R156-78-304. Continuing Education

(1) In accordance with Subsection 58-78-303(3), there is established a continuing education requirement for all individuals licensed under Title 58, Chapter 78 as an LVRC.

(2) During the two-year license renewal period commencing April 1 of each odd-numbered year, an LVRC shall be required to complete not less than 40 hours of continuing education directly related to the licensee's professional practice of which a minimum of four hours must be completed in ethics/law.

(3) The required number of hours of continuing education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two-year period shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount equal to any part of that two-year period preceding the date on which that individual first became licensed.

(4) Continuing education under this Section shall:

(a) be relevant to the licensee's professional practice;

(b) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training and experience to provide continuing education relevant to the practice of vocational rehabilitation counseling; and

(c) have a method of verification of attendance and completion.

(5) Credit for continuing education shall be recognized in accordance with the following:

(a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for continuing education completed in blocks of time of not less than one hour in formally established classroom courses, seminars, conferences or training sessions which meet the criteria listed in Subsection (4) above, and which are approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of:

(i) universities and colleges; or

(ii) professional associations, societies and organizations representing a licensed profession whose program objectives relate to the practice of vocational rehabilitation counselors;

(b) a maximum of 20 hours per two-year period may be recognized for:

(i) teaching courses under Subsection (5)(a); or

(ii) supervision of an individual completing the experience requirement for licensure as an LVRC;

(c) a maximum of 12 hours per two-year period may be recognized for in-service directly related to practice as an LVRC; and

(d) a maximum of 24 hours of continuing education per two-year period may be recognized for internet or distance-learning courses that include an examination and issuance of a completion certificate.

(6) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining competent records of completed continuing education for a period of four years.

(7) A licensee requesting a waiver of the continuing education requirement must comply with requirements as established by rule in Section R156-1-308d.

(8) If a licensee completes more than the required number of hours of continuing education during a two-year renewal cycle specified in Subsection (2), up to ten hours of the excess over the required number may be carried over to the next two-year renewal cycle. No education received prior to a license being granted may be carried forward to apply towards the continuing education required after the license is granted.