Sec. 07.05.01.04. Licensing Procedure

A. The president of the governing board of the organization that seeks licensure as a child placement agency shall apply to the Administration for a license.

B. An application for an agency license shall include:

(1) The application form, signed by the governing board president and the chief administrator;

(2) The administrative file of the agency as described in Regulation .08B of this chapter;

(3) A detailed agency manual of operation based on this chapter;

(4) A detailed written service plan for the provided services based on one or more of the COMAR chapters cited in Regulation .03C(3) of this chapter;

(5) Written directions of the most efficient driving route from the Administration office to the agency office; and

(6) Additional documentation which the Administration may require.

C. Application Process.

(1) The applicant shall request an application for licensure from the Administration and inform the Administration of the service the applicant plans to provide.

(2) The Administration may require the applicant to request a new application form if the applicant has not:

(a) Returned the required application material within 1 year after receiving the application material; or

(b) Made a good faith effort to comply with the application procedure.

(3) The applicant may withdraw the application at any time and the Administration shall acknowledge in writing the receipt of the withdrawal. The Administration may retain any materials or documentation supplied before the withdrawal.

(4) Upon request, the Administration shall provide consultation to any person planning a child placement service.

(5) When an applicant requests information regarding licensure, the Administration shall provide information regarding the:

(a) Licensing process; and

(b) Requirements of the service the applicant wishes to provide.

D. Interview and Inspection.

(1) The agency's governing board shall designate the chief administrator to work with the Administration during the application process.

(2) During the Administration's review of the application, the chief administrator shall, at the Administration's invitation:

(a) Meet with the Administration to respond to questions;

(b) Clarify parts of the application document and service plan; and

(c) Arrange for the inspection of the agency office by the Administration.

E. Decision on the Application.

(1) The Administration shall examine the application including the service plan and, within 60 days of receipt of the completed application:

(a) Issue a child placement agency license for a period of 2 years if the applicant meets the requirements for licensure; or

(b) Deny a child placement license if the applicant:

(i) Does not meet the licensure requirements, or

(ii) Knowingly provides false information.

(2) If the Administration denies a child placement agency license, the Administration shall notify the applicant in writing stating the:

(a) Reason for the denial;

(b) Specific regulations on which the Administration based its decision;

(c) Applicant's right to appeal the decision; and

(d) Process for the appeal.