Md. Code, Public Utilities § 17-601

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) (1) “Abuse” means an employee’s intentional misconduct or misuse of authority or position:

(i) involving Commission property or funds that is improper or deficient when compared to conduct a prudent person would consider reasonable under the same facts and circumstances; or

(ii) for the purpose of furthering improperly the private interests of the employee, a family member, or a close personal or business associate.

(2) “Abuse” includes:

(i) theft or misappropriation of Commission property or funds; and

(ii) destruction or alteration of official records.

(c) (1) “Fraud” means an intentional act or attempt to obtain something of value from the Commission or another person through willful misrepresentation.

(2) “Fraud” includes a willful false representation of a material fact, whether by words or by conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of that which should have been disclosed, that causes the Commission to act, or fail to act, to the detriment of the Commission’s interest.

(d) “Office” means the Office of the Inspector General.

(e) “Vendor” means a party obligated by contract or subcontract to provide goods, services, or property to the Commission for consideration, including contracts and subcontracts for construction and professional services related to construction.

(f) (1) “Waste” means an inappropriate act or omission by an employee with control over, or access to, Commission property or funds that unreasonably deprives the Commission of value.

(2) “Waste” includes mismanagement or other unintentional conduct that is deficient or improper when compared to conduct a prudent person would consider necessary to preserve the value of Commission property or funds under the same facts and circumstances.