<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 12.11.04.09" title_num="12" subtitle_num="11" chapter_num="04" heading="Decisions and Orders.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The presiding officer shall use a preponderance of evidence as the standard of proof, unless the standard of clear and convincing evidence is required by regulation or statute.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The presiding officer shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Prepare the final decision in writing or state it in the record;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the final decision is in writing, forward a copy to each party or to the party's attorney;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Include findings of fact and conclusions of law, separately stated; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Include procedures and time limits for filing exceptions.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the final decision maker in a contested case does not personally preside over the original hearing, the final decision for a contested case shall be made under State Government Article, §10-216, Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>