# COMAR Title 32 — Maryland Department of Aging

## Subtitle 01 — Procedural Regulations

### Chapter 01 — Procedures for Hearings before the Secretary

#### Regulation .12 Ex Parte Communication.

*COMAR 32.01.01.12*

A. The presiding officer may not communicate, directly or indirectly, with any party or person who has an interest or is otherwise involved in the hearing, including employees of the Department, without giving notice to all parties and an opportunity, if appropriate, to participate. The same prohibition shall apply to the Secretary, except that the Secretary may not be prohibited from communicating with counsel concerning a case pending before the Secretary.

B. A party or a party's representative may not communicate directly with a presiding officer or Secretary concerning a pending case except by:

  (1) Written communication submitted to the hearing officer and served on the other parties or their representatives; or

  (2) Oral communication with the hearing officer in the presence of all other parties or their representatives.