfy the educational requirements set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Be enrolled in the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and provide the Board with NCARB-issued verification of enrollment; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Establish to the Board's satisfaction, by at least three character references from other architects, employers, community leaders, or professional societies, that the applicant is an individual of good character and reputation.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>The Board reserves the right at any time to require that an applicant produce evidence acceptable to the Board of the applicant’s enrollment in the AXP as a condition of taking the ARE.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>Certification by NCARB that an applicant is enrolled in the AXP is prima facie evidence of the enrollment.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="F.">
        <text>An application to take the ARE shall be made on the form acceptable to the Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="G.">
        <text>Fees established by the Board and set forth in COMAR 09.21.04 shall accompany all applications, unless otherwise specified.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="H.">
        <text>Transfer of Grades.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The Board may accept the transfer of grades for any part of the ARE from the state of examination.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The request for transfer shall be made at the time of application to sit for the examination in Maryland.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>It is the responsibility of the applicant to request the transferring state to transfer that applicant's grades and file to the Board.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Licensure.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>After the applicant has satisfied the Board, and, if applicable, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), that the applicant possesses the proper qualifications to engage in the practice of architecture in the State, including, but not limited to, the fulfillment of the educational requirements, successful completion of all parts of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and completion of the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and upon payment of the licensing fee, the Board shall issue to the applicant:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>A certificate of licensure; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>A license card.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The certificate of licensure and the license card issued by the Board are not transferable.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>The Board shall issue a replacement for a lost, destroyed, or mutilated certificate of licensure upon filing by the licensee with the Board of a signed statement setting forth the facts incident to the loss, destruction, or mutilation. The statement shall be accompanied by the proper fee set by the Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>Use of the certificate of licensure or of a professional seal as evidence of licensure is prohibited unless accompanied by a valid and unexpired license card.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <annotations>
      <annotation type="Authority">Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-208(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.04 adopted April 9, 1973 and amended effective June 11, 1975 (2:13 Md. R. 929)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective July 30, 1984 (11:15 Md. R. 1330)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended as an emergency provision effective January 2, 1985 (12:2 Md. R. 131); emergency status expired May 2, 1985; adopted permanently effective September 9, 1985 (12:18 Md. R. 1765)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02B amended effective April 2, 1990 (17:6 Md. R. 740)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02D amended effective February 13, 1984 (11:3 Md. R. 199); April 2, 1990 (17:6 Md. R. 740)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03C amended effective March 10, 1986 (13:5 Md. R. 542)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04 amended effective October 10, 1983 (10:20 Md. R. 1786); April 2, 1990 (17:6 Md. R. 740)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04E adopted effective February 13, 1984 (11:3 Md. R. 199); repealed effective July 30, 1984 (11:15 Md. R. 1330)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04E adopted effective April 8, 1985 (12:7 Md. R. 701)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04E amended effective August 21, 1989 (16:16 Md. R. 1749)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04F adopted effective December 29, 1986 (13:26 Md. R. 2806)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04G adopted effective March 23, 1987 (14:6 Md. R. 713)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04H amended effective March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 617)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05 adopted effective June 11, 1975 (2:13 Md. R. 929); amended effective June 16, 1978 (5:12 Md. R. 966)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .06—.07 adopted April 9, 1973 and amended effective June 11, 1975 (2:13 Md. R. 929)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .08 adopted effective November 27, 1974 (1:5 Md. R. 240)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .09—.10 adopted April 9, 1973 and amended effective June 11, 1975 (2:13 Md. R. 929)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 amended effective March 28, 1983 (10:6 Md. R. 555)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09A, C amended effective August 25, 1978 (5:17 Md. R. 1329)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09B amended effective December 30, 1985 (12:26 Md. R. 2544)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09B-1 adopted effective March 1, 1982 (9:4 Md. R. 331)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09C amended effective November 23, 1981 (8:23 Md. R. 1855); March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 617); May 27, 1991 (18:10 Md. R. 1116)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09D amended effective March 1, 1982 (9:4 Md. R. 331); March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 617); May 27, 1991 (18:10 Md. R. 1116); June 6, 1994 (21:11 Md. R. 950)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09D-1—D-8 amended effective March 7, 1988 (15:4 Md. R. 617)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09G—I, M amended effective February 13, 1984 (11:3 Md. R. 199)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09N adopted effective March 7, 1988 (15:5 Md. R. 617)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.05 repealed and new Regulations .01, .01-1, .02, .03, .04, .04-1, and .05 adopted effective July 28, 1997 (24:15 Md. R. 1062)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04F amended effective December 28, 1998 (25:26 Md. R. 1921)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06 repealed and new Regulation .06 adopted effective May 5, 1997 (24:9 Md. R. 656)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06B amended effective October 29, 2001 (28:21 Md. R. 1856)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective May 5, 1997 (24:9 Md. R. 656)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .07-1 adopted effective May 5, 1997 (24:9 Md. R. 656)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 repealed and new Regulation .09 adopted as an emergency provision effective June 15, 1997 (24:13 Md. R. 928); adopted permanently effective October 20, 1997 (24:21 Md. R. 1449)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09A amended effective January 8, 2001 (27:26 Md. R. 2358)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09A amended as an emergency provision effective December 11, 2000 (28:1 Md. R. 20); amended permanently effective April 16, 2001 (28:7 Md. R. 689)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .09 repealed as an emergency provision effective July 1, 2003 (30:14 Md. R. 932); repealed permanently effective November 10, 2003 (30:22 Md. R. 1579)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter revised effective September 1, 2003 (30:17 Md. R. 1203)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05D amended effective September 25, 2006 (33:19 Md. R. 1559); July 2, 2007 (34:13 Md. R. 1151)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05F amended effective April 11, 2005 (32:7 Md. R. 679); April 7, 2008 (35:7 Md. R. 748)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.06 repealed and new Regulations .01—.07 adopted effective November 30, 2009 (36:24 Md. R. 1858)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .04B amended effective April 25, 2016 (43:8 Md. R. 497); July 29, 2019 (46:15 Md. R. 654)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .05 amended effective July 29, 2019 (46:15 Md. R. 654)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .06 amended effective July 29, 2019 (46:15 Md. R. 654)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .07A amended effective July 29, 2019 (46:15 Md. R. 654)</annotation>
    </annotations>
  </chapter>
  <chapter num="02" heading="Code of Ethics">
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Rules of Conduct.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Competence.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>In practicing architecture, an architect shall act with reasonable care and competence, and shall apply the technical knowledge and skills which are ordinarily applied by architects of good standing, practicing in the same locality.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>In designing a project, an architect shall take into account all applicable State and municipal building laws and regulations. While an architect may rely on the advice of attorneys, engineers, and other qualified individuals as to the intent and meaning of those regulations, once having obtained this advice, an architect may not knowingly design a project in violation of those laws and regulations.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>An architect shall undertake to perform professional services only when the architect, together with those whom the architect may engage as consultants, are qualified by education, training, and experience in the specific technical areas involved.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>An individual may not practice architecture if, in the Board's judgment, the individual's professional competence is substantially impaired by physical or mental disabilities.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Conflict of Interest.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>An architect may not accept compensation for services from more than one party on a project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to, in writing, by all interested parties.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>If an architect has a business association or direct or indirect financial interest which is substantial enough to influence the architect's judgment in connection with the architect's performance of professional services, the architect shall fully disclose in writing to the architect's client or employer the nature of the business association or financial interest. If the client or employer objects to the association or financial interest, the architect shall either terminate the association or interest, or offer to give up the commission or employment.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>An architect may not solicit or accept compensation from material or equipment suppliers in return for specifying or endorsing their products.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>When acting as the interpreter of building contract documents and the judge of contract performance, an architect shall render decisions impartially, not favoring either party to the contract.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>Full Disclosure.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>An architect, making public statements on architectural questions, shall disclose when the architect is being compensated for making the statement.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>An architect shall accurately represent to a prospective or existing client or employer the scope of the architect's qualifications and the scope of the architect's responsibility in connection with work for which the architect is claiming credit.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>If, in the course of the architect's work on a project, an architect becomes aware of a decision taken by the architect's employer or client, against the architect's advice, which violates applicable State, county, or municipal building laws and regulations and which will, in the architect's judgment, materially affect adversely the safety to the public of the finished project, the architect shall:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>Report the decision to the local building inspector or other public official charged with the enforcement of the applicable State, county, or municipal building laws and regulations;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>Refuse to consent to the decision; and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(c)">
            <text>In circumstances when the architect reasonably believes that other decisions will be taken notwithstanding the objection, terminate the services with reference to the project.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>In the case of a termination in accordance with §C(3)(c) of this regulation, the architect has no liability to the architect's client on account of the termination.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(5)">
          <text>An architect may not deliberately make a materially false statement or fail deliberately to disclose a material fact requested in connection with the architect's application for licensure or renewal of licensure.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>Compliance with Laws.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>In the conduct of architectural practice, an architect may not knowingly violate any State or federal criminal laws.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>An architect shall comply with the licensing laws and regulations governing architectural professional practice in this or other jurisdictions in which the architect practices architecture.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>Professional Conduct.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>An architect may not either offer or make any payment or gift to a government official, whether elected or appointed, with the intent of influencing the official's judgment in connection with a prospective or existing project in which the architect is interested.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>An architect may not either offer or make any gifts, other than gifts of nominal value, including, for example, reasonable entertainment and hospitality, with the intent of influencing the judgment of an existing prospective client in connection with a project in which the architect is interested.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>An architect may not engage in conduct involving fraud or wanton disregard of the rights of others.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>An architect may not assist the application for licensure of a person known by the architect to be unqualified in respect to education, training, experience, or character.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(5)">
          <text>An architect possessing knowledge of a violation of these regulations by another architect shall report this knowledge to the Board.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="F.">
        <text>Failure to Respond.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>If an applicant or licensee receives from the Board a written communication requesting a response, the applicant or licensee shall respond within 30 days of the date of mailing.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The Board shall send a written communication by first-class mail to the last known address furnished to the Board by the applicant or licensee.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>It is a responsibility of an applicant or licensee to notify the Board in writing if there has been a change in the applicant’s or licensee’s address.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>Failure to respond as required by this regulation may be considered by the Board to be a violation of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-311(a)(l)(iv), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Names of Entities.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>An individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, or any other entity through which architecture is practiced, may not use an impersonal name unless the name complies with appropriate requirements set forth in Corporations and Associations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 3, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>A misleading designation may not be used or implied in the name of a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other entity offering architectural services in the State. However, this does not prevent the use of the name of a deceased or retired partner, corporate officer, director, or member in the name of the entity.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Sealing Requirements.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>A licensee may sign or seal plans, specifications, drawings, reports, or other documents that are required to be signed and sealed pursuant to Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-501, Annotated Code of Maryland, only if the following requirements are met:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The licensee is competent in the subject matter of those documents by virtue of education or experience, or both; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The licensee either:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>Personally prepared the documents; or</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>Approved the documents.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>For purposes of §A(2)(a) and (b) of this regulation and Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-501, Annotated Code of Maryland, “approval” means:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Direct knowledge and responsible control over the content of technical submissions during their preparation; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Substantive review and authority to make revisions with regard to the preparation of submissions described in these regulations.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>In addition, a licensee may sign or seal, after review and inspection, the following:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Portions of the professional work that are not required by Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 3, Annotated Code of Maryland, to be prepared or approved by an architect, only if the architect reviewed and adopted in whole or in part those portions, has coordinated their preparation, and has integrated them into the project; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Prototype standard drawings prepared by an out-of-State architect licensed in any United States jurisdiction, in connection with the design of a commercial chain establishment.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>The licensee who signs and seals the documents in accordance with the requirements set forth in these regulations shall be considered to be the architect of record with regard to these documents.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>Signature.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>For the purposes of this regulation, the term “signature” means:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>A handwritten signature in permanent ink containing the name of the person who applied it; or</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>For electronic or digital documents, an electronic authentication process attached to or logically associated with the document.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>A digital signature described in this section shall satisfy the following criteria:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>It must contain an identification unique to a licensee using it;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>It must be under the exclusive control of the licensee using it;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(c)">
            <text>It must be verifiable; and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(d)">
            <text>It is linked to the document in such a manner that any subsequent modifications to the document will result in the document no longer being considered prepared or approved by the licensee.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="F.">
        <text>Once the digital signature is applied to the document, the document shall be available in a View Format only if the document is to be transmitted electronically.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="G.">
        <text>Nothing in this regulation is intended to modify any of the requirements applicable to professional certification or titleblock more specifically set forth in Regulation 09.21.02.04.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Titleblock Rules.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>An architectural entity shall incorporate a titleblock on all drawings and other documents required to be signed and sealed pursuant to Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-501, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>A licensee may not remove a titleblock from any print or reproduction of the documents described in these regulations.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>The name of the entity shall appear in the titleblock, either as a partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other appropriate entity. In addition, the titleblock shall contain a date, printed name, signature, and seal of one of the directors of a corporation, general partners of a partnership, or members of a limited liability company, who prepared or approved the documents in accordance with these regulations.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>The directors of a corporation, partners of a partnership, or members of a limited liability company through which architecture is practiced, may designate another employee of the entity to sign and seal the documents in accordance with the requirements set forth in these regulations, if the designee:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Is licensed in the State to practice architecture; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Prepared or approved the documents for a particular project in accordance with these regulations.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>In addition, the titleblock shall contain the following certification:</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <annotations>
      <annotation type="Authority">Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§3-205, 3-208(a)(1), and 3-501, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.04 recodified from COMAR 09.21.01.05—.07-1 effective September 1, 2003 (30:17 Md. R. 1203)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01F adopted effective June 15, 2009 (36:12 Md. R. 836)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01F amended effective February 25, 2019 (46:4 Md. R. 190)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03E—G adopted effective January 19, 2015 (42:1 Md. R. 18)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03E amended effective July 16, 2018 (45:14 Md. R. 696)</annotation>
    </annotations>
  </chapter>
  <chapter num="03" heading="Hearing Regulations">
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Hearings Before the Board.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, all contested case hearings before the Board are governed by COMAR 09.01.02.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The administrative unit shall send the hearing notice described in COMAR 09.01.02.07B not later than 30 days before the hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Hearings Delegated to the Office of Administrative Hearings.">
      <text>All contested case hearings delegated to the Office of Administrative Hearings are governed by COMAR 09.01.03.</text>
    </regulation>
    <annotations>
      <annotation type="Authority">Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-208(a)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: September 1, 2003 (30:17 Md. R.1203)</annotation>
    </annotations>
  </chapter>
  <chapter num="04" heading="Fees">
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose.">
      <text>This chapter is intended to carry out the provisions of Business Regulation Article, §§2-106.1 and 2-106.2, Annotated Code of Maryland, and Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 3, Annotated Code of Maryland. In particular, it is intended to set various fees to cover the actual documented direct and indirect costs of fulfilling the statutory and regulatory duties of the State Board of Architects, the State Board of Certified Interior Designers, the State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, the State Board for Professional Engineers, and the State Board for Professional Land Surveyors.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Terms Defined.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>“Board” means the State Board of Architects.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>“Design boards” means collectively the:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>Board;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>State Board of Certified Interior Designers;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(c)">
            <text>State Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(d)">
            <text>State Board for Professional Engineers; and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(e)">
            <text>State Board for Professional Land Surveyors.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>“License fee” means the fee paid by an applicant or licensee, as applicable, in connection with the issuance and renewal of a license and the issuance of a reciprocal license.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>“Permit fee” means the fee paid in connection with the issuance and renewal of a permit.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(5)">
          <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of Labor.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Fees and Costs.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>The Secretary and the design boards have agreed to average their direct and indirect costs, based on the calculation of costs performed by the Secretary in consultation with the design boards. Based on these calculations, the Board sets the following fees:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>License fee — $86;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Permit fee — $112;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Nonrefundable initial application fee payable in connection with:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>An application for permit — $39;</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>An application for license by reciprocity — $56;</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>Reinstatement fee — $112.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Retired Status. The Board sets the fee for a retired status license at $56.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>An applicant shall pay the examination fees directly to NCARB, as these fees are established by NCARB.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>Effective October 1, 2009, an applicant shall pay directly to NCARB or its designee a security and development fee per each section of the ARE, as such fee is established by NCARB.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <annotations>
      <annotation type="Authority">Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§3-101, 3-208, 3-209, 3-304, 3-306, 3-307, 3-309, 3-309.1, 3-309.2, 3-310, 3-405, 3-406, and 3-408; Business Regulation Article, §§2-106.1 and 2-106.2;  Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date:</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulations .01—.03 adopted as an emergency provision effective July 1, 2003 (30:14 Md. R. 932); adopted permanently effective November 10, 2003 (30:22 Md. R. 1578)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended as an emergency provision effective October 1, 2009 (36:23 Md. R. 1815); amended permanently effective January 14, 2010 (37:1 Md. R. 14)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03 amended effective November 14, 2011 (38:23 Md. R. 1420)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03A amended effective April 9, 2007 (34:7 Md. R. 698); November 1, 2010 (37:22 Md. R. 1553); January 20, 2014 (41:1 Md. R. 13); May 27, 2024 (51:10 Md. R. 525)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03B amended as an emergency provision effective July 1, 2005 (32:15 Md. R. 1314); amended permanently effective November 7, 2005 (32:22 Md. R. 1756); October 24, 2016 (43:21 Md. R. 1165); May 27, 2024 (51:10 Md. R. 525)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .03C amended effective April 24, 2017 (44:8 Md. R. 402)</annotation>
    </annotations>
  </chapter>
  <chapter num="05" heading="Continuing Professional Competency Requirements">
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="Purpose.">
      <text>The State legislature has determined that, in order to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the public, licensed architects shall comply with the continuing professional competency requirements as a prerequisite for the renewal of a license.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Definitions.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meaning indicated.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Terms Defined.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>“Authorized activities” means professional development activities that:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>Meet the criteria set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter; and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>Are approved and accepted for credit by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), or the Board.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>“Board” means the State Board of Architects.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>“Health, safety, and welfare subjects (HSW)” means content areas identified as such by NCARB or AIA, as those content areas may be updated or otherwise amended from time to time.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>“Learning unit (LU)” means one continuous instructional hour spent attending and completing the professional development activity in health, safety, and welfare subjects. One LU means a minimum of 50 minutes of face-to-face or distance learning instruction per 60-minute hour and is equivalent to a comparable single educational unit that may be utilized by AIA or NCARB.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Requirements.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>A licensee shall complete 12 LUs during each of the 2 preceding calendar years that occur prior to the calendar year in which an applicable license term is set to expire.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>As an alternative to §A of this regulation, a licensee shall complete 24 LUs during the 2-year term of the license ending on the date that the license term is set to expire.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>If a licensee chooses the calendar year method, as described in §A of this regulation, the LUs from each calendar year shall be considered separately. A licensee may not carry forward any LUs earned in excess of the annual requirement of 12 LUs to any following calendar year.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>If a licensee chooses to complete 24 LUs during the 2-year term of the license, as described in §B of this regulation, the licensee may not carry forward any LUs earned in excess of the required 24 LUs to the following 2-year term of the license.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>LUs used to meet the requirements described in §A of this regulation may not also be used in the future to meet the requirements described in §B of this regulation. In a similar way, LUs used to meet the requirements described in §B of this regulation may not also be used in the future to meet the requirements of §A of this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" heading="Professional Development Activities.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>A professional development activity shall meet the following criteria:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Be a post-licensing educational activity approved by the Board in which at least 75 percent of activity's content and instructional time is dedicated to health, safety, and welfare subjects, as they relate to the practice of architecture.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Expand the knowledge of health, safety, and welfare subjects and offer a skill set geared towards maintaining and enhancing professional competency of licensed architects;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Offer learning experiences relevant to current or future architectural practices as they relate to the public health, safety, and welfare; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>Be presented, led, or taught at a professional level by well-qualified professionals in an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for accomplishing learning objectives described in these regulations.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>A professional development activity shall provide for clear outcome measures in the form of a narrative, quiz, test, questions and answers, project, or any other appropriate form or method.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>The learning content of any professional development activity shall be unbiased, evidence based, and focused on increasing knowledge. Activities shall not be sales or marketing events and shall not promote or market products or services. Activities shall only contain material relevant to the program learning objectives and the desired outcomes during the instructional portion of the activity.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>A professional development activity may be presented by the following methods, as defined by NCARB:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Live in-person programs;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Live online programs;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>On demand e-learning or printed programs;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>Nano learning or blended programs; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(5)">
          <text>Any other formats approved by the Board.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>Self-reported professional development activities are not eligible for LU credit.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" heading="Submissions for Approval to Present a Professional Development Activity.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Entities or individuals, including, but not limited to, professional firms conducting in-house presentations, may submit a specific professional development activity for review and approval by the Board. Each professional development activity shall be designed to be presented to other architects for LU credit.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>During the application process, the Board will evaluate the suitability of the activity and its presenter.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>The presenter shall submit adequate information to enable the Board to evaluate the professional development activity. The activity shall be developed by individuals or entities having demonstrated verifiable expertise in the subject matter. Expertise may be demonstrated through practical experience or education or both. An architect holding an active license shall be consulted in the initial development of a professional development activity or substantive changes to an activity.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="D.">
        <text>At a minimum, the Board requires the following information to be submitted with each application for approval:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The types and descriptions of proposed or existing programs intended to be offered;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The number of LUs to be awarded for each activity;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>The identity and qualifications of the instructors;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(4)">
          <text>The explanation and sample of outcome measures; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(5)">
          <text>The sample course outlines detailing the content of activity to be offered.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="E.">
        <text>The Board may approve an activity only if it meets all of the following criteria:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The activity's main content areas are in the health, safety, and welfare subjects; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The activity enables a licensee to further the licensee's competency and professionalism as a licensed architect.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="F.">
        <text>The Board may suspend or revoke its approval of an activity if, in the judgment of the Board, the intent of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3-309.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, is no longer served or a presenter materially changed the content of the activity without the prior written approval of the Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".06" heading="Sources of Credit and Determination of Units.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>A licensee may earn the LUs by any appropriate methods that may from time to time be approved by the Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>A licensee may earn the applicable number of LUs in accordance with the following conversion schedule:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>1 college credit hour — 5 LUs;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>1 contact hour of professional development work, or professional or technical presentations made at meetings, conventions, or conferences — 1 LU; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Subject to exclusions set forth in this regulation, teaching of, lecturing on, or instructing on architectural subjects, subject to the following limitations:</text>
          <paragraph num="(a)">
            <text>For the first presentation, a presenter may claim credit for the activity that is equivalent to two times the number of LUs awarded by the Board for the activity; and</text>
          </paragraph>
          <paragraph num="(b)">
            <text>Unless the presentation has been substantially modified and updated for subsequent presentations, a presenter may claim only the same number of credits as awarded by the Board to the recipients of the qualifying activity.</text>
          </paragraph>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" heading="Record Keeping.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Responsibility to Maintain Records.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The responsibility of maintaining records to be used to support the continuing professional competency credit claim is the responsibility of each licensee.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>A licensee shall maintain the records for a period of at least 6 years from the date of completion of the qualifying program.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Documentation referred to in §A(2) of this regulation, includes, but is not limited to, the following:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>Certificates of participation;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>Transcripts; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>Any other appropriate evidence acceptable to the Board.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>A printed program agenda, program marketing materials, or an event program are not considered sufficient evidence of participation in a professional development activity.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" heading="Reporting Requirements for License Renewal.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>A licensee shall attest on the license renewal form to the fact that the licensee has completed all applicable CPC requirements set forth in this chapter by the last day of the following:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The calendar year preceding the year in which the licensee's individual license is to be renewed for the following 2-year licensing term; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The 24-month period of the year in which the licensee's individual license is to be renewed for the following 2-year licensing term.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The Board at its discretion may audit randomly selected licensees to ascertain compliance with CPC requirements.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="C.">
        <text>Licensees who are audited shall provide within 30 days of receipt of electronic notice of audit from the Board any documentation that may be required by the Board to complete the audit.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" heading="Extenuating Circumstances or Exceptions.">
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>Notwithstanding other requirements set forth in this chapter, a licensee who is granted an initial license may renew a license for the next full term without complying with the CPC requirements if:</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>The licensee has been granted an initial license and is renewing a license for the next full term; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>The licensee qualifies under the criteria set forth in Business Regulation Article, Title 2.5, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>Compliance Exception Request.</text>
        <paragraph num="(1)">
          <text>If a licensee is unable to comply with all or part of CPC requirements due to physical disability, illness, or other extenuating circumstances, the licensee may request the Board grant a one-time exception from compliance (Compliance Exception Request), provided that the Compliance Exception Request is filed with the Board at least 60 days prior to the licensee’s license expiration date.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(2)">
          <text>If a Compliance Exception Request is based on physical disability or illness, the licensee must provide the Board with written documentation acceptable to the Board supporting the basis for the request.</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(3)">
          <text>A Compliance Exception Request must be accompanied by a detailed proposal acceptable to the Board indicating the licensee’s intended plan of compliance with CPC requirements within no later than 12 months after the license expiration date. Failure to provide the acceptable plan of compliance within the time period specified in this regulation may result in the Board’s administrative dismissal of the Compliance Exception Request.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10" heading="Failure to Meet the CPC Requirements.">
      <text>In the event the licensee does not respond to the Board’s notice or otherwise fails to comply with the CPC requirements set forth in this chapter, the Board, subject to the hearing provisions of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3–313, Annotated Code of Maryland, may take any and all available disciplinary actions under Business Occupations and Professions Article, §3–311, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" heading="Reinstatement of License.">
      <text>A licensee who wishes to reinstate a license after failing to complete the CPC requirements shall fulfill past due CPC requirements for the immediately preceding CPC reporting periods up to 24 LUs and pay all applicable fees.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".12" heading="Emeritus Status.">
      <text>An individual who elected the status of “architect emeritus” shall be exempt from the compliance with the CPC requirements. In the event such individual decides to have the license reactivated, the individual shall fulfill past due CPC requirements up to 24 LUs.</text>
    </regulation>
    <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".13" heading="Learning Units Earned in Other States.">
      <text>The CPC requirements applicable to the renewal of Maryland architectural license shall be deemed to be satisfied by an architect licensed in another state if the following requirements are met:</text>
      <paragraph num="A.">
        <text>The state of current residency of an out-of-State licensed architect has a comparable continuing professional competency program; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="B.">
        <text>The state of current residency accepts Maryland CPC requirements as satisfying its own comparable continuing professional competency program.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </regulation>
    <annotations>
      <annotation type="Authority">Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§3-208, 3-309, 3-309.1, and 3-309.2, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: August 19, 2013 (40:16 Md. R. 1342)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .08 amended effective November 10, 2014 (41:22 Md. R. 1319)</annotation>
      <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Chapter revised effective March 7, 2022 (49:5 Md. R. 365)</annotation>
    </annotations>
  </chapter>
</subtitle>