Maryland Code, State Personnel and Pensions § 12-201

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the three steps available to a grievant in the grievance procedure are:

(2) If a grievance is based on a performance rating of satisfactory or better:

(b)(1) When a grievant's appointing authority is also the head of the principal unit, the grievant shall appeal the Step One decision directly to Step Three of the grievance procedure.

(2) If the basis of a grievance is an action taken by the principal unit or by the Department, the parties may agree to proceed to Step Two or Step Three of the grievance procedure as appropriate.