Md. Code Regs. 10.51.06.12

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 10.51.06.12 - Technical Leader - Qualifications

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

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

(a) Forensic science;

(b) A natural science such as:

(i) Chemistry;

(ii) Physics; or

(iii) Biology; or

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

(i) Organic chemistry;

(ii) Biochemistry; or

(iii) Molecular biology; and

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

(a) 4 years with a baccalaureate degree;

(b) 3 years with a master's degree; or

(c) 2 years with a doctoral degree.

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) 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) 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.

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.

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.

Md. Code Regs. 10.51.06.12