<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="03" heading="Confidentiality of Mediation Information" title_num="14" subtitle_num="37">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="General Confidentiality Provisions.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>Except as provided in Regulation 02 of this chapter, the Ombudsman shall maintain the confidentiality of all mediation information in accordance with the Act, the Standards of Conduct for Mediators, and the Mediation Confidentiality Act.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The Ombudsman may not disclose or be compelled to disclose mediation information in any judicial, administrative, or other proceeding, in accordance with the Act and with the Mediation Confidentiality Act.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>A party may not disclose or be compelled to disclose mediation information in any judicial, administrative, or other proceeding, in accordance with the Mediation Confidentiality Act.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Exceptions to Confidentiality of Mediation Information.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The Ombudsman may disclose mediation information, including mediation communications, in the following situations:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>With Office staff, including an Assistant Attorney General who represents the Office, the Administrative Officer, or any other person working under the direction of the Ombudsman, to carry out the duties of the Office; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>To third parties, if the parties to the mediation have consented to the disclosure.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The Ombudsman may transfer basic information about a dispute, including the identity of the applicant and custodian and the nature of the dispute, to the Board if appropriate steps have been taken to protect the confidentiality of mediation communications.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">General Provisions Article, §§4-1B-01—4-1B-04, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: June 17, 2019 (46:12 Md. R. 547)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01D repealed effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md. R. 800)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .02 amended effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md. R. 800)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>