<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".10" citation="COMAR 17.04.07.10" title_num="17" subtitle_num="04" chapter_num="07" heading="Failure to Attend a Conference or Hearing.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Each party shall attend and participate in good faith in a scheduled conference or hearing. The Office of Administrative Hearings may issue a decision adverse to the party upon a showing that the party:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Was sent proper notice of the conference or hearing; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Failed to show good cause for not attending.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Except in an emergency as defined by Regulation .08C or D of this chapter, a determination of good cause may not be made if the party or the party's representative failed to provide timely notification to the Office of the party's inability to attend.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The good faith obligation imposed by this regulation does not require a party to negotiate or settle a case. It requires that a party be prepared to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Discuss the merits of the case at the conference after having evaluated the factual and legal issues involved; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Consider all proposals which have the potential to resolve the dispute between the parties.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>