<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".14" citation="COMAR 12.02.28.14" title_num="12" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="28" heading="Appeal — Requesting.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>An inmate filing a request for formal resolution of an inmate complaint may appeal to the Commissioner:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A procedural dismissal on preliminary review of the Request form;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The managing official’s failure to provide a response within established time requirements; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A decision by the managing official contained in the response to the Request form.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>An inmate filing an appeal under this regulation shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Submit the request in writing in a format and on a form approved by the Commissioner;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Include all of the following in the appeal:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name of the inmate filing the appeal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The name of the correctional facility housing the inmate filing the appeal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A statement describing the reason for the appeal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The original case number;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>The date the appeal is submitted;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>The signature of the inmate submitting the appeal;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>A copy of the original complaint with all supporting documentation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>A copy of the procedural dismissal on preliminary review or managing official’s decision;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include one of the following in the statement required under §B(2)(c) of this regulation as the grounds for the appeal:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The basis for disagreement with the Facility ARC’s decision or reason for procedural dismissal on preliminary review;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The basis for disagreement with the Managing Official’s decision, remedy, or response; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>A failure by Managing Official to respond within the established time frame;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Limit the basis of the appeal to the areas identified under §B(2)(c) of this regulation without introducing a new inmate complaint; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Except for provisions under §C of this regulation, file the appeal with the Commissioner as indicated in the notice provided in accordance with Regulation .11 of this chapter so that the Headquarters ARC receives the appeal within 30 calendar days of:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>For an appeal of a procedural dismissal on preliminary review, the date the inmate received notice of the procedural dismissal on preliminary review;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>For an appeal of a managing official’s decision or remedy in a response to a Request form, the date the inmate received the response; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>For an appeal of a Managing Official’s failure to respond within the established time frame, the date the managing official’s response was due to the inmate.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the inmate demonstrates that extraordinary circumstances exist that prevented submitting an appeal within the established time frame, the Commissioner may accept a late filing of an appeal.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>When submitting an appeal under this section, the inmate:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Is encouraged to submit the Request form to the Commissioner using the U.S. Postal Service.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>May submit the Request form using the Department courier system knowing that the Department is not responsible if the appeal is not received within the time frame established for submitting an appeal under this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Within 5 working days of the date the appeal is received by the Commissioner, the Headquarters ARC shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Index the appeal according to the originally assigned case number; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Conduct a preliminary review of the appeal and determine to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Accept and process the appeal within the established time frame; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Procedurally dismiss the appeal on preliminary review.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>