64B33-2.003. Requirements for Continuing Education

(1) In the 24 months preceding each biennial renewal period, every athletic trainer licensed pursuant to Chapter 468, Part XIII, F.S., shall be required to complete 24 hours of continuing education in courses approved by the Board. However, athletic trainers who receive an initial license during the second half of the biennium shall be required to complete only 12 hours of continuing education in courses approved by the Board prior to renewal. The hours of continuing education required for renewal must include a minimum of a two-hour course in prevention of medical errors required by Section 456.013(7), F.S. The continuing education requirement includes up to three (3) hours towards current certification in both cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibulator at the professional rescue level (e.g. Basic Life Support or higher certification) from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, American Safety and Health Institute, the National Safety Council, or an entity approved by the Board as equivalent. A CPR/AED certificate of completion must display the number of credit hours awarded for the course, and then self-reported to CE Broker. A certficate of completion without the number of credit hours awarded on it, will not count for continuing education credit. Athletic trainers who receive an initial license during the 90 days preceding a renewal period shall not be required to complete any continuing education for that renewal period.

(2) For purposes of this rule, an applicant or licensee certified by the Board of Certification (BOC) or its successor during the biennium can demonstrate compliance with the continuing education requirements of this rule by entering his or her BOC certification number and submitting a copy of his or her active certification card in the CE tracking system, along with proof of completion of (a) the prevention of medical errors course, and (b) current cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator at the professional rescue level (e.g. Basic Life Support or higher certification).

(3) Acceptable continuing education must focus on the domains of athletic training as defined by the Board of Certification (BOC), including Risk Reduction, Wellness, and Health Literacy; Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnosis; Critical Incident Management; Therapeutic Intervention; and Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility.

(4) The following continuing education is approved by the Board:

(a) Courses, professional development activities, live events, webinars, virtual events, and publication activities approved by the Board of Certification (BOC);

(b) Post-certification courses in athletic training sponsored by a college or university approved by the United States Department of Education which provides a curriculum for athletic trainers. In order to be eligible, a course must be assigned credit hours and be listed on an official transcript. In order for practicum courses, clinical and internship experiences to be eligible, credit hours must be earned and listed as such on an official transcript. Teaching a college course is not acceptable for CE credit. Non-credit college courses are not acceptable for CE credit.

(c) A webinar is considered a live event if the provider can track the participant’s session activity. If the provider does not have the ability to track the participant’s activity, the course is considered a home study.

(5) Each athletic trainer shall maintain proof of completion of the required continuing education hours for a period of 4 years, and shall provide such proof to the department upon request.

(6) Submission of the active certification card and other required proof of compliance with these continuing education requirements will certify compliance. Any licensee who fails to maintain continuing education requirements, misrepresents completed requirements or attempts to obtain, obtains, or renews a license to practice athletic training through any fraudulent means shall be considered in violation of this part and subject to disciplinary action outlined in paragraph 64B33-5.001(4)(q), F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 456.013, 468.705, 468.711 FS. Law Implemented 456.013(7), 468.711(2) FS. History–New 8-4-98, Formerly 64B30-25.0031, Amended 8-22-00, 3-6-07, 8-12-08, 7-29-09, 1-16-12, 10-2-12, 1-5-16, 4-4-19, 12-4-22.