<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".12" citation="COMAR 14.09.07.12" title_num="14" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="07" heading="Disputes, Noncompliance and Termination.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Disputes.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a dispute or issue arises regarding vocational rehabilitation services, the parties shall file electronically a vocational rehabilitation dispute form, as prescribed by the Commission.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Upon receipt of the vocational rehabilitation dispute form, the Duty Commissioner shall contact the parties by telephone.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the Duty Commissioner is unable to resolve the dispute, a hearing will be scheduled within 5 business days.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The Commission may award reasonable attorney fees in disputes arising out of vocational rehabilitation issues when deemed necessary given the particular facts of a claim.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Noncompliance with Vocational Rehabilitation Plan. If a disabled covered employee is not meeting the employee's responsibilities or is not cooperating with vocational rehabilitation services, a practitioner shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Document the factual basis for that determination and the practitioner's efforts to promote the disabled covered employee's participation; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Promptly notify all parties in writing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Termination of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Whenever a practitioner closes a case, the practitioner shall document the reasons for terminating vocational rehabilitation services.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Upon termination of vocational rehabilitation services or case closure, a practitioner shall notify all parties within 5 working days of the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Reason for the termination or closure; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Current employment status of the disabled covered employee.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A practitioner shall send a closure report to the Commission within 10 business days after notice of termination on the form prescribed by the Commission.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>