<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" citation="COMAR 10.01.08.03" title_num="10" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="08" heading="Procedures Regarding Inspection or Copying of a Record.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>To obtain access to records of the Department, an applicant shall submit to the custodian a written application containing the applicant's name, address, telephone number, if available, and a description of the record sought. If the applicant is an individual with a disability, the Department may arrange for an alternative.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Upon receipt of an application, the custodian shall follow the procedures stated in State Government Article, §§10-614—10-619, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Response to Requests.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The custodian shall respond to a record request as soon as possible, but not later than 10 business days after the receipt of the request, by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Providing access to the requested records;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Denying access to the record or parts of the record with an explanation for the denial; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Advising that additional time is needed because the request:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Is for voluminous records;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Requires legal advice; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>A record is in storage or archived.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If a requested record has been destroyed or lost, the custodian shall notify the applicant of this fact within 10 working days of the request and shall explain in the response the circumstances of the destruction or loss.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If access cannot be provided within 10 business days, the custodian shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Cite the reasons why more time is needed; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Provide a good-faith estimate of how much additional time is required to fulfill the request.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Time and Place of Inspection.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An applicant may inspect a record between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a working day.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Inspection takes place where the document is located, unless the custodian determines that another location is more suitable.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The custodian shall arrange for a suitable location and method of inspection for an individual with a disability.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>