<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".12" citation="COMAR 10.25.07.12" title_num="10" subtitle_num="25" chapter_num="07" heading="Hearing Procedures.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Reviewer as Presiding Officer.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If an evidentiary hearing is requested, the Executive Director shall appoint a single commissioner to act as reviewer and preside at the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The reviewer shall hold a prehearing conference, at which the reviewer shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Summarize the rules of procedure governing the evidentiary hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Determine the date, time, and place of the evidentiary hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Determine the form and manner of the presentation of evidence;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Rule on any pending motions; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Make other decisions as appropriate.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Hearing. The reviewer is empowered to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Make all rulings as to evidence, testimony, and the conduct of the evidentiary hearing; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Take other actions consistent with the duties of a reviewer.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Proposed Decision. The reviewer shall prepare a proposed decision and order which shall state the reviewer's determination as to whether the allegations that formed the basis for the hearing are substantiated or not, and if substantiated, include a proposed sanction.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Exceptions.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the proposed decision is adverse to the MHCC-certified EHN, the EHN may submit written exceptions to the proposed decision and order by submitting written argument with citation to supporting documentation from the record.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Exceptions shall be filed according to a schedule set by the reviewer, with a party filing exceptions having at least 7 days to file exceptions, and a party filing a response to exceptions having at least 5 days to file a response, unless this period is shortened by agreement of the parties.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Final Decision.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commission shall issue a final decision based on the record of the proceeding including findings of fact and conclusions of law, that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Finds the allegations to be substantiated and withdraws the MHCC-certified EHN status of the entity;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Finds the allegations to be substantiated, but permits the entity to retain MHCC-certified EHN status, with appropriate conditions; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Finds the allegations to be unsubstantiated and continues the entity's MHCC-certified EHN status.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An MHCC-certified EHN aggrieved by the Commission's final decision may seek judicial review pursuant to State Government Article, Title 10, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>