Sec. 10.42.09.07. Civil Fines

A. The Board may impose a civil fine of no less than $1,000 and no more than $50,000 against an individual who:

(1) Practices social work without a license in violation of Health Occupations Article, §19-311, Annotated Code of Maryland: or

(2) Misrepresents or implies to the public use of protected titles in violation of Health Occupations Article, §19-402, Annotated Code of Maryland.

B. Factors to be used in determining the amount of the fine may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The extent to which the individual derived any financial benefit from the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(2) The willfulness of the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(3) Actual or potential harm caused by the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title;

(4) The cost of the investigation; and

(5) The length of time in which the individual engaged in the unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of title.