<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 10.68.02.04" title_num="10" subtitle_num="68" chapter_num="02" heading="Action on Application.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Application Review. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Department shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Accept and review applications for accreditation of a CHW certification training program in accordance with a schedule established by the Department and made publicly available;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Acknowledge receipt of an application within 10 calendar days after receiving the application;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Act on an application within 60 calendar days after the training program has met all the application requirements; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Make a decision regarding application accreditation within 120 calendar days.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Application Review Committee.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Training program applications will be reviewed by a Community Health Worker Training Program Application Review Committee consisting of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A community health worker;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A State Community Health Worker Advisory Committee member;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A health professions educator with expertise in curriculum development;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>AN MDH CHW certification program staff member; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>As deemed necessary by the Department, an MDH program staff member with subject matter expertise in specialty areas.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Individuals will be selected for the Training Program Application Review Committee by the Secretary after review of an application.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The Review Committee shall review training program applications to determine whether a training program application meets the requirements set forth in this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The Review Committee shall forward recommendations for accreditation of eligible training programs to the Secretary.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The Secretary may approve and direct the Department to accredit a training program if the training program:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Satisfies the requirements set forth in this chapter;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Pays to the Department a fee set by the Department in regulation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Participates in an on-site visit, if deemed necessary by the Department.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Approval of Accreditation Application. If the Department accredits a training program, the Department shall send the applicant written notice that the program is accredited.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Denial of Accreditation Application.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Department may deny accreditation if it determines that the training program has:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Not complied fully with the applicable requirements described in this chapter;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Failed to remit a fee; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Failed to complete the application form.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the Department denies accreditation, the Department shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Send the applicant written notice of the Department’s denial of accreditation, including specific deficiencies; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Notify the applicant of the right to appeal the denial and to request a formal hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Within 30 calendar days after receipt of the denial, the training program may submit to the Department either:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A written plan that sets forth the steps taken by the program to meet the applicable requirements described in this chapter; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A written response setting forth documentation that the program is meeting and maintaining each of the applicable requirements described in this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Based on the deficiencies and the program’s written response, if any, the Department may approve or deny the application.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Appealing a Decision to Deny an Application for Accreditation. A CHW certification training program may appeal the decision to deny an application by submitting the request in writing to the Department within 30 calendar days of the date on the notice of denial of application.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>If a CHW certification training program 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>Provide written notice to the applicant:</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="(7)">
      <text>The Department may not refund a fee if an accreditation is denied.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>An applicant may request a hearing within 10 calendar days after receipt of written notice of the Department’s denial. After receiving the request, the Department shall follow hearing procedures in accordance with COMAR 10.01.03.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>