Regulation .07 Civil Fines.

The Board may impose a civil fine of no less than $1,000 and no more than $50,000 against an individual who:

(1)

Practices social work without a license in violation of Health Occupations Article, §19-311, Annotated Code of Maryland: or

(2)

Misrepresents or implies to the public use of protected titles in violation of Health Occupations Article, §19-402, Annotated Code of Maryland.

Factors to be used in determining the amount of the fine may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

The extent to which the individual derived any financial benefit from the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(2)

The willfulness of the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(3)

Actual or potential harm caused by the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(4)

The cost of the investigation; and

(5)

The length of time in which the individual engaged in the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title.