1. A. The agency shall provide suitable office space in Maryland that provides:

   1. (1) Office and reception areas that:

      1. (a) Are used exclusively as an office and reception area for the agency, and
      2. (b) Contain appropriate furnishings in good condition;
   2. (2) Areas for confidential interviewing with parents and children;
   3. (3) As appropriate, children's playroom or lounge for adolescents; and
   4. (4) Storage areas for personnel and client records that provide controlled access and adhere to confidentiality requirements.

2. B. To assure that staff is supported adequately with equipment, the agency shall:

   1. (1) Maintain appropriate equipment in good working condition for the operation of the office and the functioning of employees;
   2. (2) Provide office furnishings that are easy to maintain, clean, safe, and comfortable; and
   3. (3) Maintain locked file cabinets with controlled access for confidential personnel, adoption, and foster care records.

3. C. To assure adequate transportation for children, the agency shall:

   1. (1) If needed, assist clients in arranging transportation necessary for implementing the child's service plan;
   2. (2) Provide transportation equipped with appropriate safety seats for infants and toddlers; and
   3. (3) Assure that vehicles are maintained in compliance with the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule and operated in conformity with all applicable motor vehicle laws.

4. D. Bonding Coverage.

   1. (1) An agency that accepts prepayment of public funds, directly or indirectly, shall maintain adequate bonding as determined by State law or contract.
   2. (2) All individuals authorized to sign checks or manage funds shall be bonded at the agency's expense.

5. E. Vehicle Insurance. The agency shall:

   1. (1) Have insurance or document that insurance is carried that covers liability to children or third parties arising through the use of an agency or private vehicle, by any of the agency's staff or agents on agency business on or off the agency premises;

   2. (2) Carry a minimum of :

      1. (a) Bodily injury insurance at $100,000 for each individual,
      2. (b) Bodily injury insurance at $300,000 for each accident, and
      3. (c) Property damage liability insurance at $25,000 for each accident; or
   3. (3) If the vehicle is owned privately, document that the private owner carries the minimum insurance amounts in §E(2) of this regulation.

Authority: Human Services Article, §2-209 Annotated Code of Maryland
Agency Note: Federal Regulatory Reference: 42 U.S.C. §621 et seq.; 45 CFR 1355—1357

Effective date: January 12, 2001 (27:26 Md. R. 2357)

Regulation .14C amended as an emergency action effective July 1, 2023 (50:15 Md. R. 679); emergency status expired December 28, 2023

Chapter revised effective April 14, 2025 (52:7 Md. R. 321)

Regulation .02B amended effective February 2, 2026 (53:2 Md. R. 61)

Regulation .09 amended effective February 2, 2026 (53:2 Md. R. 61)

Regulation .14A amended effective February 2, 2026 (53:2 Md. R. 61)

Regulation .17 amended effective February 2, 2026 (53:2 Md. R. 61)