Tag Archives: self-study

Renewal Information for Maine Psychologists

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Psychologists in Maine have an upcoming license renewal deadline of April 30, 2012.

  • 40 hours of continuing education are required to renew (in even-numbered years)
  • 3 hours must be in ethics
  • 20 hours must be in the area of practice

Courses offered by APA-approved providers are accepted by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

 

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor online continuing education for psychologists. Maine psychologists can earn all 40 hours through online courses offered at: http://www.pdresources.org/Courses/Psychology/Online/CourseID/1/

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Maine Psychologists license renewal April 30 continuing education

Click to view approved online courses

Summary: This chapter requires licensees to update and advance their skills through continuing professional education so that the public may benefit from the most current and effective standards of professional practice.

General Requirements

40 Hours Over Two Years Required for License Renewal

On license renewal applications for even-numbered years, each psychologist and psychological examiner shall attest to the completion of 40 hours of face-to-face or indirect approved continuing professional education directly related to the practice of psychology during the preceding two years of licensure in conformance with the requirements of this chapter. This requirement becomes effective upon the licensee’s second renewal application for an even-numbered year.

Subject-Matter Requirements

Of the 40 hours of continuing professional education required for renewal —

  • A minimum of 3 hours must be earned in the area of ethics;
  • A minimum of 20 hours must be earned in the licensee’s current areas of practice or anticipated areas of future practice; and
  • If the psychologist performs any of the supervisory functions described in Chapter 7, Section 1 of the board’s rules, a minimum of 3 hours must be earned in the skills and principles of supervision.

Continuing Professional Education Activities

Permissible Activities

Continuing professional education is a systematic learning experience directly related to the practice of psychology. Permissible continuing professional education activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Seminar, lecture, conference and workshop;
  • Televised or interactive instruction and established distance learning procedures;
  • Commercially-prepared self-study; published writing and editing of published works;
  • Successful completion of graduate level courses offered by a college or university that is accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or in candidacy for accreditation;
  • Literature review resulting in a published work, annotated bibliography or other tangible work product;
  • Documented advanced training under supervision; and
  • Instructional development as described in Section 2(2)(C) and (D) of this chapter.

Limitation of Permissible Activities

  • Continuing professional education credit may not be claimed for elective office or service in professional associations or societies, or for membership on governmental regulatory boards.
  • Continuing professional educational credit may not be claimed for non-instructional time such as lunch, breaks and registration.
  • A licensee may claim no more than 10 hours of continuing professional education credit for development of seminars, workshops, conference presentations, lectures or similar activities. No credit may be claimed for development of an activity that is the same or substantially the same as one for which credit has previously been claimed. No credit may be claimed for actual teaching, presentation or lecture time.
  • A licensee may claim no more than 10 hours of continuing professional education credit for development of academic courses. No credit may be claimed for development of a course that is the same or substantially the same as one for which credit has previously been claimed. No credit may be claimed for actual teaching time.
  • A licensee may claim no more than 10 hours of continuing professional education credit for literature review described in Section 3(1)(E) of this chapter.

Criteria for Approval of Continuing Professional Education Activities

  • The activity must be at least one hour in length;
  • The activity must include specified learning objectives;
  • The instructor must be a psychologist or other professional who has recognized expertise in the specific subject area of the activity;
  • Where appropriate, the announcement materials for the activity must clearly state the name of the sponsor and provider, the name of the individual(s) delivering instruction, the number of contact hours for which the activity has been approved by the board, and the learning objectives of the activity;
  • The activity must distribute its articulated learning goals to participants at the beginning of the activity; and
  • Participants (including licensees who complete commercially-prepared self-study) must be given a certificate of participation or other documentation of completion of the activity stating the hours of continuing professional education credit earned.

Pre-Approved Continuing Professional Education Activities

  • APA or any of its approved sponsors approved through the APA Sponsor Approval System

Hardship Deferment

A licensee may request from the board in writing a deferment of continuing education due to health reasons, military service or other unforeseeable circumstances of genuine hardship. A licensee who receives a deferment shall make up the deferred continuing education according to a schedule determined by the board in consultation with the licensee.

Audit

The licensee’s attestation of completion of continuing professional education is subject to audit. The licensee shall retain, for purposes of audit:

  • The certificate of participation or other documentation
  • The official or unofficial transcript of graduate level courses
  • Evidence of board approval of activities for which specific approval is required
  • Any corroborating or descriptive material that explains the nature and scope of a continuing education activity for which specific board approval is not required

Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists: http://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/psychologists/index.htm

Renewal Information for Georgia OTs

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Georgia OTs can earn up to 8 CE hours for renewal online

Click to view approved self-study

Occupational therapy licenses in Georgia expire on March 31, 2012. Each licensee is required to complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) continuing education hours prior to the expiration date of the license. At least sixteen (16) hours must be related to direct “hands on” patient care and up to eight (8) hours may be in related areas. A minimum of two (2) hours of continuing education must be on the ethics of occupational therapy practice.

Direct patient care continuing education includes attendance at live presentations such as workshops, seminars, conferences or formal academic course work. For purposes of these rules direct “hands on” patient care includes occupational therapy assessment, treatment planning, occupational therapy implementation and diagnostic related information. Up to four (4) hours can be obtained by means of in-service educational programs, electronic or web based courses, formal self-study courses or computer learning activities.

General continuing education includes up to four (4) hours for each of the following activities including independent study, mentorship, Level II fieldwork supervision, published professional writing, instructional presentations, research, grants, professional meetings and related activities and up to four (4) hours can be by means of in-service educational programs, electronic or web based courses, formal self-study courses, satellite broadcasts or computer learning activities.

Of the twenty-four (24) hours, no more than eight (8) continuing education hours may be in self-study and no more than four (4) hours in the area of general continuing education.

Prior approval of continuing education courses is not required. Each licensee randomly selected for a CE audit must submit to the Board supporting documentation as specified in this rule. Acceptable professional continuing education activities shall include activities relevant to occupational therapy practice that can be deemed to update or enhance knowledge and skills required for competent performance beyond general entry level occupational therapy and that include a verifiable way to document time spent in the learning activity.

Documentation of continuing education which the Board deems as acceptable proof of completion include the following:

For continuing education courses that include attendance and participation at a presentation such as a workshop, seminar, conference or in-service educational program:

  • A certificate of completion or similar documentation signed by program official and
  • A program description including sponsor, course title, date, program objective/learning outcomes, content description, agenda or schedule. A shortened description may be accepted for programs specifically exempted by the Board such as AOTA and GOTA Conferences; and

Formal self study, viewing of videotapes in a professional setting, satellite broadcasts, or computer learning activities that must include:

  • Verified instructional time by the course sponsor; a certificate of completion or similar documentation signed by program official; and
  • A program description including sponsor, course title, date, program objective/learning outcomes, content description.

For general education under 671-3-.08(3)(b) documentation must include:

  • How activity relates to occupational therapy;
  • Date and clock hours;
  • Other information as may be requested.

Documentation must be maintained by the licensee for no less than three (3) years from the beginning date of the licensure period.

Continuing Education (CE) hours obtained from January 1st until March 31st of an even numbered year will be counted toward the following biennium renewal period rather than the current biennium renewal period if the licensee has obtained all hours required for renewal by December 31st of the prior odd numbered year.

Professional Development Resources is an AOTA approved provider of continuing education (#3159). The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA. Georgia OTs may earn up to 8 hours per renewal through coursework offered at http://www.pdresources.org/Courses/Occupational-Therapy/Online/CourseID/1/

Renewal Information for Missouri Social Workers

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Missouri licensed social workers renew on September 30th

Click to view CE courses

Missouri-licensed Social Workers renew on September 30th, every 2 years (from year of initial licensure). 30 hours of continuing education (CE) are required to renew. 15 hours are allowed from online (self-study) courses offered by ASWB or APA approved providers. 3 hours in ethics is required each renewal. The ethics course must be presented or written by a qualified social worker.

Here are some renewal FAQs from the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers:

You may view the rules on continuing education at http://pr.mo.gov/socialworkers‐education.asp

Do I need to submit proof of continuing education with my renewal? Yes, per question 5(A) on the renewal form.

How do I submit proof of my continuing education? Please submit proof per 20 CSR 2263‐2.082 of the rules. Documentation of continuing education may consist of‐

  • Certificates of affidavits provided by the program/sponsor;
  • Receipts for fees paid to the sponsor;
  • Educational transcripts;
  • Written verification from the university practicum that the licensee provided supervision of undergraduate or graduate students;
  • Copy of publication and letter from editor/publisher;
  • A written announcement of a presentation scheduled and/or brochure specifically identifying the licensee as the presenter of a course/seminar/program.

Does the committee require the original certificate(s) of completion? No, the original document(s) are not required. You may provide copies to the committee along with the renewal form and fee. You may keep the original documents for your records.

How many hours of self‐study are allowed each renewal period? 15 clock hours

What if I do not have proof of my continuing education? Licensees are responsible for maintaining records of continuing education activities. This documentation shall be retained for 2 years following license renewal. If you do not have proof, you should contact the program/sponsor to obtain another certificate of completion.

How many hours of ethics are required? 3 clock hours each renewal period.

Will a list of CE from my employer be acceptable? A listing of CE from your employer will be acceptable if the list contains ALL of the following information‐

  • Be on employer letterhead
  • State the licensee’s full name
  • Indicate the name/title of each training
  • State instructor & qualifications or who sponsored/approved the training(s).
  • Date of each training
  • Total number of clock hours earned at each training
  • Whether or not the training was self‐study or face‐to‐face/live.

Employer CE listings that do not clearly contain all of the information above will not be accepted.

May I pay the renewal fee by credit card? No. Payment must be submitted by check or money order along with your renewal form and proof of CE, payable to the State Committee for Social Workers.

When will supervisors for licensure be required to complete the 3 hour supervision training refresher course? Supervisors will be required to complete this course prior to the 2012 renewal and each renewal thereafter.

Will the committee review my continuing education prior to the renewal period? No. The committee will not review proof of continuing education prior to the renewal period. If you have questions as to what constitutes as acceptable continuing education, please review the rules on continuing education. A link to the rules is listed above.

How do I find out if training I completed will count towards my continuing education? If you have questions on whether or not training will qualify as acceptable continuing education, please refer to the rules on continuing education. A link to the rules is listed above.

May I still practice if my license is not renewed by the expiration date? No. Any licensee who fails to timely renew shall not perform any act for which a license is required until the license is renewed.

This is my first time renewing a license in Missouri, how many hours of CE will I need? A licensee who becomes licensed during a renewal period shall be required to obtain continuing education; however, the hours will be pro‐rated based upon the original issuance date. You may view the pro‐rated hours required by referring to the chart under section 20 CSR 2263‐2.082(5)(A) of the rules. This chart pertains to newly licensed individuals only.

Professional Development Resources is approved as a provider of continuing education for social workers by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB Provider #1046, ACE Program). Professional Development Resources is also approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content.

Georgia SLP License Renewal Deadline & Requirements

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Georgia-licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists have an upcoming license renewal deadline of March 31, 2011. 20 hours of continuing education (40 if dual licensed) are required for renewal. There is no limit on hours earned from online or home study courses that require successful completion of a posttest to earn a certificate of completion.

The following information is provided from the Georgia Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology website:

The purpose of continuing education is to maintain and enhance the professional competency of speech-language pathologists and audiologists licensed to practice in Georgia for the protection of the health and welfare of the people of the State of Georgia.

A continuing education unit (CEU) is defined as ten (10) clock hours of continuing professional education. CEU hours may not be carried over from one licensure biennium to the next.

In order to renew a license, the licensee must obtain a minimum of 2.0 CEUs (20 clock hours) during each biennium period of licensure.

Individuals who hold licenses in both Speech-Language Pathology and in Audiology shall be required to complete a minimum of 2.0 CEUs in Speech-Language Pathology and 2.0 CEUs in Audiology.

CEU requirements for newly approved license holders will be pro-rated during the first biennium licensure period as follows:

  • Licensees whose applications are approved during the first six (6) months of the biennium will be required to accrue two (2) CEUs.
  • Licensees approved during the second six (6) months of the biennium will be required to accrue one and one half (1 ½) CEUs.
  • Licensees approved during the third six months of the biennium will be required to accrue one (1) CEU.
  • Licensees approved during the final six (6) months are not required to accrue CEUs until the following licensure biennium.

CEU hours must be in educational experiences directly related to the scope of practice of the licensee, and must be designed to increase the competence of the licensee in the area of licensure. Examples of activities that may provide CEU hours include:

  • Scientific and educational lectures, workshops, or seminars;
  • College courses taken for credit or through official audit (college course credit shall be deemed to be equivalent to CEUs as follows: One Semester Hour = 1.5 CEUs; One Trimester Hour = 1.3 CEUs; One Quarter Hour = 1.0 CEU).
  • Presentations by licensees: 0.5 CEUs (5 clock hours) will be awarded for the presentation of any lecture, workshop or seminar. A licensee may only receive credit for one presentation per biennium.
  • Audio and video conferences, online courses, and teleconferences; and self-study courses accompanied by an examination by the CEU provider.
  • Praxis Examination in the area of licensure. Two (2.0) CEUs will be awarded for successful completion of the Praxis with a score of 650. Successful completion of this examination during the biennium will satisfy all CEU requirements for the license during that biennium. The Board approved national examination results that are used in order to receive a license may not be used again for the renewal of that license. A person who is licensed in both Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology must pass tests in both Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to meet all continuing education requirements. If the licensee passes the examination in only one area, s/he must obtain 2.0 additional CEUs in the area for which the examination was not passed. Not more than two (.2) CEUs of the required twenty (2.0) per biennium will be awarded for courses in the area(s) of ethics, record-keeping, documentation, Georgia laws and rules, Medicaid regulations and/or Medicare regulations.

Documentation of CEUs:

  • Each licensee shall maintain for three (3) years their own record of the CEU activities that they completed. The Board will not maintain CEU files for licensees.
  • Licensees shall retain documentation of their continuing education activities and shall not send them to the Board Office unless the Board requests the licensee to do so.
  • Licensees shall attest on their biennial licensure renewal application that they have satisfied the CEU requirements as set out above.
  • False attestation of satisfaction of CEU requirements on a renewal application shall subject the licensee to disciplinary actions, including revocation.

Method of Auditing CEUs:

  • The Board will audit a random fixed percentage of applications. Licensees who are audited will be required to document the CEU activities. Required documentation is a certificate or proof of attendance which includes the sponsoring agency, the licensee’s name, the date of the activity, the length of the session, and either the signature of a representative from the sponsoring agency or official certification by the sponsoring agency. A description of the CEU activity may be required if the title of the activity does not clearly state the content of the CEU activity. If the licensee attends a multi-session CEU activity, as in a state or national convention or meeting, additional required information includes a specific listing of each session, the length of each session, and a description of each session if the title does not clearly state the content of the session.
  • Current members of the Board, who are licensees of the Board, shall be audited for each biennium that they serve on the Board.
  • Delinquent renewals shall be subject to the CEU audit for that biennium.

Professional Development Resources is approved by the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology and audiology. Over 20 online and home study courses available for SLPs @ https://www.pdresources.org/Index.aspx

New ASHA-Approved CEU Course for Speech Therapists

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Ethics in Speech and Language Therapy is a key text for students, practitioners and managers alike. The demands of practice, legislation, registration and the recognition of competencies all point to the need for speech and language therapists to be explicitly educated about ethics. This book provides an overview of this key topic, grounds ethical practice in the broader context of morals and values; discusses frameworks for ethical decision making; discusses common ethical issues in speech and language therapy practice and service management; and considers factors which complicate ethical decision making. John Wiley & Sons 2009 | 204 pages | Paperback | 25 posttest questions | Course #60-87

https://www.pdresources.org/CourseDetail.aspx?Category=AllCourses&PageNumber=1&Profession=Speech-and-Hearing&Sort=CourseName&Text=60-87&courseid=1029