(a) When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Department shall have an investigation made of: (1) The applicant; (2) The private group home for which approval is sought; (3) The facts stated in the application; (4) The number of other group homes or alternative living units in the neighborhood; (5) The public utilities and services available; and (6) The access to transportation, shopping and recreational facilities, and health-related services. (b) When an application for certificate of approval is filed, the Secretary shall hold a public hearing on the application. (c) (1) The Secretary shall publish a notice of the hearing within 60 days of receipt of the completed application. (2) The notice shall state: (i) The name of the applicant; (ii) The type of approval that is sought; (iii) The location of the proposed private group home; and (iv) The time and place that the Secretary sets for the hearing, which shall be at least 7 but not more than 15 days after the last publication of the notice. (d) The notice shall be published at least twice in 1 week: (1) In 2 newspapers published in the county where the private group home is to be located; (2) If only 1 he last publication of the notice. (d) The notice shall be published at least twice in 1 week: (1) In 2 newspapers published in the county where the private group home is to be located; (2) If only 1 newspaper is published in that county, in that newspaper; or (3) If a newspaper is not published in that county, any newspaper with substantial circulation in that county.
Maryland Legal Code