R156-60a-304. Continuing Education

(1) Required Hours. In accordance with Subsection 58-60-105(1) and Section 58-60-205.5, during each two year renewal cycle commencing on October 1 of each even numbered year:

(a) An LCSW shall be required to complete not fewer than 40 hours of continuing education. A minimum of three of the 40 hours shall be completed in ethics and/or law.

(b) An SSW shall be required to complete not fewer than 20 hours of continuing education of which a minimum of three contact hours shall be completed in ethics and/or law.

(c) The required number of hours of continuing education for an individual who first becomes licensed during the two year renewal cycle shall be decreased in a pro-rata amount.

(d) The Division may defer or waive the continuing education requirements as provided in Section R156-1-308d.

(2) A continuing education course shall meet the following standards:

(a) Time. Each hour of continuing education course credit shall consist of not fewer than 50 minutes of education. Licensees shall only receive credit for lecturing or instructing the same course up to two times. Licensees shall receive one hour of continuing education for every one hour of time spent lecturing or instructing a continuing education course;

(b) Course Content and Type. A course shall be presented in a competent, well organized and sequential manner consistent with the stated purpose and objective of the course;

(i) The content of the course shall be relevant to the practice of social work and shall be completed in the form of any of the following course types:

(A) seminar;

(B) lecture;

(C) conference;

(D) training session;

(E) webinar;

(F) internet course;

(G) distance learning course;

(H) specialty certification; or

(I) lecturing or instructing of a continuing education course;

(ii) The following limits apply to the number of hours recognized in the following course types during a two year license renewal cycle:

(A) a maximum of ten hours for lecturing or instructing of continuing education courses meeting these requirements; and

(B) a maximum of 15 hours for online, distance learning, or home study courses that include examination and issuance of a completion certificate;

(c) Course Provider or Sponsor. The course shall be approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of one of the following:

(i) a recognized accredited college or university;

(ii) a community mental health agency or a public agency that provides mental health services;

(iii) a professional association or society involved in the practice of social work; or

(iv) the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing;

(d) Objectives. The learning objectives of the course shall be clearly stated in course material;

(e) Faculty. The course shall be prepared and presented by individuals who are qualified by education, training and experience;

(f) Documentation. Each licensee shall maintain adequate documentation as proof of compliance with this Section, such as a certificate of completion, school transcript, course description, or other course materials. The licensee shall retain this proof for a period of three years after the end of the renewal cycle for which the continuing education is due; and

(i) At a minimum, the documentation shall contain the following:

(A) date of the course;

(B) name of the course provider;

(C) name of the instructor;

(D) course title;

(E) number of hours of continuing education credit; and

(F) course objectives.

(3) Extra Hours of Continuing Education. If a licensee completes more than the required number of hours of continuing education during a two year renewal cycle specified in Subsection (1), 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.