Yvette Dickens

The primary focus of the meeting was public comment and discussion regarding the proposed regulations for Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), legalized under the Green Death Care Act (2024). Concerns raised included the 'stainless steel mandate' for vessels, testing requirement clarity, and the need for stronger coordination between OCO and Board of Morticians regulations. Specific suggestions involved certified mail requirements for notices, clarifying standards for reduction of remains, and reconciling refrigeration temperatures. Council discussions also touched upon the mechanical reduction of bones post-process and whether NOR services could commence before final regulations are established. In other business, the Executive Director announced the introduction of a new Financial Compliance Administrator and the pending appointment of a new consumer member. Old Business included a discussion on fee increase implementation strategies and direct consumer contracting with crematories. The Investigator's Report detailed complaint balances and inspections conducted between mid-November and late January. The Financial Compliance Administrator reported on 2024 asset management returns for perpetual care and pre-need funds. The Legislative Update covered a bill concerning pet cremation disclosure requirements and two bills affecting cemetery property transfer and disposition.

The meeting included a review of applications for the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE), resulting in the approval of thirteen applications, with three pending for various clarifications. The Complaint Committee reported on the status of several open cases, including one scheduled for an Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) hearing in March 2026 and several recommended for closure. Discussions under Old Business involved follow-up on the Pathways to Licensures Forum and proposed legislation regarding the fraudulent use of architectural seals, clarifying that existing Maryland law already addresses non-architects misusing seals. New Business included recording delegates for NCARB's Regional Summit in March 2026. The Executive Director reminded members about the upcoming Annual Board of Ethics financial disclosure deadline. Board Counsel reported on the progress of revisions to the Board of Landscape Architects Act. The meeting included a period of Executive Session to discuss sensitive matters.

The meeting included a report from the Chair regarding a discussion with the Maryland Comptroller about the "Stop Scam Tax Preparers Act" and future collaboration on enforcement measures. The Executive Director reported receiving the Don Hull Award at the MSATP's 64th Annual Banquet. The Examination Committee reported on the July 2024 PSI examination results for candidates and noted that the Tax Preparers exam will cover 2023 Maryland and Federal Tax laws starting July 1, 2024. New business involved a discussion about developing a public education campaign to identify reputable tax preparers and avoid scams. Old business included the announcement of the Chair completing the Open Meetings Act Training and the listing of proposed 2025 Board Meeting dates.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the amended agenda. Discussions covered the review of plumbing complaints, where the Complaint Committee report was approved. Examination statistics for July 2020 were reviewed, indicating a 26% overall pass rate for the tested candidates. Under old business, an update was provided on the Greywater Advisory Committee, noting that draft regulations should be available by December 2020, and PSI testing updates confirmed that only IPC and IFGC versions of the exam would be offered after October 1, 2020. Furthermore, the Board confirmed that statutory requirements regarding apprentice testing would become effective on October 1, 2020. New business included correspondence regarding the certification of gas pipe installers following a recent natural gas explosion in Baltimore City, and a request from a licensed master plumber to sit for the master plumber license examination again, which the Board approved. The Executive Director reiterated condolences regarding the explosion and emphasized the importance of proper licensure.

The business meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and the approval of the October 16, 2025, meeting minutes with a correction regarding the closed session dates. The Plumbing Complaint Committee reported findings for closed complaints, investigations, and cases sent for Attorney General pre-charge. The Board reviewed examination statistics for September 2025, noting a total pass rate of 36% for 107 candidates. Under Old Business, updates were provided on the CSST study, the finalization of COMAR 09.20.01 amendments (moving to 2021 code versions currently, with plans for 2024 versions), and the approval of an amended reciprocity agreement with the District of Columbia Board of Industrial Trades. The issue of the Listing of Approved Natural Gas Fitter Training Provider was deferred to January 2026. New Business included the approval of proposed Board meeting dates for 2026 and a discussion regarding House Bill 1162 requirements for HVACR equipment sales, confirming that licensed Master Plumber/Gas Fitters are statutorily exempt for purchasing hydronic equipment. The Director also began discussions regarding a potential reciprocal licensing agreement with West Virginia.