(a)    Within 10 days after receiving a decision under § 5-212 of this subtitle, a complainant may appeal the decision in writing to the Secretary.

(b)    Within 30 days after an appeal is received:

(1)    the Coordinator:

(i)    shall review the complaint and the decision being appealed;

(ii)    may conduct any necessary investigation; and

(iii)    shall recommend to the Secretary or designee a finding of whether a violation of this subtitle has occurred; and

(2)    the Secretary or designee shall:

(i)    take the action described in subsection (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section; and

(ii)    issue to the parties a written decision that includes notice of any remedial action taken.

(c)    (1)    If the Secretary or designee determines that a violation has not occurred, the Secretary or designee shall dismiss the complaint.

(2)    If the Secretary or designee determines that a violation has occurred, the Secretary or designee shall take appropriate remedial action.

(d)    As remedial action for a violation of § 5-208 of this subtitle, the Secretary or designee may:

(1)    order the removal of detrimental information from the complainant's State personnel records;

(2)    require the head of the principal unit to:

(i)    hire, promote, or reinstate the complainant or end the complainant's suspension from employment;

(ii)    award the complainant back pay up to the day of the violation;

(iii)    grant the complainant leave or seniority;

(iv)    take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual who caused the violation; or

(v)    take any other remedial action that the Secretary or designee considers appropriate.

(e)    The decision of the Secretary or designee is final.