R156-5a-304. Continuing Education

  (1) In accordance with Section 58-5a-304, a continuing professional education requirement is established for all individuals licensed under Title 58, Chapter 5a.

  (2) During each two-year period commencing on September 30 of each even-numbered year, a licensee shall be required to complete not less than 40 hours of qualified professional education directly related to the licensee's professional clinical practice.

  (3) The required number of hours of professional 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 license date.

  (4) Qualified professional education under this section shall:

  (a) have an identifiable clear statement of purpose and defined objective for the program directly related to the practice of a podiatric physician;

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

  (c) be presented in a competent, well-organized, and sequential manner consistent with the stated purpose and objective of the program;

  (d) be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training, and experience;

  (e) have a competent method of registration of individuals who completed the program with records of registration and completion available for review; and

  (f) be sponsored or approved by a combination of the following:

  (i) one of the organizations listed in Subsection 58-5a-304(3);

  (ii) the American Podiatric Medical Association; or

  (iii) the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

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

  (a) unlimited hours shall be recognized for professional education completed in blocks of time of not less than one hour in formally established classroom courses, seminars, or conferences;

  (b) a maximum of 40 hours per two-year period may be recognized for teaching in a college or university or teaching qualified professional education courses in the field of podiatry;

  (c) a maximum of ten hours per two-year period may be recognized for clinical readings directly related to practice as a podiatric physician;

  (d) a maximum of six hours per two-year period may come from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing; and

  (e) per Section 58-13-3 concerning charity health care, a maximum of 15% of the required hours per two-year period may come from providing volunteer services within the scope of license at a qualified location, with one hour of credit earned for every four hours of volunteer service.

  (6) A licensee shall be responsible for maintaining competent records of completed qualified professional education for a period of four years after close of the two-year period to which the records pertain. It is the responsibility of the licensee to demonstrate the professional education meets the requirements of this section.

  (7) If a licensee properly documents that the licensee is engaged in full-time activities or is subjected to circumstances which prevent that licensee from meeting the continuing professional education requirements established under this section, the licensee may be excused from the requirement for a period of up to three years.