# COMAR Title 10 — Maryland Department of Health

## Subtitle 57 — Board for the Certification of Residential Child Care Program Professionals

### Chapter 02 — Certification — Residential Child Care Program Administrators

**Authority:** Health Occupations Article, §§20-205, 20-301, 20-302, 20-303, 20-305—20-307, 20-310, 20-311, and 20-404, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.06 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 7, 2008 (35:9 Md. R. 894); adopted permanently effective April 7, 2008 (35:7 Md. R. 749)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective April 19, 2010 (37:8 Md. R. 617)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective November 7, 2016 (43:22 Md. R. 1223)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective December 27, 2021 (48:26 Md. R. 1112)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective December 31, 2018 (45:26 Md. R. 1246)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B, D amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05A, B amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .05D adopted effective December 31, 2018 (45:26 Md. R. 1246)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended effective October 13, 2025 (52:20 Md. R. 1002)

#### Regulation .01 Application Procedures.

*COMAR 10.57.02.01*

A. In order to obtain a certificate as a residential child care program administrator, the applicant shall submit to the Board:

  (1) An application on the form provided by the Board;

  (2) The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07;

  (3) Independent written verification from the applicant’s employer or employers describing the nature and duration of the applicant’s experience in the human service field;

  (4) A certified copy of a transcript with a school seal from an accredited college or university to document the receipt of a baccalaureate or master's degree; and

  (5) Evidence that the applicant:

    (a) Is of good moral character;

    (b) Has completed a State and national criminal history records check;

    (c) Unless waived in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20–303(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, has submitted to a child protective services background clearance;

    (d) Meets the requirements of Regulations .02 and .03 of this chapter;

    (e) Is 21 years old or older; and

    (f) Is responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of a residential child care program.

B. Experience Required in §A(3) of this Regulation.

  (1) At least one employment verification under §A(3) of this regulation shall be provided by a present or former supervisor.

  (2) For individuals who are in a leadership role of a residential child care program and do not have a supervisor, an employment verification from the program's Chief Administrator or other appropriate program authority is sufficient to meet this requirement.

  (3) Employment verification shall be submitted to the Board:

    (a) On the form provided by the Board; and

    (b) In a sealed envelope that is signed by the writer on the back of the envelope over the seal.

C. Day-to-day management and operation of a residential child care program required in §A(5)(f) of this regulation includes, but is not limited to:

  (1) Administering, directing, or managing the residential child care program to ensure that the basic needs of the child are met;

  (2) Recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising staff;

  (3) Developing and implementing an appropriate staffing plan based upon the needs of the children in the residential child care program and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;

  (4) Coordinating, supervising, and implementing the services provided to ensure the child has access to appropriate medical, psychosocial and educational services as established in the child's service plan;

  (5) Maintaining records in a manner that conforms to the requirements of this chapter and other applicable laws and regulations;

  (6) Monitoring the quality of services provided by the residential child care program; and

  (7) Ensuring that all requirements of this chapter and other applicable laws and regulations are met.

D. The Board may not consider an application completed until it has received all required materials.

E. An applicant shall be responsible for the payment of any costs required to obtain supporting documentation for an application.

F. Incomplete Applications.

  (1) If an incomplete application is submitted to the Board, the Board shall notify the applicant within 30 days after the receipt of an incomplete application of the materials that are required.

  (2) If the applicant fails to provide the required documentation within 120 days, the Board may:

    (a) Administratively close the application; or

    (b) Deny the application, pursuant to Regulation .04E of this chapter.

  (3) An applicant whose application is administratively closed or denied may reapply and submit with the new application proof of compliance with:

    (a) This subtitle; and

    (b) Health Occupations Article, Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (4) An applicant whose application has been denied shall disclose on future applications that the applicant had been denied certification.

#### Regulation .02 Academic and Experience Requirements.

*COMAR 10.57.02.02*

A. Degrees and Experience. For certification as a certified program administrator, an applicant shall submit proof of one of the following to the Board:

  (1) Receipt of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and 4 years experience in the human service field with at least 3 years in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or

  (2) Receipt of a master's degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years experience in the human service field with at least 1 year in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

B. Supervisory or Administrative Capacity Required in §A of this regulation.

  (1) Supervisory or administrative capacity required under §A of this regulation includes the responsibility for hiring, assigning duties, disciplining and rewarding, approving leave requests, and formally evaluating.

  (2) Experience within the following settings may not be considered supervisory or administrative capacity experience:

    (a) Child placing agency;

    (b) Child placing institutional experience;

    (c) Foster parenting; and

    (d) Serving as a caregiver in a foster home.

  (3) Experience shall be obtained within 10 years before the application date.

C. Review of Foreign Credentials. An applicant shall:

  (1) Provide proof of equivalency of the applicant's educational credentials to a baccalaureate degree or master's degree awarded from an accredited college or university in the United States; and

  (2) Submit their educational credentials at the applicant's expense to an educational evaluation agency approved by the Board with the request that the evaluation report be sent directly to the Board.

#### Regulation .03 Examination Procedures.

*COMAR 10.57.02.03*

A. Unless waived by the Board as provided in §D of this regulation, an applicant shall pass a Board-approved written examination before certification.

B. A minimum passing score of 75 percent is required on the examination.

C. In order to qualify for certification, an applicant shall pass the examination within 3 years of the first time the applicant takes the examination.

D. Waiver of Examination. The Board may waive the examination requirement for an applicant who:

  (1) Pays the application fee as provided in COMAR 10.57.07;

  (2) Is certified as a program administrator in any other state that the Board determines has a comparable certification process; and

  (3) Provides adequate evidence that:

    (a) At the time the applicant was certified in the other state, the applicant was qualified to take the examination that then was required by the laws of this State;

    (b) The applicant qualified for a certificate in the other state by passing an examination given in that or any other state;

    (c) The applicant has completed a State and national criminal history records check; and

    (d) Unless waived by the Board in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20–303(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, the applicant has submitted to a child protective services background clearance.

E. Reexamination.

  (1) An applicant who fails the examination:

    (a) May retake the examination three times within the 12-month period after a failed examination; and

    (b) May not retake the examination within 6-months of failing the examination for the third time.

  (2) Before or on the day of the repeat examination, the applicant shall pay to the Board the examination fee as established in COMAR 10.57.07.

  (3) An applicant may request a waiver of the 6-month waiting period after failure of the third examination upon proof of exceptional circumstances.

F. Applicants Requiring Special Accommodation.

  (1) An applicant with a disability may request modifications in examination materials or procedures.

  (2) The applicant shall make the request for modification in writing and include in the request the following:

    (a) The applicant's name;

    (b) The date of the examination to be modified; and

    (c) A letter from the appropriate licensed professional which:

      (i) Confirms the disability; and

      (ii) Provides information describing the accommodations required.

  (3) Requests for modification and supporting documentation shall be received by the application deadline.

#### Regulation .04 Action on Application.

*COMAR 10.57.02.04*

A. Criminal History Record Information.

  (1) Upon receipt of an applicant’s criminal history records information in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20-303, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board shall consider the following factors in determining whether to grant a certificate:

    (a) The age at which the crime was committed;

    (b) The circumstances surrounding the crime;

    (c) The length of time that has passed since the crime;

    (d) Subsequent work history;

    (e) Employment and character references; and

    (f) Other evidence that demonstrates whether the applicant poses a threat to the public health or safety.

  (2) The Board may not issue a certificate if the criminal history record information required under Health Occupations Article, §20-303, Annotated Code of Maryland, has not been received.

B. Upon review of a completed application, the Board shall:

  (1) Notify the applicant that the applicant is:

    (a) Approved for certification; and

    (b) Qualified to take the examination; or

  (2) Deny certification.

C. Denial of Applications.

  (1) The Board may deny certification if the applicant has:

    (a) Not completed the academic and experience requirements in Regulation .02 of this chapter;

    (b) Failed the examination requirements in Regulation .03 of this chapter;

    (c) Failed to remit a fee;

    (d) Failed to properly complete the application form;

    (e) Violated Health Occupations Article, Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland, or any provision of this subtitle; or

    (f) Been shown to have a lack of good moral character.

  (2) If the Board denies certification under §E(1)(e) or (f) of this regulation, the Board or the Board's designee shall:

    (a) Provide the applicant written notification of the Board's intent to deny and the basis for that denial; and

    (b) Notify the applicant of the applicant's right to request a formal hearing to appeal the denial.

  (3) An applicant whose certification has been denied may reapply and shall submit with the new application proof of compliance with:

    (a) This subtitle; and

    (b) Health Occupations Article, Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland.

D. Issuance of Certificate.

  (1) If the Board approves an applicant for certification and the applicant passes the State Standards Examination, the Board shall:

    (a) Send the applicant a notice specifying that the applicant has qualified for a certificate; and

    (b) Issue a certificate, available online, to the applicant.

  (2) The Board shall include on each certificate the:

    (a) Full name of the certificate holder; and

    (b) Serial number assigned by the Board.

#### Regulation .05 Expiration and Renewal.

*COMAR 10.57.02.05*

A. Unless the Board suspends or revokes the certificate, the certification is effective for up to 2 years from the date issued and authorizes the individual to administer a residential child care program.

B. At least 1 month before the certificate expires, the Board shall send to the certified program administrator, by electronic means or first-class mail to the last known electronic or physical address, a renewal notice that states:

  (1) The date on which the current certificate expires;

  (2) The date by which the renewal application shall be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued; and

  (3) The amount of the renewal fee.

C. The Board shall renew the certificate of a certified program administrator who:

  (1) Otherwise is entitled to obtain a certificate;

  (2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and

  (3) Submits to the Board:

    (a) A renewal application on a form that the Board requires;

    (b) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with any continuing education and other qualifications and requirements set by the Board.

    (c) Unless waived by the Board in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20-310(f), Annotated Code of Maryland, evidence of application for a child protective services background clearance; and

    (d) Evidence of having submitted to a State and national criminal history records check conducted by the Central Repository.

D. Criminal History Record Information.

  (1) Upon receipt of an applicant’s criminal history records information in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20-303, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board shall consider the following factors in determining whether to grant a certificate:

    (a) The age at which the crime was committed;

    (b) The circumstances surrounding the crime;

    (c) The length of time that has passed since the crime;

    (d) Subsequent work history;

    (e) Employment and character references; and

    (f) Other evidence that demonstrates whether the applicant poses a threat to the public health or safety.

  (2) The Board may not issue a certificate if the criminal history record information required under Health Occupations Article, §20-303, Annotated Code of Maryland, has not been received.

#### Regulation .06 Reinstatement.

*COMAR 10.57.02.06*

A. The Board shall reinstate the certificate of a program administrator who has failed to renew the certificate for any reason, if the individual:

  (1) Has not had the certificate suspended or revoked;

  (2) Meets the renewal requirements in Regulation .05 of this chapter;

  (3) Pays to the Board the reinstatement fee set by the Board;

  (4) Submits to the Board:

    (a) 40 continuing education units taken within the last 2 years;

    (b) Evidence of having submitted to a State and national criminal history records check conducted by the Central Repository; and

    (c) Unless waived by the Board in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §20-311(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, evidence of application for a child protective services background clearance; and

  (5) Applies to the Board for reinstatement of the certificate within 5 years after the certificate expires.

B. The Board may not reinstate the certificate of a program administrator who fails to apply for reinstatement of the certificate within 5 years after the certificate expires. However, the program administrator may be certified by meeting the current requirements for obtaining a new certificate under this subtitle.

#### Regulation .07 Duplicate or Corrected Certificate.

*COMAR 10.57.02.07*

The Board shall issue a duplicate certificate, electronically, to the certificate holder if:

A. The certificate holder has a change of name and does the following:

  (1) Makes the request to the Board in writing on the form provided by the Board; and

  (2) Provides appropriate legal documentation of the change; or

B. The Board, as a result of its error, issues an incorrect certificate and the certificate holder:

  (1) Notifies the Board in writing within 6 weeks of discovery of the incorrect certificate; or

  (2) Does not receive electronic verification of the certificate within 6 weeks of issuance and provides a statement to the Board attesting to the unavailability of the certificate online within 4 months of the date the certificate was issued by the Board.

#### Regulation .08 Resignation, Removal, or Death of a Program Administrator.

*COMAR 10.57.02.08*

A. If a program administrator resigns or is removed from a position as a program administrator by death or for any other unexpected cause, the residential child care program's Chief Administrator or other appropriate program authority shall immediately designate a certified program administrator to serve in that capacity.

B. In the event a certified program administrator is not available, the residential child care program's Chief Administrator or other appropriate program authority may appoint a noncertified individual to serve in the capacity of acting program administrator for a period not exceeding 90 days if the individual:

  (1) Is approved by the Board; and

  (2) Meets the minimum qualifications for a program administrator as set forth in COMAR 10.57.02.

C. Approval of Noncertified Individual to Serve as Acting Program Administrator.

  (1) In order to obtain approval from the Board for the approval of a noncertified individual to serve as the acting program administrator, the residential child care program's Chief Administrator or other appropriate program authority shall immediately submit to the Board:

    (a) An application on the form provided by the Board;

    (b) The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07;

    (c) Written justification clarifying the reason why acting capacity is necessary, that includes:

      (i) The name and title of the individual requesting approval of a non-certified individual, including mailing address, phone, and email address;

      (ii) The qualifications and credentials of the individual selected for acting capacity; and

      (iii) A summary of the efforts made by the residential child care program to recruit a certified program administrator;

    (d) A copy of the individual's resume or curriculum vitae; and

    (e) The State and national criminal history records check.

  (2) The Board shall review all of the documentation provided to verify that individual appointed meets the minimum qualifications of a program administrator as set forth in COMAR 10.57.02.

  (3) Upon review of the request, the Board may:

    (a) Approve the request for acting capacity;

    (b) Approve the request for acting capacity with conditions; or

    (c) Deny request for acting capacity.

  (4) The 90 day period begins on the date that the program administrator leaves or is removed from the position as a program administrator.

  (5) The Board may extend the 90 day period for a further period of not more than 30 days.

#### Regulation .09 Display of Certificate and Renewal Certificates.

*COMAR 10.57.02.09*

An individual certified as a residential child care program administrator shall display an original certificate and certificate card, or certificate renewal card in a conspicuous place in the office or place of business or employment of the program administrator.