Maryland Health Occupations Section 20-301

      (a)      Except as otherwise provided in this section, on or after October 1, 2007, an individual shall receive a certificate from the Board before the individual may be a program administrator in this State.

      (b)      (1)      Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a program administrator leaves or is removed from a position as program administrator by death or for any other unexpected cause, the owner of a residential child care program or other appropriate program authority shall immediately designate a certified program administrator to serve in that capacity.

            (2)      (i)      In the event a certified program administrator is not available, the owner or other appropriate program authority may appoint a noncertified person to serve in the capacity of acting program administrator for a period not to exceed 180 days.

                  (ii)      The owner or other appropriate program authority shall immediately notify the Board of the appointment and forward the credentials of the person appointed to the Board for evaluation to assure that the person appointed is experienced, trained, and competent.

                  (iii)      The 180-day period begins on the date that the program administrator leaves or is removed from the position as a program administrator.

                  (iv)      The Board may extend the 180-day period for a further period of not more than 30 days.