<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" citation="COMAR 10.51.04.01" title_num="10" subtitle_num="51" chapter_num="04" heading="Proficiency Testing — General.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Proficiency Testing. Each year a licensee shall participate in an external proficiency testing program for each forensic science discipline in which the laboratory performs forensic tests and examinations, including but not limited to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Firearms and toolmarks;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Questioned documents;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Latent prints;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Trace evidence;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Biology;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Controlled dangerous substances; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Toxicology.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Proficiency Testing Performance and Participation Requirements.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Annually, a forensic analyst shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Participate in a proficiency test for each discipline for which the forensic analyst is qualified to perform tests or examinations for casework; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Perform the proficiency testing analysis using the same methods and procedures routinely used for performing the forensic analysis of casework.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>For each subdiscipline for which a forensic analyst performs casework, the forensic analyst shall perform proficiency testing at least once in the 3-year license period or if applicable within the required time period outlined by the accreditation organization.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Proficiency Testing Performance, Participation Schedule, and Documentation. The quality assurance manager or technical leader, as designated by the director, shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Establish a formal, written proficiency testing protocol covering both external and internal proficiency tests for each forensic science discipline and subdiscipline in which the laboratory performs tests and examinations; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Document and maintain all records of proficiency testing and results for each individual forensic analyst required to participate in proficiency testing.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>