Sec. 12.02.28.01. l Purpose

A. Under the authority granted the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services under Correctional Services Article, §2-103, Annotated Code of Maryland and concurrence of the Commissioner of Correction and Director of Patuxent Institution:

(1) These regulations apply to an inmate in the custody of the Division of Correction and the Patuxent Institution; and

(2) Responsibilities previously assigned under the Administrative Remedy Procedures to the Director of Patuxent Institution, such as reviewing, approving, and reporting are now the responsibility of the Commissioner of Correction.

B. These regulations establish procedures for an inmate to seek resolution of a complaint through:

(1) Informal resolution with facility staff;

(2) The Administrative Remedy Procedure, which is a formal process consisting of:

(a) Presentation of the complaint to the managing official for investigation and resolution; and

(b) An appeal to the Commissioner of Correction.

C. Except as permitted by the Inmate Grievance Office under COMAR 12.07.01, an inmate shall exhaust the remedies available under this chapter before submitting a complaint to the Inmate Grievance Office.