1. A. The Ombudsman’s mediation process is voluntary for each party.
2. B. If the applicant or custodian that is the subject of the request for dispute resolution declines to mediate the dispute, the Ombudsman shall, as soon as practicable, issue a final determination as provided in Regulation .11 of this chapter stating that the dispute was not resolved and indicating that mediation was declined.

3. C. Withdrawing a Request for Dispute Resolution.

   1. (1) A party requesting dispute resolution through the Ombudsman may withdraw the request.
   2. (2) If a request for dispute resolution is withdrawn after the Office has opened a file, then the Ombudsman shall issue a final determination as provided in Regulation .11 of this chapter stating that the request for dispute resolution was withdrawn.

   3. (3) Renewing a Request for Dispute Resolution.

      1. (a) A party that has withdrawn a request for dispute resolution through the Ombudsman may renew the request one time.
      2. (b) If a party renews the request for dispute resolution and withdraws that request again, the Ombudsman may decline to mediate a second or subsequent renewed request for dispute resolution.

Authority: General Provisions Article, §§4-1B-01—4-1B-04, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 17, 2019 (46:12 Md. R. 547)

Regulation .01 amended effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md. R. 800)

Regulation .02 amended effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md. R. 800)

Regulations .03—.06 repealed and new Regulations .03—.11 adopted effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md. R. 800)