[§150A-16.3]  Biosecurity compliance auditor; certification.  [Section effective January 1, 2028.]  (a)  The department shall certify biosecurity compliance auditors and offer training to individuals seeking a biosecurity compliance auditor certification.

     (b)  The training shall include:

     (1)  The identification of diseases, infections, infestations, and other subjects that the department deems relevant; and

     (2)  Procedures following the identification of a disease, infection, infestation, or other subject that the department deems relevant.

     (c)  Upon completion of the training and satisfaction of other requirements under the compliance agreement, the department shall issue a biosecurity compliance auditor certification to the individual.  The certification shall be valid for one year, shall identify the specific transitional facility where the biosecurity compliance auditor is authorized to conduct compliance audits, and may be renewed under requirements established by the department.

     (d)  The department may require each biosecurity compliance auditor to complete additional training as needed, including any emergency training in the interests of biosecurity.

     (e)  The department may revoke or suspend any biosecurity compliance auditor certification for good cause.

     (f)  A biosecurity compliance auditor may be employed by the owner of a transitional facility.

     (g)  The department may charge reasonable fees for the training, certification, and certification renewal under this section. [L 2025, c 236, pt of §26]