(1) A laboratory that has yet to become accredited must complete an initial application provided by the department to apply for accreditation to perform cannabis and cannabis product testing.

(2) The applying laboratory must submit an initial application fee with the application to the department before an initial inspection can be scheduled.

(3) Prior to the first audit, the laboratory must successfully complete a round of proficiency testing for each parameter the laboratory intends to be accredited for. Proficiency testing must come from a vendor approved by the department and graded results must be sent to the department for review.

(4) The laboratory must include the following pre-audit materials with the application:

(a) Current information on its testing operation to include a list of analytes tested with method and instrument(s) used.

(b) A schedule of its operations listing the days and hours for various processes of operations.

(c) A list of staff along with their qualifications and job function(s).

(d) A map of the facilities and description detailing security of the premises along with the location of the lab and locations where different types of testing are performed.

(e) A description of the laboratory computer systems describing any hardware, software, firewalls, both internal and external to the laboratory, that are used in the testing or reporting of cannabis. Sufficient information must be available to allow inspectors to verify compliance with program requirements.

(f) A copy of the current quality assurance manual.

(g) Validation studies for each method for which the laboratory is seeking accreditation.

(h) The department may request additional documents as necessary.

(5) Once all required conditions and documents are reviewed and accepted by the department, an audit will be scheduled to occur within 30 days.