(a) A forensic DNA laboratory shall comply with the
rules in this subchapter.
(b) Before conducting a DNA test, a forensic DNA laboratory
shall:
(1) obtain accreditation in accordance with 37 TAC
§§651.1 - 651.11; and
(2) comply with the audit standards required by the
laboratory's recognized accrediting body.
(c) A forensic DNA laboratory shall establish and maintain
a procedure that requires prompt reporting of each substantial deficiency
by the laboratory. Laboratory personnel shall promptly report an incident
of substantial deficiency by the laboratory to appropriate authorities,
including the laboratory's director, the director of the department,
the laboratory's recognized accrediting body, and the appropriate
prosecutor or other criminal justice or law enforcement agency. This
section does not apply to a deficiency that laboratory personnel reasonably
believe to be minor and not substantial.
(d) If a forensic DNA laboratory agrees or is required
to report the results of an analysis, comparison, or other match to
a criminal justice or law enforcement agency, the laboratory shall
make reasonable efforts to submit the report to the agency no later
than 30 days after completing its report of the comparison or match.
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