§ 1397.64. Accreditation Agencies.

This section applies to a license that expires on or before December 31, 2012, and becomes inoperative on January 1, 2013.

(a) Upon written application to the board, continuing education accreditation agencies will be recognized if the board determines that the organization meets the criteria set forth in section 2915(f) of the code and:

(1) the organization submits a plan demonstrating that it has the capacity to evaluate each continuing education provider's course in accordance with the following criteria:

(A) Topics and subject matter shall be pertinent to the practice of psychology. Courses predominantly focused on business issues, or marketing, or that are predominantly designed to explore opportunities for personal growth are not eligible for credit. Course material must have a relevance or direct application to a consumer of psychological services.

(B) Each continuing education course shall have written educational goals and specific learning objectives which are measurable and which serve as a basis for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the course.

(C) Instructors shall be competent in the subject matter of the course and shall be qualified by education, training, experience, scope of practice and licensure.

(D) Each continuing education course shall have a syllabus which provides a general outline of the course.

(E) When an approved provider works with others on the development, distribution and/or presentation of a continuing education course (joint sponsorship), there shall be procedures to identify and document the functions of each participating party.

(F) An evaluation mechanism shall be completed by each participant to evaluate the continuing education course.

(2) The accreditation agency agrees to perform the following:

(A) Maintain a list of the names and addresses of the persons designated as responsible for the provider's continuing education courses and records. The accreditation agency shall require that any change in the designated responsible person's identity shall be reported to the agency within 30 days of the effective date of such change.

(B) Notify the board of names, addresses and responsible party of each provider and each course on a quarterly basis. Provide without charge to any licensee who makes a request, a current list of providers and approved courses.

(C) Verify attendance of licentiates at specific courses by maintaining a record of approved continuing education courses completed by licensees. The record must include the licensees' name and license number, and all agency approved continuing education courses successfully completed by each licensee. In addition, and for an activity reporting fee paid by the licensee and on forms acceptable to the agency (see form No. 07M-BOP-15(New 10/94)), incorporate into licensee's record all non-agency approved continuing education courses as defined in sections 1397.61 and 1397.63 of these regulations. The accreditation agency shall provide a copy of this combined record to the board upon request. The records must be retrievable by license number.

(D) Respond to complaints from the board concerning activities of any of its approved providers or their course(s). Respond to complaints and inquiries regarding providers, courses, and general continuing education questions presented by any licensee. The accreditation agency shall provide services to all licensees without discrimination.

(E) Audit at least 10% of the continuing education courses approved by the agency, for compliance with the agency's requirements and requirements of the board, and on request, report the findings of such audits to the board.

(F) Take such action as is necessary to assure that the continuing education course material offered by its providers meets the continuing education requirements of the board as defined in sections 1397.64(a)(1) and 1397.65 of these regulations.

(G) Establish a procedure for reconsideration of its decision that a provider or a provider's course does not meet statutory or regulatory criteria.

(b) Failure of a recognized accreditation agency to substantially comply with the provisions as set forth in this article shall constitute cause for revocation of recognition by the board. Recognition can be revoked only by a formal board action, after notice and hearing, and for good cause.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 12-29-94; operative 12-29-94 pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.2(d) (Register 94, No. 52).

2. Amendment of subsections (a)(2)(B) and (a)(2)(D) filed 4-9-96; operative 5-9-96 (Register 96, No. 15).

3. Amendment of subsection (a)(1)(A) filed 11-24-99; operative 12-24-99 (Register 99, No. 48).

4. Amendment of subsection (a)(1)(A) filed 12-18-2001; operative 1-1-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2001, No. 51).

5. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (a)(2)(F) filed 4-7-2003 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2003, No. 15).

6. New first paragraph adding sunset provisions filed 2-16-2012; operative 3-17-2012 (Register 2012, No. 7).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 2915(g) and 2930, Business and Professions Code. Reference: Section 2915, Business and Professions Code.