Sec. 13a.18.06.08. Substitutes

A. When a staff member is absent, a substitute for that staff member shall be provided as needed to maintain the staff/child ratios required by COMAR 13A.18.08.03.

B. A substitute shall:

(1) Be 18 years old or older;

(2) Be familiar with this subtitle;

(3) Complete, sign, and submit to the office the required forms for substitutes, which include permission to examine records of abuse and neglect of children;

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

(5) Present no risk to the health, safety, or welfare of children.

C. If a substitute is needed for longer than a continuous 2-week period, the provider shall provide a substitute who meets the qualifications required in this chapter for the absent staff member, or demonstrate that reasonable efforts have been made, with no success, to obtain a qualified substitute.

D. If a staff member is absent for more than a continuous 2-week period due to family or medical leave, the provider may receive permission from the office to employ a substitute for that absent staff member who does not meet the education, training, and experience qualifications for the absent staff member's position.

E. Non-Maryland State Criminal Background Check. If an individual subject to the requirements of §B(4) 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.