(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Accreditation organization” means a private entity that:
(i) Is recognized by the Board; and
(ii) Conducts inspections and surveys of wholesale distributors based on nationally recognized and developed standards.
(3) “Deemed status” means a status under which a wholesale distributor may be exempt from initial and routine inspection requirements under this subtitle.
(b) The Board may only grant deemed status to a wholesale distributor that is:
(1) Currently accredited by an accreditation organization, wherever the wholesale distributor is located; or
(2) Located in a state that has requirements that:
(i) Are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this State; and
(ii) Include pedigrees, routine inspections of wholesale distributors, operation of wholesale distributors in a commercial nonresidential facility, and security measures.
(c) (1) The Board may issue a wholesale distributor permit by reciprocity to a wholesale distributor who holds a license or permit under the laws of another state if the Board determines that the requirements of that state are substantially equivalent to the requirements of this State.
(2) A wholesale distributor that receives a permit by reciprocity shall comply with the requirements of § 12–6C–05(e) and (f) of this subtitle.
(3) In addition to meeting the requirements under this subtitle, a wholesale distributor located out–of–state that is not eligible for reciprocity shall be accredited by an accreditation organization.
(4) The Board shall grant deemed status to a wholesale distributor that:
(i) Is currently accredited by an accreditation organization; or
(ii) Has been granted reciprocity by the Board.
(d) The Board or its designee may inspect a wholesale distributor who is accredited or has been issued a permit by reciprocity to:
(1) Determine compliance with any permit requirement under this subtitle; or
(2) Investigate a complaint.