1. A. A licensee shall develop, establish, maintain, implement, and follow examination and analysis procedures.

2. B. A licensee shall:

   1. (1) Ensure that all evidence is given a unique identifier;

   2. (2) Ensure that, when computers or automated equipment are used for the processing, recording, reporting, storage, or retrieval of examination or analysis data:

      1. (a) Computer software is validated;
      2. (b) Procedures are established and maintained to protect and secure the data; and
      3. (c) Computers and automated equipment are maintained to ensure proper functioning;

   3. (3) Have a policy for securing short-term and long-term storage of documents, evidence, and reports, which includes:

      1. (a) Limited access; and
      2. (b) Environmental controls;
   4. (4) Ensure each individual sub-sample has a unique identifier, when evidentiary samples are subdivided;
   5. (5) Ensure that all positive comparative analyses are verified by a second independent qualified examiner or analyst who has documented expertise in the examination that was performed, and the verification is documented; and
   6. (6) Have a policy for securing evidence that is in the process of being examined or analyzed.

3. C. Examinations and Analysis by Subcontractors.

   1. (1) All subcontractors shall be licensed as a forensic laboratory in the State, regardless of location, unless a waiver has been obtained for a rare or unique test as required by COMAR 10.51.03.01A(4).

   2. (2) A licensee shall ensure:

      1. (a) The customer who ordered the analyses is notified of the laboratory’s intention to subcontract specific services for testing;
      2. (b) All subcontractors issue reports only to the forensic laboratory that ordered the testing; and
      3. (c) All remaining evidence is returned to the forensic laboratory by the subcontractor.

Authority: Health-General Article, Title 17, Subtitle 2A, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 660)

Regulation .01K amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .02A, B amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .05C amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .07C amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .09C, D amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .10B amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .12B amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)

Regulation .15A, C amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md R. 880)