# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 17. Laboratories

### Subtitle 2A. Forensic Laboratories

#### Section 17-2A-01

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Forensic analysis" means a medical, chemical,  toxicologic, firearms, or other expert examination or test  performed on physical evidence, including DNA evidence, for the  purpose of determining the connection of the evidence to a  criminal act.

  (2) "Forensic analysis" includes an examination or test  required by a law enforcement agency, prosecutor, criminal  suspect or defendant, or court.

  (3) "Forensic analysis" does not include:

    (i) A test of a specimen of breath or blood to  determine alcohol concentration or controlled dangerous  substance content;

    (ii) Forensic information technology;

    (iii) A presumptive test performed at a crime scene;

    (iv) A presumptive test performed for the purpose  of determining compliance with a term or condition of community  supervision or parole and conducted by or under contract with a  county department of corrections or the State Department of  Public Safety and Correctional Services; or

    (v) An expert examination or test conducted  principally for the purpose of scientific research, medical  practice, civil or administrative litigation, or any other purpose  unrelated to determining the connection of physical evidence to a  criminal act.

(c) "Forensic information technology" means digital or  electronic evidence that is stored or transmitted electronically.

(d)

  (1) "Forensic laboratory" means a facility, entity, or site that offers or performs forensic analysis.

  (2) "Forensic laboratory" includes a laboratory owned or operated by the State, a county or municipal corporation in the State, or another governmental entity.

  (3) "Forensic laboratory" does not include:

    (i) A forensic laboratory operated by the federal  government; or

    (ii) A laboratory licensed or certified by the  Department of Agriculture.

(e) "License" means a permit, letter of exception, certificate, or other document issued by the Secretary granting approval or authority to offer or perform forensic laboratory tests, examinations, or analyses in the State.

(f) "Limited forensic analysis" means a forensic laboratory  test or analysis defined in regulations adopted by the Secretary.

(g) "Physical evidence" means any object, thing, or substance  relating to a criminal act.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)