Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 8 - Nutrient Management
Section 8-803 - Certifications and Licenses -- Application; Issuance; Term; Renewal

(a)    To apply for certification as a nutrient management consultant, an applicant shall:
        (1)    Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and
        (2)    Pay to the Department the certification fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle.
    (b)    The Department shall certify any individual who:
        (1)    Meets the requirements of this subtitle;
        (2)    Meets the Department’s educational requirements, including a program on the proper application of nutrients;
        (3)    Passes a Department approved examination; and
        (4)    (i)    Is employed by a person licensed under this subtitle; or
            (ii)    Holds a license as required by this subtitle.
    (c)    To apply for a license an applicant shall:
        (1)    Submit to the Department an application on the form the Department requires; and
        (2)    Pay to the Department the applicable license fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle.
    (d)    The Department shall license a person who meets the requirements of this subtitle.
    (e)    A certificate or license is issued for 1 year unless the certificate or license is renewed as provided by this subtitle.
    (f)    The Department shall renew the certificate or license of any applicant for a 3-year term if the applicant:
        (1)    Submits a renewal application on the form that the Department requires;
        (2)    Pays to the Department the applicable fee stated in § 8-806 of this subtitle;
        (3)    Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;
        (4)    Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and
        (5)    Otherwise is entitled to be certified or licensed.
    (g)    (1)    The Department may issue a farm operator’s plan development certificate to a person operating a farm for the development of that person’s own nutrient management plan.
        (2)    The certificate is valid provided the person operating the farm:
            (i)    Has paid the one-time fee provided in § 8-806 of this subtitle;
            (ii)    Has passed an examination as determined by the Department;
            (iii)    Complies with applicable continuing education requirements;
            (iv)    Complies with applicable record keeping and reporting requirements; and
            (v)    Otherwise is entitled to be certified.
    (h)    A person that holds a license or certificate issued under this section shall comply with all applicable reporting requirements and deadlines established by the Department, including deadlines related to:
        (1)    Implementation of the Phosphorus Management Tool developed by the University of Maryland; and
        (2)    Submission of soil test phosphorus levels related to nutrient management plans developed in accordance with this subtitle.
    (i)    In addition to any penalty authorized under § 8–805 of this subtitle, a person that violates subsection (h) of this section is subject to an administrative penalty not exceeding $250.