<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 14.09.07.02" title_num="14" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="07" heading="Application Procedures for Registration.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>To apply for registration with the Commission, an applicant shall submit to the Commission:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An application on the form prescribed by the Commission completed in accordance with the directions provided;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Two letters attesting to the applicant's moral character;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Appropriate documentation that the applicant satisfies the education and experience requirements of Labor and Employment Article, §9-6A-09, Annotated Code of Maryland; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Payment in the amount of the application fee established by the Commission.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Automatic Registration.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Nurse Case Managers. A nurse case manager certified by the State Board of Nursing is automatically registered with the Commission upon:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Completion of the Commission application form; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Payment of the fee established by the Commission.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Other Health Practitioners. Any health care provider who is licensed or certified by the applicable State licensing board or commission and who provides vocational rehabilitation services is automatically registered with the Commission upon:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Completion of the Commission application form; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Payment of the fee established by the Commission.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If another State licensing board or commission's certification is valid for a period of time less than a provider's registration under Regulation .02 of this chapter, the provider shall submit a copy of the provider's certificate or renewal to the Director within 30 days after receiving the certificate or renewal.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A health care provider who is licensed or certified by an applicable State licensing board or commission and is automatically registered with the Commission under this regulation shall maintain their license or certificate in good standing in order to maintain automatic registration as a practitioner with the Commission. If the practitioner’s license or certificate expires or otherwise ceases to remain in good standing, the practitioner shall immediately notify the Director.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Waiver of Registration.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commission shall keep a list of providers who are not required to be registered with the Commission in accordance with §A or B of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A provider who is not required to be registered with the Commission shall file a request for waiver on a form prescribed by the Commission every 2 years.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Review of Application.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commission shall review applications for registration and requests for waivers.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Commission may refer an application to the Advisory Committee for review, evaluation, and recommendations.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If an application has been referred to the Advisory Committee for review, the Commission shall place the application under advisement until the Advisory Committee makes its recommendation regarding the applicant.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>After the Advisory Committee makes its recommendations, the Commission shall consider the application and recommendations at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The Commission need not accept the Advisory Committee's recommendations.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If the application is approved, the Commission shall promptly register the applicant as a provider of vocational rehabilitation services.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Term and Renewal of Registration.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Notice of renewal and a renewal application shall be:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Sent to each registered provider before the registration's expiration date; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Returned to the Director by the deadline for renewal.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Requirements for Renewal of Registration.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Continuing Education Requirements — Renewal of Registration. Except for a practitioner automatically registered under §B of this regulation, a practitioner shall meet the following continuing education requirements for registration renewal:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>A minimum of 12 hours of continuing education credits in workers’ compensation related programs within the 3-year period preceding the application for renewal; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>At least six of the credits specified in §E(3)(a)(i) of this regulation shall be in training or information classes given or approved by the Commission.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Along with the renewal application, a provider shall submit appropriate documentation that the provider has satisfied the continuing education requirements specified in §E(3)(a) of this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If a provider has not completed at least 12 hours of continuing education credits within the 3-year period preceding an application for renewal, the Commission has the sole discretion to determine the sufficiency of efforts by the provider in deciding whether to renew the provider's registration.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>