Subdivision 1. Number of contact hours required. (a) An applicant for licensure renewal must meet the requirements for continuing education stipulated by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology, or satisfy the requirements described in paragraphs (b) to (e).
(b) Within one month following expiration of a license, an applicant for licensure renewal as either a speech-language pathologist or an audiologist must provide evidence to the commissioner of a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education obtained within the two years immediately preceding licensure expiration. A minimum of 20 contact hours of continuing education must be directly related to the licensee's area of licensure. Ten contact hours of continuing education may be in areas generally related to the licensee's area of licensure. Licensees who are issued licenses for a period of less than two years shall prorate the number of contact hours required for licensure renewal based on the number of months licensed during the biennial licensure period. Licensees shall receive contact hours for continuing education activities only for the biennial licensure period in which the continuing education activity was performed.
(c) An applicant for licensure renewal as both a speech-language pathologist and an audiologist must attest to and document completion of a minimum of 36 contact hours of continuing education offered by a continuing education sponsor within the two years immediately preceding licensure renewal. A minimum of 15 contact hours must be received in the area of speech-language pathology and a minimum of 15 contact hours must be received in the area of audiology. Six contact hours of continuing education may be in areas generally related to the licensee's areas of licensure. Licensees who are issued licenses for a period of less than two years shall prorate the number of contact hours required for licensure renewal based on the number of months licensed during the biennial licensure period. Licensees shall receive contact hours for continuing education activities only for the biennial licensure period in which the continuing education activity was performed.
(d) If the licensee is licensed by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board:
(1) activities that are approved in the categories of Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200, subpart 3, items A and B, and that relate to speech-language pathology, shall be considered:
(i) offered by a sponsor of continuing education; and
(ii) directly related to speech-language pathology;
(2) activities that are approved in the categories of Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200, subpart 3, shall be considered:
(i) offered by a sponsor of continuing education; and
(ii) generally related to speech-language pathology; and
(3) one clock hour as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 8710.7200, subpart 1, is equivalent to 1.0 contact hours of continuing education.
(e) Contact hours may not be accumulated in advance and transferred to a future continuing education period.
Subd. 2. Continuing education provided by sponsors. The commissioner will accept continuing education provided by sponsors if the continuing education activity meets the following standards:
(1) constitutes an organized program of learning;
(2) reasonably expects to advance the knowledge and skills of the speech-language pathologist or audiologist;
(3) pertains to subjects that relate to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology;
(4) is conducted by individuals who have education, training, and experience by reason of which said individuals should be considered experts concerning the subject matter of the activity; and
(5) is presented by a sponsor who has a mechanism to verify participation and maintains attendance records for four years.
Subd. 3. [Repealed, 2000 c 460 s 66]
Subd. 4. Earning continuing education contact hours through contact hour equivalents. (a) A licensee who teaches continuing education courses or presents or publishes for educational purposes may obtain contact hour equivalents according to paragraphs (b) to (d).
(b) The sponsor of the course must meet the requirements of subdivision 2.
(c) A licensee may not obtain more than six contact hours in any two-year continuing education period by teaching continuing education courses.
(d) A licensee may obtain two contact hours for each hour spent teaching a course. Contact hours may be claimed only once for teaching the same course in any two-year continuing education period.
Subd. 5. [Repealed, 2000 c 460 s 66]
Subd. 6. Records of attendance. (a) A licensee must maintain for four years records of attending the continuing education contact hours required for licensure renewal.
(b) An applicant for licensure renewal must submit documentation demonstrating compliance with continuing education requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Board of Audiology or an equivalent, or the following information on a form provided by the commissioner: the sponsoring organization, the dates of the course, the course name, the number of contact hours completed, and the name and signature of the licensee.
Subd. 6a. Auditing continuing education reports. (a) The commissioner may audit a percentage of the continuing education reports based on random selection. A licensee shall maintain all documentation required by this section for two years after the last day of the biennial licensure period in which the contact hours were earned.
(b) All renewal applications that are received after the expiration date may be subject to a continuing education report audit.
(c) Any licensee against whom a complaint is filed may be subject to a continuing education report audit.
(d) The licensee shall make the following information available to the commissioner for auditing purposes:
(1) a copy of the completed continuing education report form for the continuing education reporting period that is the subject of the audit including all supporting documentation required by subdivision 5;
(2) a description of the continuing education activity prepared by the presenter or sponsor that includes the course title or subject matter, date, place, number of program contact hours, presenters, and sponsors;
(3) documentation of self-study programs by materials prepared by the presenter or sponsor that includes the course title, course description, name of sponsor or author, and the number of hours required to complete the program;
(4) documentation of university, college, or vocational school courses by a course syllabus, listing in a course bulletin, or equivalent documentation that includes the course title, instructor's name, course dates, number of contact hours, and course content, objectives, or goals; and
(5) verification of attendance by:
(i) a signature of the presenter or a designee at the continuing education activity on the continuing education report form or a certificate of attendance with the course name, course date, and licensee's name;
(ii) a summary or outline of the educational content of an audio or video educational activity to verify the licensee's participation in the activity if a designee is not available to sign the continuing education report form;
(iii) verification of self-study programs by a certificate of completion or other documentation indicating that the individual has demonstrated knowledge and has successfully completed the program; or
(iv) verification of attendance at a university, college, or vocational course by an official transcript.
Subd. 7. Verification of continuing education reports. The commissioner may request a licensee or continuing education sponsor to verify the continuing education to which the licensee attested. Documentation may come directly from the licensee, the continuing education sponsor, or from a national accrediting or certifying organization which maintains the records.
Subd. 8. Waiver of continuing education requirements. The commissioner may grant a waiver of the requirements of this section in cases where the requirements would impose an undue burden on the licensee. A licensee must request in writing a waiver of the requirements of this section. The request for a waiver must cite this section, the reasons for requesting the waiver, the period of time the licensee wishes to have the continuing education requirement waived, and the alternative measures that will be taken if a waiver is granted. The commissioner shall set forth, in writing, the reasons for granting or denying the waiver. Waivers granted by the commissioner shall specify in writing the time limitation and required alternative measures to be taken by the licensee.
1996 c 363 s 11; 2000 c 460 s 26-30; 2003 c 87 s 31-36; 2004 c 279 art 1 s 15,16; 2006 c 267 art 2 s 8; 2009 c 157 art 1 s 4; 2010 c 274 s 2; 1Sp2017 c 5 art 12 s 22
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapter 148 — Public Health Occupations
Section 148.01 — Chiropractic.
Section 148.02 — Chiropractors; State Board Of Examiners.
Section 148.031 — Continuing Education.
Section 148.032 — Registration In Animal Chiropractic Diagnosis And Treatment.
Section 148.033 — Animal Chiropractic Continuing Education Hours.
Section 148.035 — Separate Treatment Room Required.
Section 148.05 — License And Fee.
Section 148.06 — Application; Examination; License; Fee.
Section 148.07 — Renewal Fees; Expenses.
Section 148.09 — Independent Examination.
Section 148.10 — Licenses Revoked; New Licenses.
Section 148.102 — Reports Of State Or Local Societies.
Section 148.103 — Immunity For Reporting Or Investigating.
Section 148.104 — Cooperation During Investigations.
Section 148.106 — Peer Review Of Services And Fees.
Section 148.107 — Record Keeping.
Section 148.171 — Definitions; Title.
Section 148.181 — Board Of Nursing Membership, Vacancies, Disclosure.
Section 148.191 — Officers; Staff; Powers.
Section 148.212 — Temporary Permit.
Section 148.231 — Registration; Failure To Register; Reregistration; Verification.
Section 148.233 — Identification Of Certified Registered Nurses.
Section 148.234 — State Boundaries Consideration.
Section 148.235 — Prescribing Drugs And Therapeutic Devices.
Section 148.243 — Fee Amounts.
Section 148.251 — Nursing Program.
Section 148.261 — Grounds For Disciplinary Action.
Section 148.263 — Reporting Obligations.
Section 148.265 — Nurse Cooperation.
Section 148.266 — Disciplinary Record On Judicial Review.
Section 148.267 — Reports To Commissioner Of Health.
Section 148.281 — Violations; Penalty.
Section 148.285 — Transfer Of Assets.
Section 148.512 — Definitions.
Section 148.513 — Licensure; Protected Titles And Restrictions On Use; Exemptions.
Section 148.514 — General Licensure Requirements; Procedures And Qualifications.
Section 148.515 — Qualifications For Licensure.
Section 148.516 — Licensure By Equivalency.
Section 148.5161 — Clinical Fellowship Licensure Or Doctoral Externship Licensure.
Section 148.517 — Licensure By Reciprocity.
Section 148.5175 — Temporary Licensure.
Section 148.518 — Licensure Following Lapse Of Licensure Status.
Section 148.519 — Licensure Procedures.
Section 148.5191 — Licensure Renewal.
Section 148.5192 — Speech-language Pathology Assistants.
Section 148.5193 — Continuing Education Requirements.
Section 148.5195 — Investigation Process And Grounds For Disciplinary Action.
Section 148.5196 — Speech-language Pathologist And Audiologist Advisory Council.
Section 148.5197 — Hearing Aid Dispensing.
Section 148.5198 — Restriction On Sale Of Hearing Aids.
Section 148.52 — Board Of Optometry.
Section 148.53 — Powers Of Board.
Section 148.56 — Optometrists.
Section 148.574 — Prohibitions Relating To Legend Drugs.
Section 148.575 — Certificate Required For Use Of Legend Drugs.
Section 148.577 — Standard Of Care.
Section 148.59 — License Renewal; License And Registration Fees.
Section 148.595 — Temporary Military Permit; Fee.
Section 148.603 — Grounds For Disciplinary Action.
Section 148.604 — Reporting Obligations.
Section 148.606 — Optometrist Cooperation.
Section 148.607 — Disciplinary Actions.
Section 148.621 — Definitions.
Section 148.622 — Board Of Dietetics And Nutrition Practice.
Section 148.623 — Duties Of The Board.
Section 148.624 — Licensure; Renewal.
Section 148.625 — Application.
Section 148.626 — Continuing Education Required.
Section 148.628 — Reciprocity.
Section 148.629 — Denial, Suspension, Or Revocation.
Section 148.630 — License Required.
Section 148.632 — Exemptions; Voluntary Licensing.
Section 148.633 — Disposition Of Funds.
Section 148.634 — Prescription Protocol.
Section 148.6402 — Definitions.
Section 148.6403 — Licensure; Protected Titles And Restrictions On Use; Exempt Persons; Sanctions.
Section 148.6404 — Scope Of Practice.
Section 148.6405 — Licensure Application Requirements: Procedures And Qualifications.
Section 148.6408 — Qualifications For Occupational Therapist.
Section 148.6410 — Qualifications For Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Section 148.6412 — Licensure By Equivalency.
Section 148.6415 — Licensure By Reciprocity.
Section 148.6418 — Temporary Licensure.
Section 148.6420 — Application Requirements.
Section 148.6423 — Licensure Renewal.
Section 148.6425 — Renewal Of Licensure; After Expiration Date.
Section 148.6428 — Change Of Contact Information Or Employment.
Section 148.6430 — Delegation Of Duties; Assignment Of Tasks.
Section 148.6432 — Supervision Of Occupational Therapy Assistants.
Section 148.6435 — Coordination Of Services.
Section 148.6438 — Recipient Notification.
Section 148.6443 — Continuing Education Requirements.
Section 148.6449 — Board Of Occupational Therapy Practice.
Section 148.66 — State Board Of Physical Therapy, Duties.
Section 148.67 — State Board Of Physical Therapy; Membership Appointments, Vacancies, Removals.
Section 148.691 — Officers; Executive Director.
Section 148.70 — Applicants, Qualifications.
Section 148.705 — Application.
Section 148.706 — Physical Therapist Assistants, Aides, And Students.
Section 148.71 — Temporary Permits.
Section 148.721 — Educational Requirements For Licensed Physical Therapist.
Section 148.722 — Educational Requirements For Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
Section 148.723 — Examination For Licensed Physical Therapist.
Section 148.724 — Examination For Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
Section 148.725 — Requirements For Foreign-educated Applicants.
Section 148.735 — Cancellation Of License In Good Standing.
Section 148.736 — Cancellation Of Credentials Under Disciplinary Order.
Section 148.737 — Cancellation Of License For Nonrenewal.
Section 148.741 — Applicability Of Rules.
Section 148.75 — Disciplinary Action.
Section 148.754 — Examination; Access To Medical Data.
Section 148.755 — Temporary Suspension Of License.
Section 148.76 — Prohibited Conduct.
Section 148.78 — Prosecution, Allegations.
Section 148.7802 — Definitions.
Section 148.7803 — Prohibited Practice Or Use Of Titles; Penalty.
Section 148.7804 — Powers Of The Board.
Section 148.7805 — Athletic Trainers Advisory Council.
Section 148.7806 — Athletic Training.
Section 148.7807 — Limitations On Practice.
Section 148.7808 — Licensure; Requirements.
Section 148.7809 — License Renewal.
Section 148.7810 — Board Action On Applications.
Section 148.7811 — Change Of Address.
Section 148.7812 — Continuing Education Requirements.
Section 148.7813 — Disciplinary Process.
Section 148.7814 — Applicability.
Section 148.881 — Declaration Of Policy.
Section 148.90 — Board Of Psychology.
Section 148.905 — Duties Of The Board.
Section 148.9051 — Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (psypact).
Section 148.907 — Licensed Psychologist.
Section 148.9075 — Exemptions To License Requirement.
Section 148.9077 — Relicensure.
Section 148.909 — Licensure For Volunteer Practice.
Section 148.9105 — Emeritus Registration.
Section 148.911 — Continuing Education.
Section 148.915 — Reciprocity.
Section 148.916 — Guest Licensure.
Section 148.925 — Supervision.
Section 148.941 — Disciplinary Action; Investigation; Penalty For Violation.
Section 148.96 — Presentation To Public.
Section 148.965 — Test Security.
Section 148.975 — Duty To Warn; Limitation On Liability; Violent Behavior Of Patient.
Section 148.98 — Rules Of Conduct.
Section 148.995 — Definitions.
Section 148.9965 — Designation Of Doula Certification Organizations By Commissioner.