Sec. 14.09.07.02. Application Procedures for Registration

A. To apply for registration with the Commission, an applicant shall submit to the Commission:

(1) An application on the form prescribed by the Commission completed in accordance with the directions provided;

(2) Two letters attesting to the applicant's moral character;

(3) Appropriate documentation that the applicant satisfies the education and experience requirements of Labor and Employment Article, §9-6A-09, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(4) Payment in the amount of the application fee established by the Commission.

B. Automatic Registration.

(1) Nurse Case Managers. A nurse case manager certified by the State Board of Nursing is automatically registered with the Commission upon:

(a) Completion of the Commission application form; and

(b) Payment of the fee established by the Commission.

(2) Other Health Practitioners. Any health care provider who is licensed or certified by the applicable State licensing board or commission and who provides vocational rehabilitation services is automatically registered with the Commission upon:

(a) Completion of the Commission application form; and

(b) Payment of the fee established by the Commission.

(3) If another State licensing board or commission's certification is valid for a period of time less than a provider's registration under Regulation .02 of this chapter, the provider shall submit a copy of the provider's certificate or renewal to the Director within 30 days after receiving the certificate or renewal.

C. Waiver of Registration.

(1) The Commission shall keep a list of providers who are not required to be registered with the Commission in accordance with §A or B of this regulation.

(2) A provider who is not required to be registered with the Commission shall file a request for waiver on a form prescribed by the Commission every 2 years.

D. Review of Application.

(1) The Commission shall review applications for registration and requests for waivers.

(2) The Commission may refer an application to the Advisory Committee for review, evaluation, and recommendations.

(3) If an application has been referred to the Advisory Committee for review, the Commission shall place the application under advisement until the Advisory Committee makes its recommendation regarding the applicant.

(4) After the Advisory Committee makes its recommendations, the Commission shall consider the application and recommendations at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The Commission need not accept the Advisory Committee's recommendations.

(5) If the application is approved, the Commission shall promptly register the applicant as a provider of vocational rehabilitation services.

E. Term and Renewal of Registration.

(1) A registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.

(2) Notice of renewal and a renewal application shall be:

(a) Sent to each registered provider before the registration's expiration date; and

(b) Returned to the Director by the deadline for renewal.

(3) Requirements for Renewal of Registration.

(a) Continuing Education Requirements.

(i) In order to qualify for renewal of a provider's registration, the provider shall participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education credits in workers' compensation related programs within the 3-year period preceding the application for renewal.

(ii) At least six of the credits specified in §E(3)(a)(i) of this regulation shall be in training or information classes given by the Commission.

(iii) The Commission shall accept credit hours for workers' compensation related programs approved by the Commission.

(b) Along with the renewal application, a provider shall submit appropriate documentation that the provider has satisfied the continuing education requirements specified in §E(3)(a) of this regulation.

(c) If a provider has not completed at least 12 hours of continuing education credits within the 3-year period preceding an application for renewal, the Commission has the sole discretion to determine the sufficiency of efforts by the provider in deciding whether to renew the provider's registration.