1. A. An individual may not be approved to act as a verifier as provided by this chapter unless the individual meets the following requirements to be established by the Department:

   1. (1) Education and experience;
   2. (2) Training; and
   3. (3) Continuing education.

2. B. The Department may approve a verifier who meets the following eligibility requirements:

   1. (1) Has 3 or more years of experience developing SCWQPs or qualifies as a U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservation Planner level II;
   2. (2) Is certified in Maryland to prepare NMPs in accordance with applicable Department regulations COMAR 15.20.04; and
   3. (3) Has completed Department training in the use of the MNTT.
3. C. A verifier may only remain eligible to perform verifications by completing at least 6 hours of Department approved training within the first year, and 12 hours thereafter every 3 years.

4. D. After the opportunity for a hearing, the Department may deny, suspend, or revoke the approval of any verifier who:

   1. (1) No longer meets eligibility requirements;
   2. (2) Violates any of the regulatory requirements of this chapter;
   3. (3) Provides the Department with any misleading, false, or fraudulent report;
   4. (4) Fails to promptly provide any report or any record required to be kept by this chapter;
   5. (5) Fails to meet the continuing education requirements for verifiers;
   6. (6) Is determined to be negligent or incompetent; or
   7. (7) Fails to act in such a manner that the Department determines provides other good cause to deny, suspend, or revoke approval.

Authority: Agriculture Article, §§2-103(b), 8-902, and 8-903, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: May 9, 2016 (43:9 Md. R. 531)

Regulation .01B amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)

Regulation .02B amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)

Regulation .05B amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)

Regulation .07C, G amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)

Regulation .08 amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)

Regulation .09A, D amended effective August 29, 2016 (43:17 Md. R. 956)