§20–301.

    (a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, an individual shall receive a certificate from the Board before the individual may be a program administrator in this State.

        (2)    (i)    Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a program administrator leaves or is removed from a position as program administrator by death or for any other unexpected cause, the chief administrator of a residential child care program or other appropriate program authority shall immediately designate a certified program administrator to serve in that capacity.

            (ii)    1.    In the event a certified program administrator is not available, the chief administrator or other appropriate program authority may appoint a noncertified person to serve in the capacity of acting program administrator for a period not to exceed 90 days.

                2.    The chief administrator or other appropriate program authority shall immediately notify the Board of the appointment and forward the credentials and the State and national criminal history records check of the person appointed to the Board for evaluation to assure that the person appointed is experienced, trained, of good moral character, and competent.

                3.    The 90–day period begins on the date that the program administrator leaves or is removed from the position as a program administrator.

                4.    The Board may extend the 90–day period for a further period of not more than 30 days.

    (b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on or before October 1, 2015, an individual shall receive a certificate from the Board before the individual may be a residential child and youth care practitioner in this State.

        (2)    This subsection does not apply to:

            (i)    An employee of the Maryland School for the Blind who is a residential child and youth care practitioner and holds a current paraprofessional certificate; or

            (ii)    For up to 180 days, an individual participating in a Board–approved training program.

    (c)    (1)    The governing body of each residential child care program shall appoint a chief administrator of the program.

        (2)    If the chief administrator of a residential child care program leaves or is removed from a position as chief administrator by death or for any other unexpected cause, the governing body of the residential child care program shall immediately designate an individual to serve as the acting chief administrator for a period not to exceed 180 days.