Sec. 13a.15.02.02. Initial Registration

A. An application for initial registration shall be filed with the office by an individual who wishes to operate a registered family child care home and who:

(1) Is not currently a registered family child care provider; and

(2) Has not been registered as a provider for at least 6 months before the date of application.

B. Except as set forth at §C of this regulation, an applicant for an initial registration shall:

(1) Complete an orientation to family child care regulations that is offered or approved by the office;

(2) Submit a completed application form, supplied by the office, for initial registration;

(3) Submit a medical evaluation for the applicant and each resident in the home that:

(a) Was completed within 12 months before the date of application for registration;

(b) Was conducted by a practicing physician, certified nurse practitioner, or registered physician’s assistant;

(c) Includes verification that the individual:

(i) Is free of communicable tuberculosis, if indicated; and

(ii) If the applicant is capable of performing the duties of the position; and

(d) Is signed or verified by the individual who conducted the evaluation;

(4) Apply for a federal and State criminal background check at a designated office in the State;

(5) Ensure that an application for a federal and State criminal background check is made at a designated office in the State by each:

(a) Resident in the home who is 18 years old or older;

(b) Individual to serve as the provider’s substitute; and

(c) Employee or volunteer of the family child care home who is 18 years old or older;

(6) Submit a signed and notarized release form giving the office permission to examine records of abuse and neglect of children and adults for information about:

(a) The applicant;

(b) Each resident in the home who is 18 years old or older;

(c) Each individual designated as a substitute;

(d) If applicable, an additional adult; and

(e) If required by the office, any other individual with regular access to the child care area during the approved hours of operation;

(7) As applicable, submit documentation that:

(a) The home meets State and local fire, health, and zoning requirements; and

(b) If the home is located in a condominium or residence which requires homeowners' association membership, the applicant has homeowner's liability insurance coverage as required by Maryland law;

(8) Submit documentation that the applicable training requirements specified in COMAR 13A.15.06.02 have been met;

(9) Submit documentation showing that the home has met all applicable lead-safe environment requirements set forth in COMAR 13A.15.05.02; and

(10) If the family child care home is located in an apartment or at another property that is rented or leased by the applicant, submit written authorization from the lessor, owner, or landlord permitting child care to be provided at that location.

C. Non-Maryland State Criminal Background Check. If an individual subject to the requirements of §B(4) or (5) of this regulation currently resides or has resided in a state other than Maryland within 5 years before the date of application for registration, the individual shall:

(1) Apply for a state criminal background check to be performed by a duly authorized entity within that state; and

(2) Request the non-Maryland state entity performing the criminal background check to transmit the result of that background check directly to the Agency.

D. If, within 6 months after the applicant submits a completed application form, the office has not received documentation that all applicable requirements of §B of this regulation have been met, the office may consider the application void.