Subdivision 1. Board approval. (a) The board must approve a continuing education provider who:

(1) submits a completed application to the board which provides the information required by subdivision 2 and which meets the criteria specified in subdivision 3; and

(2) pays the provider fee specified in section 148E.180.

(b) An approval is valid for programs offered no later than one year from the date the application is approved by the board.

Subd. 2. Information required. The information that must be provided to the board includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) the name of the continuing education provider;

(2) the address, telephone number, and e-mail address of a contact person for the provider;

(3) a signed statement that indicates the provider understands and agrees to abide by the criteria specified in subdivision 3; and

(4) a signed statement that indicates the provider agrees to furnish a certificate of attendance to each participant in a program offered by the provider.

Subd. 3. Criteria for programs. (a) A continuing education provider must employ the following criteria in determining whether to offer a continuing education program:

(1) whether the material to be presented will promote the standards of practice described in sections 148E.195 to 148E.240;

(2) whether the material to be presented will contribute to the practice of social work as defined in section 148E.010;

(3) whether the material to be presented is intended for the benefit of practicing social workers; and

(4) whether the persons presenting the program are qualified in the subject matter being presented.

(b) The material presented must not be primarily procedural or primarily oriented towards business practices or self-development.

Subd. 4. Audits. (a) The board may audit programs offered by a continuing education provider approved by the board to determine compliance with the requirements of this section.

(b) A continuing education provider audited by the board must provide the documentation specified in subdivision 5.

Subd. 5. Records retention; continuing education providers. For three years following the end of each program offered by a continuing education provider, the provider must maintain the following information:

(1) the title of the program;

(2) a description of the content and objectives of the program;

(3) the date of the program;

(4) the number of clock hours credited for participation in the program;

(5) the program location;

(6) the names and qualifications of the primary presenters;

(7) a description of the primary audience the program was designed for; and

(8) a list of the participants in the program.

History: 2007 c 123 s 92,138