What must happen in the absence of the Administrator?

In the absence of the Administrator, it is required that the facility must still be supervised by a qualified employee. This ensures continuity of operations and maintains the safety and well-being of all individuals within the facility. Having a qualified employee step in helps to ensure that the facility adheres to necessary regulations and standards set forth in COMAR, thereby protecting the rights of the residents, staff, and visitors. This supervisory role is critical to prevent potential disruptions that could arise from the absence of the Administrator, and it underscores the importance of having a reliable chain of responsibility in place within the organizational structure.

Other options do not provide an effective or compliant solution. Closing the facility would not be in the best interest of those relying on its services, while relying solely on volunteers or higher-level management to intervene may not guarantee that the facility is led by someone with the requisite training and understanding of daily operations and regulations.