Sec. 07.05.01.10. Agency Administrative Requirements

A. The agency shall provide suitable office space in Maryland which provides:

(1) Office and reception areas which:

(a) Provide comfort, privacy, and convenience for clients and staff, and

(b) Are used exclusively as an office and reception area for the agency;

(2) Areas for confidential interviewing with parents and children;

(3) As appropriate, children's playroom or lounge for adolescents; and

(4) Storage areas for personnel and client records which provide controlled access, retrieval, and confidentiality.

B. To assure that staff is supported adequately with equipment, the agency shall:

(1) Maintain appropriate equipment in good working condition for the operation of the office and the functioning of employees;

(2) Provide office furnishings which are easy to maintain, clean, safe, and comfortable; and

(3) Maintain locked file cabinets with limited access for confidential personnel, adoption, and foster care records.

C. To assure adequate transportation for children, the agency shall:

(1) If needed, assist clients in arranging transportation necessary for implementing the child's service plan;

(2) Provide transportation equipped with appropriate safety seats for infants and toddlers; and

(3) Assure that vehicles are in safe condition and operated in conformity with all applicable motor vehicle laws.

D. Bonding Coverage.

(1) An agency which accepts prepayment of public funds, directly or indirectly, shall maintain adequate bonding as determined by State law or contract.

(2) All individuals authorized to sign checks or manage funds shall be bonded at the agency's expense.

E. Vehicle Insurance. The agency shall:

(1) Have insurance or document that insurance is carried which covers liability to children or third parties arising through the use of an agency or private vehicle, by any of the agency's staff or agents on agency business on or off the agency premises;

(2) Carry a minimum of :

(a) Bodily injury insurance at $100,000 for each individual,

(b) Bodily injury insurance at $300,000 for each accident, and

(c) Property damage liability insurance at $25,000 for each accident; or

(3) If the vehicle is owned privately, document that the private owner carries the minimum insurance amounts in §E(2) of this regulation.