Sec. 14.31.04.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Advisory Committee" means the Maryland Interagency Rates Advisory Committee which consists of parents, advocates, and providers appointed by the Children's Cabinet.

(2) "Allowable variance" means less than or equal to plus one standard deviation from the mean as determined by the factors and methodology outlined in the Manual defined in §B(7) of this regulation.

(3) "Children's Cabinet" means those agencies directed by Executive Order:

(a) To examine Maryland's system of services to children and their families; and

(b) To facilitate ongoing improvements to this service delivery system.

(4) "Committee" means the Maryland Interagency Rates Committee, consisting of:

(a) An individual or individuals representing:

(i) The Maryland Department of Health;

(ii) The Department of Human Services;

(iii) The Department of Juvenile Services;

(iv) The Department of Budget and Management;

(v) The Maryland State Department of Education; and

(vi) The Office for Children;

(b) One representative of a local department of social services; and

(c) One representative of a local education agency.

(5) "Cost Guidelines" means the Cost Guidelines for Residential Child Care Facilities (October, 1999 revision), which is incorporated by reference.

(6) "Departments" means the:

(a) Maryland Department of Health;

(b) Department of Human Services;

(c) Department of Juvenile Services; and

(d) Maryland State Department of Education.

(7) "Office" means the Governor's Office for Children.

(8) "Manual" means the Budget Preparation and Rate Setting Methodology for Child Care Facilities Manual (April 1997), which is incorporated by reference.

(9) "Nonpreferred provider" means a provider whose rate or rates, when grouped by service type and, when appropriate, capacity, falls or fall outside an allowable variance.

(10) "Preferred provider" means a provider whose rate or rates, when grouped by service type and, when appropriate, capacity, falls or fall within an allowable variance.

(11) "Provider" means an entity licensed, approved, accredited, or certified to provide services to children and adolescents within:

(a) Maryland under:

(i) COMAR 07.02.13;

(ii) COMAR 10.21.07;

(iii) COMAR 16.06.01; or

(iv) COMAR 14.31.05-14.31.07;

(b) Maryland or another state under COMAR 13A.09.10; or

(c) A state other than Maryland under the applicable laws of that state.

(12) "Rate" means the cost per unit of service.

(13) "Rate Section" means the Maryland State Department of Education, Rate Setting Structures Section.

(14) "Unallowable costs" means those expenditures defined by applicable federal regulations and the Cost Guidelines as unreimbursable.