<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 14.35.10.04" title_num="14" subtitle_num="35" chapter_num="10" heading="Delegation of Authority.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Scope. This regulation applies to all requests for a hearing permitted under Regulation .01C of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>In accordance with State Government Article, §10-205(a)(1)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board delegates to the Office the authority to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Conduct a contested case hearing; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Issue:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Final findings of fact and conclusions of law; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>A proposed order.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The Board may revoke all or part of a delegation of authority to preside over a hearing if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The case:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Involves novel or unanticipated factual or legal issues;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Has significant social, fiscal, or legal issues;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Involves policy issues; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Requires further investigation; or</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Board determines that revocation of all or part of the delegation of authority is otherwise in the public interest.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Procedure for Revocation.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Board shall provide written notice of a revocation of hearing authority to all parties and the entity conducting the contested case hearing under State Government Article, §10-205(a)(1)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The written notice shall contain a brief statement of the reason for the revocation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Delegation of authority to hear a contested case may be revoked at any time before the earlier of the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Issuance of a ruling by the entity delegated authority to conduct a contested case hearing under §A of this regulation on a substantive issue; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Taking of oral testimony from the first witness.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The Board shall specify whether all or part of the delegation to hear a contested case has been revoked.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>If only part of the delegation has been revoked, the Board shall specify in the written notice of revocation the portions of the contested case for which the delegation has been revoked.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>On revocation of the delegation, the Board shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Cause further investigation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Set the contested case for a hearing with the Board or the Board's designee acting as the hearing officer as permitted under State Government Article, §10-205(a)(1)(ii), Annotated Code of Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Dismiss the contested case.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>