1. A. Definitions.

   1. (1) In this regulation, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) Terms Defined.

      1. (a) “Not resolved” means that the parties were unable to reach a mutually agreeable resolution of a dispute.
      2. (b) “Partially resolved” means that the parties have reached a mutually agreeable resolution as to one or more, but not all, segregable sub-issues within a dispute.
      3. (c) “Resolved” means that the parties have reached a mutually agreeable resolution of a dispute.
2. B. At the conclusion of a mediation, the Ombudsman shall issue a written final determination stating that the dispute has been resolved, partially resolved, or not resolved.

3. C. The written final determination shall include:

   1. (1) The name of the applicant, the name of the custodian, and the Office file number;

   2. (2) A brief summary of the matter, including:

      1. (a) The date of the PIA request;
      2. (b) A description of the records sought;
      3. (c) The date of the custodian’s response, if any; and
      4. (d) A summary of the custodian’s response, if any;
   3. (3) A brief description of the dispute for which dispute resolution was sought;
   4. (4) The date and length of an extension, if one was granted; and
   5. (5) Notice of PIA Compliance Board procedures and contact information.
4. D. The Ombudsman shall send the final determination to the relevant applicant and custodian.

5. E. Board.

   1. (1) The Ombudsman does not automatically provide the final determination to the Board.
   2. (2) If a complaint is filed with the Board, the Ombudsman may provide the final determination to the Board upon the Board’s request.

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Regulations .03—.06 repealed and new Regulations .03—.11 adopted effective September 18, 2023 (50:18 Md.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