R156-60b-304. Continuing Education

  (1) In accordance with Section 58-60-105, there is hereby established a continuing education requirement for all individuals licensed under Title 58, Chapter 60, Part 3, as a marriage and family therapist.

  (2) During each two year period commencing October 1st of each even numbered year, a marriage and family therapist shall be required to complete not fewer than 40 hours of continuing education directly related to the licensee's professional practice of which:

  (a) at least 15 hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy; and

  (b) at least six hours must be in ethics/law, of which at least three hours must be directly related to marriage and family therapy.

  (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 a mental health therapist; 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, or conferences which meet the criteria listed in Subsection (4) above, and which are approved by, conducted by, or under the sponsorship of universities, colleges or professional associations, societies and organizations representing a licensed profession whose program objectives relate to the practice of mental health therapy;

  (b) a maximum of 14 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 a mental health therapist;

  (c) a maximum of 15 hours per two year period may be recognized for clinical readings, internet or distance learning courses directly related to practice as a mental health therapist; and

  (d) a maximum of two hours per two year period may be for continuing education from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

  (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 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.