Section 73. The department shall maintain certification or accreditation from a state or nationally recognized accrediting agency. If at any time the department fails to maintain certification or accreditation, the colonel shall report quarterly to the secretary of public safety and security on the department's efforts to achieve certification or accreditation. The internal special audit unit established in section 72 shall monitor policy changes initiated as a result of the certification or accreditation and ensure ongoing compliance with this section.