64B11-6.001. Continuing Education Program Approval

(1) Continuing education credit will be awarded only for completion of licensed programs or those that are Board-approved as provided in this rule. Continuing education program providers seeking initial licensure approval by the Board shall pay a fee of $250. Continuing education providers seeking renewal of provider status shall also pay a $250 fee each biennium. To receive Board approval, a continuing education program:

(a) Should be submitted for the Board’s approval not less than 90 days prior to the date the initial offering is scheduled;

(b) Shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in section 468.203(4), F.S., must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice.

(c) Shall have its sponsor submit to the Board at least the following:

1. A statement of the educational goals and objectives of the program,

2. A detailed course outline or syllabus, including such items as method of instruction, testing materials, if any, and identify whether the course is interactive or noninteractive,

3. A current curriculum vitae of each speaker or lecturer appearing in the program,

4. The procedure to be used for recording attendance of these attendees seeking to apply for continuing education credit and the procedure for certification by the program’s registrar of attendance; and,

5. A sample certificate of completion.

(2) When attending an approved program, a licensee must attest by signature that he or she has attended the workshop and attendance must be certified by the program’s registrar.

(3) The provider shall maintain records of each course offering for 4 years following each licensure biennium during which the course was offered. Course records shall include a detailed course outline which reflects its educational objectives, the instructor’s name, the date and location of the course, the participants’ evaluations of the course, the hours of continuing education credit awarded for each participant and a roster of participants by name and license number. The Board, as a condition of a program or provider approval, may audit an approved provider. Upon being audited by the Board, the provider shall provide within 30 days all the documentation listed above in this subsection and such additional information as requested by the Board.

(4)(a) Programs meeting the above criteria and offered by the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), providers sanctioned by the FOTA or approved by the AOTA, and occupational therapy courses, meeting the above criteria, provided by an education program approved by an accrediting body for occupational therapy shall be approved by this Board for continuing education and shall not pay the fees required in subsection (1) of this rule.

(b) Courses sponsored by a college or university when providing a curriculum for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall be awarded 10 hours of continuing education credit per semester hour and shall be verified by official transcripts.

(5) Courses and programs not approved in subsection (1) or (4), above, shall be approved as appropriate continuing education if said course or program meets the following criteria:

(a) The content of the course or program is relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in paragraph (1)(b) of this rule.

(b) The course or program is presented by instructor(s) who possess appropriate education, experience and credentials relevant to the course or program’s subject matter.

(c) The course or program’s educational goals, objectives and teaching methods are adequately identified in promotional materials.

(d) The course or program must be presented in a time block of at least one half contact hour. “One (1) contact hour” equals a minimum of fifty (50) minutes. One half (1/2 or .5) contact hours equals a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes.

(e) The provider of the course or program must present a certificate indicating full attendance and successful completion of the course or program to each licensee.

(f) The licensee must retain such receipts, vouchers, certificates, or other papers to document completion of the required continuing education for a period of not less than four (4) years from the date the course was taken.

Rulemaking Authority 456.013(8), 456.013(9), 456.025, 468.204, 468.219(2) FS. Law Implemented 456.025(7), 468.219(2), 468.221 FS. History–New 8-1-95, Amended 8-27-96, Formerly 59R-65.001, Amended 7-21-98, 4-25-01, 6-25-02, 10-29-02, 3-28-04, 10-21-13, 1-26-15, 2-20-20.