Maryland Health - General Section 7-611
§ 7-611.
  (a)   When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Department shall have an investigation made of:
    (1)   The applicant;
    (2)   The private group home for which approval is sought;
    (3)   The facts stated in the application;
    (4)   The number of other group homes or alternative living units in the neighborhood;
    (5)   The public utilities and services available; and
    (6)   The access to transportation, shopping and recreational facilities, and health-related services.
  (b)   When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing on the application.
  (c)   (1)   The Secretary shall publish a notice of the hearing within 60 days of receipt of the completed application.
    (2)   The notice shall state:
      (i)   The name of the applicant;
      (ii)   The type of approval that is sought;
      (iii)   The location of the proposed private group home; and
      (iv)   The time and place that the Secretary sets for the hearing, which shall be at least 7 but not more than 15 days after the last publication of the notice.
  (d)   The notice shall be published at least twice in 1 week:
    (1)   In 2 newspapers published in the county where the private group home is to be located;
    (2)   If only 1 newspaper is published in that county, in that newspaper; or
    (3)   If a newspaper is not published in that county, any newspaper with substantial circulation in that county.