Maryland State Personnel and Pensions Section 5-308

      (a)      (1)      A complainant may be represented during the complaint process by any person the complainant chooses.

            (2)      Either party may be represented at a hearing by counsel.

      (b)      (1)      If a complainant fails to appeal a decision in accordance with this subtitle, the complainant is considered to have accepted the decision.

            (2)      A failure to decide a complaint in accordance with this subtitle is considered a denial from which an appeal may be made.

      (c)      Each party shall make every effort to resolve a complaint at the lowest level possible.