Scope of the Arbitration Program.

A. General.

Arbitration is a process by which disputes between parties are resolved outside of the court system by an impartial individual after hearing pertinent evidence and argument. Arbitration in Maryland is governed by the Maryland Uniform Arbitration Act, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, Title 3, Subtitle 2, Annotated Code of Maryland .

B. Disputes Subject to Arbitration.

Disputes arising out of transactions involving consumer goods, services, credit, or realty and which are covered by the Consumer Protection Act, Commercial Law Article, Title 13, Annotated Code of Maryland , may be arbitrated under these regulations when the consumer-complainant and the business agree to binding arbitration conducted under the arbitration program of the Consumer Protection Division. Unless the agreement to arbitrate stipulates otherwise, the arbitrator may award specific performance and damages, including consequential or incidental damages. Claims for punitive damages and attorney’s fees may not be arbitrated under any circumstances.