Authority of Department. The Department may adopt, amend, or repeal regulations, on a regular or an emergency basis, as prescribed by the Administrative Procedure Act. Notice and Opportunity for Comment. The Department shall: Provide public notice of the proposed adoption, amendment, or repeal; and Afford interested persons an opportunity to submit written data, views, or argument. Hearing. The Department may hold a hearing on the proposed adoption, amendment, or repeal and afford interested persons the opportunity to: Submit evidence; and Make oral argument. Any interested person may petition the Department for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any regulation. Form. The petition shall be: In writing; and Filed with the Secretary. Contents. The petition shall contain: The petitioner's name, address, and telephone number; The proposed regulation change; and A brief statement of the reasons for the proposed change. Notice of Receipt. On receipt of a petition, the Secretary shall promptly mail the petitioner a notice of filing, indicating the date the petition was received. Consideration and Disposition. Within 60 days after the petition is submitted, the Secretary shall: Consider the petition; and Either: Deny the petition and notify the petitioner in writing of the reasons for the denial; or Initiate the procedures for adopting, amending, or repealing the regulation, and notify the petitioner in writing of this action. Human Services Article, §9-204; State Government Article, §§10-122 and 10-123;Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: June 18, 2007 (34:12 Md. R. 1067)