<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 10.01.18.08" title_num="10" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="18" heading="Internal Complaint Process.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>This regulation applies to the following covered programs as defined in Regulation .02 of this chapter:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Vocational and day service programs;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Psychiatric rehabilitation programs for adults and minors;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Residential rehabilitation programs; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Supported employment programs;</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A covered program shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Adopt and maintain an internal complaint process as defined in Regulation .02 of this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Provide a copy of the covered program’s written internal complaint process to each individual receiving services from the covered program:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>During the individual’s orientation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>At any time upon an individual’s request;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Prominently display, in accessible, centralized locations, the covered program’s internal complaint process;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Develop and maintain a form to use to make a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Have available a staff member who is not involved in the alleged inappropriate sexual behavior to assist the individual in completing the complaint form.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>State facilities shall comply with the procedures set forth in COMAR 10.21.14.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The internal complaint process shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide procedures for making a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Permit an individual alleging that the individual was subjected to inappropriate sexual behavior to use the covered program’s grievance process to address the alleged incident;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include procedures for investigating a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Require that the covered program’s investigation of a complaint of inappropriate sexual behavior be completed within 7 calendar days after the investigation is initiated;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Allow participation by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Representatives of, and as designated by, the individual who allegedly was subjected to the inappropriate sexual behavior; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Any individual who is alleged to have committed the inappropriate sexual behavior;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Allow information to be presented to support the position of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The individual who allegedly was subjected to the inappropriate sexual behavior; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Any individual who is alleged to have committed the inappropriate sexual behavior;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Ensure the participation of the covered program staff members who have the authority to implement corrective action;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Require that the substance of the complaint and any actions taken in response to the complaint be documented; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Require written notification of the covered program’s determination to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The individual who allegedly was subjected to the inappropriate sexual behavior:</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Any individual who is alleged to have committed the inappropriate sexual behavior; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Appropriate covered program staff members or other individuals as necessary to take disciplinary or corrective action, or both.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Any staff member determined to have engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior shall be permitted to make use of the covered program’s internal grievance process in any disciplinary action based upon the determination.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>