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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 12.02.28.02" title_num="12" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="28" heading="Definitions.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Terms Defined.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>“Administrative Remedy Procedure (ARP)” means a formal process established by the Commissioner of Correction to address inmate complaints concerning conditions of confinement.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>“Administrative Remedy Coordinator (ARC)” means an employee designated by the Commissioner of Correction or Managing Official to receive, acknowledge, and direct the investigation of ARP complaints and to maintain all records relating to the complaints according to procedures set forth in this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>“Appeal” means the process by which an inmate seeks review by the Commissioner of Correction of a decision regarding a complaint submitted under the ARP at the correctional facility level.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>“Closely related issues” means matters that are the result of single incident or condition.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Correction.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>“Conditions of confinement” means any circumstances, situations, or events that involve an inmate’s custody, transportation, incarceration, or supervision.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>“Correctional facility” means a facility within the Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution that is operated for the purpose of confining an individual who is committed to the custody of the Commissioner.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>“Department” means the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>“Formal resolution” means a written decision and, if appropriate, relief from the managing official or Commissioner regarding an inmate complaint filed under the ARP.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>“Frivolous” means a complaint that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Is not serious or practical; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Shows on its face a complete lack of substance or merit.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>“Informal resolution” means the process by which an inmate seeks relief for a complaint from facility staff under this chapter other than through the ARP.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>“Inmate” means an individual committed to the custody of the Commissioner and housed in a Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution correctional facility.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(13)">
      <text>“Malicious” means an act that is spiteful, shows ill will, or demonstrates intent to cause harm.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(14)">
      <text>“Managing official” means the warden or other individual responsible for the management of a correctional facility.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(15)">
      <text>“May not” means an absolute prohibition and does not imply discretion.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(16)">
      <text>“Procedural dismissal on preliminary review” means the administrative refusal to accept, investigate, or process an inmate complaint under the ARP, because the inmate’s complaint:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Exceeds time limits for filing the complaint;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Does not provide required or sufficient information;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Is incomplete; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Is determined to be frivolous or malicious.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(17)">
      <text>“Remedy” means an action to resolve conditions or circumstances that resulted in an inmate complaint under this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(18)">
      <text>“Working day” means a day of the week excluding weekend days, State holidays, or days on which State offices are closed.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>