818                              Laws of Maryland                       Ch. 401

proved of the Governor, and with the advice and consent of the
Senate. One member of the Board shall have been admitted to prac-
tice law in the State of Maryland for not less than five years next
preceding his appointment.

(c) The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, shall des-
ignate one member of the Board as chairman, to serve at the pleasure
of the [Governor] Secretary.

4.

The Board, subject to the authority of the Secretary of Public
Safety and Correctional Services as set forth in Article 41 of this
Code, shall have the following powers and duties:

(a)    To establish and maintain an office and appoint a secretary,
clerks and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, such
employees to be subject to the provisions of Article 64A, titled Merit
System, and prescribe their duties.

(b)    To adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind suitable rules and
regulations to carry out the provisions and purposes of this article,
including rules for the approval of attorneys' fees for representation
before the Board or before the court upon judicial review as herein-
after provided.

(c)    To request from the State's Attorney, State Police, county
or municipal police departments such investigation and data as will
enable the Board to determine if, in fact, a crime was committed or
attempted, and the extent, if any, to which the victim or claimant
was responsible for his own injury.

(d)    To hear and determine all claims for awards filed with the
Board pursuant to this article, and to reinvestigate or reopen cases
as the Board deems necessary.

(e)    To direct medical examination of victims.

(f)    To hold hearings, administer oaths or affirmations, examine
any person under oath or affirmation and to issue summons requir-
ing the attendance and giving of testimony of witnesses and require
the production of any books, papers, documentary or other evidence.
The powers provided in this subsection may be delegated by the
Board to any member or employee thereof. A summons issued under
this subsection shall be regulated by the Maryland Rules of Pro-
cedure.

(g)    To take or cause to be taken affidavits or depositions within
or without the State.

(h) To render each year to the Governor, to the Secretary of
Public Safety and Correctional Services, and to the legislative coun-
cil a written report of its activities.

9.

(c) The secretary of the Board shall promptly notify the claim-
ant, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the
Attorney General and the Comptroller of the final decision of the
Board and furnish each with a copy of the report setting forth the
decision.