<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 10.68.01.09" title_num="10" subtitle_num="68" chapter_num="01" heading="Suspension or Revocation of a Certificate.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Department may suspend or revoke the certificate of a community health worker who no longer meets the requirements established under this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of COMAR 10.01.03, the Department may suspend or revoke a certificate if the individual:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a certificate for a community health worker or for another individual;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Fraudulently or deceptively uses a certificate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Otherwise fails to meet substantially the standards for certification adopted under this chapter;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a felony or to a crime involving moral turpitude, whether or not any appeal or other proceeding is pending to have the conviction or plea set aside;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Performs the duties of a community health worker while:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Under the influence of alcohol; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Using any narcotic or controlled dangerous substance, as defined in Criminal Law Article, §5–101, Annotated Code of Maryland, or other drug that is in excess of therapeutic amounts or without valid medical indication;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Is disciplined by a licensing or disciplinary authority of any other state or country or convicted or disciplined by a court of any state, territory, or country for an act that would be grounds for suspension or revocation action under this title;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Performs the duties of a certified community health worker with an unauthorized person or supervises or aids an unauthorized person in performing the duties of a certified community health worker;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Willfully makes or files a false report or record while performing the duties of a certified community health worker;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Willfully fails to file or record any report as required under law, willfully impedes or obstructs the filing or recording of the report, or induces another to fail to file or record the report;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>Commits an act of unprofessional conduct in performing the duties of a community health worker;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Refuses, withholds from, denies, or discriminates against an individual with regard to the provision of professional services for which the individual is certified and qualified to render because of the individual’s race, sex, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>Fails to maintain on file with the Department a current resident address or employment address or notify the Department when the residency or place of employment changes.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The Department shall proceed with the suspension or revocation in accordance with the provisions in COMAR 10.01.03.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The Department shall send written notice of intent to suspend or revoke a certificate to the individual and identify the specific deficiencies.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Within 30 calendar days after receipt of written notice, the individual may submit to the Department:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A written plan by the individual to meet the applicable deficiencies; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A written response setting forth documentation that the individual is meeting and maintaining each of the applicable requirements as set forth in this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Based on deficiencies and the individual’s response, if any, the Department may suspend, revoke, or reinstate a certificate.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Appealing the Decision to Suspend or Revoke a Certificate.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An individual may appeal the decision to suspend or revoke a certificate by submitting a request in writing to the Department within 30 calendar days of the date on the notice of suspension or revocation of a certificate.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If an individual submits an appeal, the Department, within 60 calendar days, shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Grant or deny the appeal; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Send individual written notice:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Indicating whether the appeal has been granted or denied; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Providing an explanation of the decision.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Department may not refund a fee if a certification is suspended or revoked.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="H.">
    <text>An individual may request a hearing within 10 calendar days after receipt of written notice.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="I.">
    <text>When the Department receives the request, it will follow hearing procedures in accordance with COMAR 10.01.03.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>