<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 14.09.12.05" title_num="14" subtitle_num="09" chapter_num="12" heading="Hearing Procedure.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Notice of Agency Action.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If the Commission has reasonable cause to believe that an insurer has violated Regulation .03 of this chapter, the Commission shall give reasonable notice of the alleged violation and the action the Commission proposes to take.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The notice shall state:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The facts that are asserted;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the facts cannot be stated in detail when the notice is given, the issues that are involved;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The potential penalty that could be imposed;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>That the recipient has a right to request a hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>That any request for a hearing shall be in writing and received by the Commission within 20 days of the date of the notice; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>That if a hearing is not requested within the time allowed, the Commission shall render its decision on the basis of its own investigation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notice of Hearing.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If a hearing is requested, the Commission shall mail a notice of the hearing 20 days before the date set for the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The notice shall state:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The date, time, place, and nature of the hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>That the insurer may submit a written statement 5 days before the hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>That the insurer may present oral argument at the hearing;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>That the insurer may call witnesses and submit documents or other evidence relative to the issues contained in the notice; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>That the insurer may agree to the evidence and waive its right to appear at the hearing.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Postponement.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An insurer may request a postponement in writing 5 days before the hearing.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If an insurer fails to appear at a hearing, and has not requested a postponement, the Commission may either:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Proceed with the hearing; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Make its decision on the record before it.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Disposition. A hearing may not be adjourned or continued except upon order of the Commission.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>