methadone laboratory regulatory program

Background

The Methadone Laboratory Regulatory Program supports the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, which licenses methadone treatment programs.. The program serves 147 narcotic treatment clinics and approximately 32,000 narcotic maintenance patients in California.

Program Activities

Proficiency testing of the laboratories. The Abused Substance Analysis Section (ASAS) conducts regular proficiency tests of licensed and applicant laboratories in order to evaluate the accuracy of the drug analyses performed by the laboratories.
On-site inspections of the licensed laboratories. Each licensed laboratory's facility must be inspected regularly to ensure that all regulatory requirements are being met and that the laboratory is properly documenting its procedures and using properly trained staff.
Review and approval of laboratory methods and procedures. ASAS reviews methods and procedures submitted by licensed and applicant laboratories to determine that they meet the required standards of procedure and standards of performance set forth in the regulations.