Md. Code Regs. 08.03.12.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 12, June 14, 2024

Section 08.03.12.05 - Classes of Permits

A. The Department shall issue apprentice and master level permits to allow a person to rehabilitate wildlife upon satisfaction of the requirements of this regulation.

B. Apprentice Wildlife Rehabilitator.

(1) The Department shall provide an application form to an applicant for an apprentice level permit to allow a person to rehabilitate wildlife. The applicant shall:

(a) Meet the requirements of Regulation .04 of this chapter;

(b) Provide the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant's sponsor;

(c) Agree to meet the educational requirements described in Regulation .06 of this chapter during the 2-year apprentice period; and

(d) Agree to provide 200 documented hours of physical care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife under the direct supervision of a master rehabilitator during a 2-year period beginning with the date the applicant files the application package.

(2) The apprentice may care for orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife for the first year under the direct supervision of the sponsor and at the facility of the sponsor. During the second year, the apprentice may care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife at the apprentice's home if it meets the facility requirements described in Regulation .11 of this chapter.

(3) The documents in support of an apprentice 's permit are the property of the apprentice. An apprentice may change to another sponsor after the applicant has provided written notification to, and received permission from, the Wildlife and Heritage Division.

C. Master Wildlife Rehabilitator.

(1) The Department shall provide an application form to an applicant for a master level permit. The applicant shall:

(a) Meet the requirements of Regulation .04 of this chapter;

(b) Have served as an apprentice for at least 2 years;

(c) File a letter from the applicant's sponsor recommending the applicant for a master class permit;

(d) Document the number of hours spent practicing rehabilitation as an apprentice;

(e) Provide the skills checklist completed by the applicant's sponsor;

(f) Maintain rehabilitation facilities in accordance with the standards described in Regulation .11 of this chapter;

(g) Identify a licensed veterinarian who has agreed to assist and consult with the applicant for the treatment and care of animals being rehabilitated;

(h) Be a member in good standing of a nationally recognized rehabilitation association and agree to maintain the membership; and

(i) Provide documentation to demonstrate that the applicant has completed 12 hours of continuing education or research as described in Regulation .06 of this chapter, for each 24 months of the applicant's apprenticeship.

(2) An individual licensed as a master rehabilitator may:

(a) Possess orphaned, sick, or injured birds or mammals for rehabilitation;

(b) Serve as a sponsor for an apprentice class rehabilitator;

(c) Designate volunteers to assist in the care and feeding of animals in the facility of the master rehabilitator under the direct supervision of the master rehabilitator; and

(d) Transport animals if the names and addresses of the volunteers are provided to the Department.

(3) On the face of the permit, the Department shall list the species for which a master rehabilitator may provide care.

(4) Upon application to the Department, the Department shall issue a master permit to a veterinarian who files:

(a) Documents to show that the veterinarian is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the State; and

(b) Evidence that the veterinarian has access to a facility which meets the requirements of Regulation .11 of this chapter.

D. Upon application to the Department, the Department shall issue to an individual who holds a permit that allows a person to rehabilitate wildlife before the effective date of this chapter:

(1) An apprentice level permit if the individual has held the permit for less than 2 years during a 5-year period; or

(2) A master level permit if the individual has held the permit for at least 2 years during a 5-year period.

E. Except as provided under §C(2) of this regulation, a permit issued under the authority of this chapter may not be transferred or delegated to another.

F. Except for a licensed veterinarian, a rehabilitator may not charge a fee to rehabilitate any animal.

Md. Code Regs. 08.03.12.05