<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 10.47.04.05" title_num="10" subtitle_num="47" chapter_num="04" heading="Application Process and Evaluation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application. An applicant for certification of a program or renewal of certification shall submit to the Office of Health Care Quality:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A completed application on a written or electronic form approved by the Administration;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Documentation of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The program service plan;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Satisfactory fire, safety, and health inspection reports; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Compliance with COMAR 10.47.01 and the applicable specific program requirements under COMAR 10.47.02;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A request for a variance or a waiver of a regulation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>An application fee of $700 with initial application and at recertification, if the program provides opioid maintenance therapy as described in COMAR 10.47.02.11.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Incomplete Application or Information.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>After reviewing the application, if the Office of Health Care Quality or the Administration finds it needs more information, the Office of Health Care Quality or the Administration shall request the information in writing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The application shall remain open for 6 months after the information is requested. If the program does not provide the requested information, the Office of Health Care Quality shall close the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Initial Site Visit and Written Report.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>On receipt of a completed application under this regulation and the required documentation, the Office of Health Care Quality shall conduct a site visit and issue a written report. If deficiencies are found, the Office of Health Care Quality shall require the program to submit a written plan of correction within 15 working days.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Deficiencies in a New Program. If a new program with deficiencies:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Fails to submit a plan of correction, the Office of Health Care Quality shall considered the application withdrawn; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Submits a plan of correction that the Office of Health Care Quality believes:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Corrects the deficiencies, the Office of Health Care Quality shall recommend the Administration grant the program initial certification; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Does not correct the deficiencies, the Office of Health Care Quality may issue a denial or permit the program to submit an additional plan of correction.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Deficiencies in a Program Being Renewed. If a renewal program with deficiencies:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Fails to submit a plan of correction, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend disciplinary action; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Submits a plan of correction which the Office of Health Care Quality believes:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Corrects the deficiencies, the Office of Health Care Quality shall recommend the Administration grant the program general certification;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Does not immediately correct the deficiencies but which brings the program into compliance within 4 months, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend a provisional certification; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Cannot bring the program into compliance within 4 months, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend disciplinary action, or request another plan of correction.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>No Deficiencies. If no deficiencies are found, the Office of Health Care Quality shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>For new applicants, recommend an initial certification; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>For renewal applicants, recommend general certification.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Site Visit and Written Report After Issuing Initial or Provisional Certificate.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Within 4 months after the issuance of an initial certification or provisional certification, the Office of Health Care Quality shall conduct a site visit and submit a written report.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Deficiencies in a Program with Initial Certification. If deficiencies are found, the Office of Health Care Quality shall require the program to submit a plan of correction within 15 days. If the program:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Fails to submit a plan of correction, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend disciplinary action; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Submits a plan of correction which the Office of Health Care Quality believes:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Corrects the deficiencies, the Office of Health Care Quality shall recommend the Administration grant the program general certification;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Does not immediately correct the deficiencies but which brings the program into compliance within 4 months, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend a provisional certification; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Cannot bring the program into compliance within 4 months, the Office of Health Care Quality may recommend disciplinary action, or request another plan of correction.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Deficiencies in a Program with Provisional Certification. The Office of Health Care Quality shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>For good cause, permit the program to submit a plan of correction within 15 days and follow §C(1) of this regulation; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Recommend disciplinary action.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>No Deficiencies. If no deficiencies are found, the Office of Health Care Quality shall recommend a general certification.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>In considering a renewal application, the Administration may accept accreditation of the program by an accreditation organization approved in accordance with Health-General Article, §19-2302(a) and (b), Annotated Code of Maryland, in lieu of the site visit and written report by the Office of Health Care Quality that is otherwise required by this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>