<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".08" citation="COMAR 10.44.07.08" title_num="10" subtitle_num="44" chapter_num="07" heading="Board Review of Complaints.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>For each complaint, after reviewing any completed investigative information or reports and considering the recommendation of the Triage Committee or Discipline Review Committee, if applicable, the Board shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Dismiss the complaint;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Place the case on administrative hold;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Close the case;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Refer the case to peer review for mediation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Refer the matter to the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Dental Well-Being Committee;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Dental Hygiene Well-Being Committee;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Close the case with informal action;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Issue a cease and desist order;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Refer the matter for further investigation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Refer the matter to an administrative prosecutor; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>Vote to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Charge a licensee with a violation of Health Occupations Article, §4-315, Annotated Code of Maryland, or the regulations adopted by the Board;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Consider the matter as a basis for summary suspension under State Government Article, §10-226(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Initially deny:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Licensure or reinstatement of a license; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Certification or reinstatement of a certificate;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Accept the surrender of a license subject to conditions acceptable to the Board; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Take any other action the Board is authorized to take.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The Board may refer a complaint or other disciplinary matter to the administrative prosecutor at any time, regardless of whether it has voted to charge a licensee with violations of the Maryland Dentistry Act or the regulations adopted by the Board.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the Board investigates a complaint, the Board shall mail a copy of the complaint to the respondent unless:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The complaint alleges facts which may constitute fraud or dishonesty; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Disclosing the complaint may prejudice the investigation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Absent exigent circumstances, the Board shall grant a person at least 10 calendar days to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Provide the Board with requested documents; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>File a written response to a request for information.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Board investigations are warranted when there is evidence that the respondent or other person may have violated the Maryland Dentistry Act or the regulations adopted by the Board.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>A matter that may serve as a basis for summary suspension under State Government Article, §10-226(c)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland, may be referred directly to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The DRC;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Board; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Administrative Prosecutor.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>