The laboratory director must be qualified to manage and direct the laboratory personnel and the performance of PPM procedures as specified in § 493.19(c) and must be eligible to be an operator of a laboratory within the requirements of subpart R of this part.

1. (a) The laboratory director must possess a current license as a laboratory director issued by the State in which the laboratory is located, if the licensing is required.

2. (b) The laboratory director must meet one of the following requirements:

   1. (1) Be a physician, as defined in § 493.2.
   2. (2) Be a midlevel practitioner, as defined in § 493.2, authorized by a State to practice independently in the State in which the laboratory is located.
   3. (3) Be a dentist, as defined in § 493.2.