# Criminal Procedure (GCP)

## Title 17. Forensic Genealogy

### Subtitle 1

#### Section 17-104

(a) The Office of Health Care Quality shall establish:

  (1) a licensing program for laboratories performing SNP or other sequencing-based testing on evidence in support of FGGS on or before October 1, 2022; and

  (2) a licensing program for individuals performing genetic genealogy on or before October 1, 2024.

(b) The Office of Health Care Quality shall:

  (1) develop a training program on obtaining informed consent under Sec.Sec. 17-102 and 17-103 of this title; and

  (2) identify and approve one or more genetic counselors to administer the training.

(c) The Maryland Forensic Laboratory Advisory Committee shall:

  (1) establish best practices for laboratories performing SNP or other sequencing-based methods; and

  (2) recommend regulations that establish minimum qualifications for individuals performing genetic genealogy.

(d)

  (1) Prohibitions may not be placed on any laboratory conducting SNP or other sequencing-based testing or on genetic genealogists participating in an FGGS before the relevant licensing program is established under subsection (a) of this section.

  (2) Within 1 year after the Office of Health Care Quality establishes the relevant licensing program under subsection (a) of this section, laboratories conducting SNP or other sequencing-based testing and genetic genealogists participating in an FGGS shall apply for the license required.

(e) Neither the laboratory conducting SNP or other sequencing-based testing, nor a law enforcement official, may disclose genetic genealogy information without authorization.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)