Maryland State Personnel and Pensions Section 6-102

      The basic purpose of the State Personnel Management System is to provide a system of employment for employees under the authority of the Secretary. The State Personnel Management System:

            (1)      (i)      establishes categories of service for employees based on the general nature of the employee's duties or method of appointment; and

                  (ii)      provides procedures for the appointment, discipline, and termination of employees in each service;

            (2)      (i)      groups employees into classes based on specific duties that employees perform; and

                  (ii)      provides a system of pay for employees;

            (3)      provides for a system of merit employment in the skilled service and professional service, regardless of an applicant's political or religious opinions or affiliations or of any standard other than business efficiency;

            (4)      provides a process for the:

                  (i)      promotion and training of employees; and

                  (ii)      prompt removal of employees; and

            (5)      provides for other aspects of human resources management.