<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 10.21.16.16" title_num="10" subtitle_num="21" chapter_num="16" heading="Procedures for Hearings.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>If the Secretary proposes to deny approval or initiate disciplinary action, the Secretary shall give the program director written notice of the proposed action, according to the provisions outlined in Regulation .12A — C of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Within 10 working days of receipt of the notification of the action under §A of this regulation, the program director may file a written request for a hearing with the Office of Administrative Hearings, with copies to the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>CSA or lead CSA; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Director of the Department's designated approval unit.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the program director does not file a request for hearing that is postmarked within 10 working days of receipt of the notification, the program waives the right to request a hearing, and the Secretary may effect the proposed action.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>If a timely request for hearing has been received, the Office of Administrative Hearings shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Notify the Director and the program director of the date, time, and location of the hearing; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Hold a hearing and render a proposed decision to the Secretary in accordance with COMAR 28.02.01.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>After giving parties the opportunity to file exceptions and make oral arguments under the provisions of State Government Article, §10-216, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Secretary shall issue a final decision according to State Government Article, §10-221, Annotated Code of Maryland, and send notice of the decision to the:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>ASO;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Appropriate CSA;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Medical Assistance Program; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Program director.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Further Appeal. A program may appeal any final decision by the Secretary by following the provisions of Health-General Article, §2-207, and State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>