1. A. General. Except for the discipline of Biology-DNA analysis, a technical leader in a discipline or subdiscipline of a forensic laboratory shall:

   1. (1) Hold an earned baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution in:

      1. (a) Forensic science;

      2. (b) A natural science such as:

         1. (i) Chemistry;
         2. (ii) Physics; or
         3. (iii) Biology; or

      3. (c) A subspecialty of a natural science such as:

         1. (i) Organic chemistry;
         2. (ii) Biochemistry; or
         3. (iii) Molecular biology; and

   2. (2) Have documented post-degree experience in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader, as follows:

      1. (a) 4 years with a baccalaureate degree;
      2. (b) 3 years with a master’s degree; or
      3. (c) 2 years with a doctoral degree.

2. B. Except for Biology-DNA analysis and forensic toxicology, a director may establish alternate qualifications for a technical leader in a discipline or subdiscipline of a forensic laboratory if the individual:

   1. (1) Has 9 or more years of documented experience in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader; and
   2. (2) Is able to demonstrate competency under the laboratory’s competency procedures in the forensic discipline or subdiscipline in which the individual will be a technical leader.
3. C. Forensic Toxicology. In addition to the requirements set forth in §A of this regulation, a technical leader in the discipline of forensic toxicology shall meet the requirements of and be certified under COMAR 10.10.09.
4. D. Forensic Biology—DNA Analysis. If a forensic laboratory performs or offers to perform tests in the discipline of forensic DNA analysis, the technical leader shall meet the employee qualifications for a technical leader and be authorized by the licensee to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a technical leader, as set forth in Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories, which is incorporated by reference.

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

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

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

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

Regulation .17E amended effective July 20, 2015 (42:14 Md. R. 880)