<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 12.01.01.04" title_num="12" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="01" heading="Claims.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Filing a Claim.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the claimant chooses to be represented by an attorney, the claimant's attorney shall follow procedures under Regulation .10 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The claimant shall file a claim:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>In person or by regular mail;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>On a form or in a format approved by the Board; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Providing signed authorization for a subrogation agreement with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A claim may be filed by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A person eligible to receive an award under Criminal Procedure Article, §11-808, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the eligible person under §A(3)(a) of this regulation is younger than 18 years old, the eligible person's parent or guardian; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If the eligible person under §A(3)(a) of this regulation is mentally incompetent or physically unable to file the claim, the eligible person's guardian or other individual authorized to administer the eligible person's affairs.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Except as stated in §A(4)(b) of this regulation, a claimant shall file a claim:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Within 3 years of the date of the crime upon which the claim is based; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>In the case of child abuse:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Up to the date that the child who was the subject of the abuse is 25 years old; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>At any time after the occurrence of the child abuse, if, after considering the claim, the Board determines that good cause existed justifying not filing a claim before the child who was subject to the abuse is 25 years old.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Examining a Claim.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Upon receipt of a claim application, the Board shall assign an examiner to verify the eligibility of the claim by reviewing:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The victim’s or claimant’s statement:</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Reports made to a law enforcement agency or other appropriate authority;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Court documents;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Medical reports, if warranted by the examination;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Medical bills;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Funeral expenses;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Employment verification;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>State or federal tax returns; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>Documentation regarding receipt of benefits from other sources.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the claimant does not cooperate in an examination under §B(1) of this regulation or provide information requested by the Board, the Board may deny the claim.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>At the request of a claimant the Board may re-open a claim previously denied under §B(2) of this regulation based on good cause.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>If an issue of fact still exists after an examination is complete, the examiner shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Prepare a written memorandum summarizing the information obtained during the examination; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Forward the memorandum to the designated supervisor.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A supervisor receiving a memorandum under §B(4)(b) of this regulation shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Ensure that the information in the memorandum is adequate for the Board to make a decision;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Ensure that the information in the memorandum is correct;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Forward the claim and memorandum to the Board for a decision; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>If requested by the claimant, forward a copy of the memorandum to the claimant.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Upon receipt of a claim under §B(5)(c) of this regulation, the Board shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Coordinate subsequent processing activity;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Make recommendations on further examination;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Upon concurrence on a recommendation by a minimum of three members of the Board, prepare a written report that:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Delineates the decision;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Summarizes the rationale used to reach the decision;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Indicates that a response to a decision shall be received by the Board within 15 days of receipt of the report by the claimant, or the claimant's attorney; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Provides information required under State Government Article, §§10-207 and 10-208, Annotated Code of Maryland, concerning a lack of response, challenges to the decision, or additional information requested; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Send a copy of the report to the claimant at the address contained in the claim application.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>If the decision is challenged by the claimant the Board shall conduct a hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>If a hearing is requested, the Board shall arrange for the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>After the Board has made a decision, the Board shall forward the decision to the Secretary, or a designee, who shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Do one of the following:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Affirm the Board's decision;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Order modification to the Board's decision; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Reverse the Board’s decision; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Advise the Board of the final disposition.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>Upon receipt of the Secretary’s decision under §B(9) of this regulation, the Board shall advise the claimant, in writing:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Of the final decision;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Of the right to judicial review of the final decision under §B(10)(a) of this regulation to the circuit court, under State Government Article, §§10-222 and 10-223, Annotated Code of Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>That a request for judicial review under §B(10)(b) of this regulation shall be initiated within 30 days of the final decision; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>How to request judicial review under §B(10)(b) of this regulation, providing:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Instructions; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>The appropriate form.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>The Secretary's or a designee's decision under §B(9) of this regulation is final as prescribed under Criminal Procedure Article, §11-814, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>