Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 12-6C-04 – Permits by reciprocity; accreditation standards

(a)
1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
2. (2) “Accreditation organization” means a private entity that:
  1. (i) Is recognized by the Board; and
  2. (ii) Conducts inspections and surveys of wholesale distributors based on nationally recognized and developed standards.
3. (3) “Deemed status” means a status under which a wholesale distributor may be exempt from initial and routine inspection requirements under this subtitle.
(b) The Board may only grant deemed status to a wholesale distributor that is:
1. (1) Currently accredited by an accreditation organization, wherever the wholesale distributor is located; or
2. (2) Located in a state that has requirements that:
  1. (i) Are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this State; and
  2. (ii) Include pedigrees, routine inspections of wholesale distributors, operation of wholesale distributors in a commercial nonresidential facility, and security measures.
(c)
1. (1) The Board may issue a wholesale distributor permit by reciprocity to a wholesale distributor who holds a license or permit under the laws of another state if the Board determines that the requirements of that state are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this State.
2. (2) A wholesale distributor that receives a permit by reciprocity shall comply with the requirements of § 12-6C-05(e) and (f) of this subtitle.
3. (3) In addition to meeting the requirements under this subtitle, a wholesale distributor located out-of-state that is not eligible for reciprocity shall be accredited by an accreditation organization.
4. (4) The Board shall grant deemed status to a wholesale distributor that:
  1. (i) Is currently accredited by an accreditation organization; or
  2. (ii) Has been granted reciprocity by the Board.
(d) The Board or its designee may inspect a wholesale distributor who is accredited or has been issued a permit by reciprocity to:
1. (1) Determine compliance with any permit requirement under this subtitle; or
2. (2) Investigate a complaint.

Added by Acts 2007, c. 352, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007; Acts 2007, c. 353, § 1, eff. July 1, 2007. Amended by Acts 2010, c. 239, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2010; Acts 2010, c. 240, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2010.