Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-10-.06

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 610-X-10-.06 - Qualifications And Standards For Board Approved Providers

(1) The applicant for approval as a Board-approved provider of continuing education shall submit to the Board the required fee and a complete application that demonstrates:

(a) An organized plan for quality continuing education for nurses.

(b) The mission and objectives of the provider.

(c) Policies and procedures for implementation and evaluation of the educational programs and the educational unit.

(d) An identifiable educational unit with designated qualified personnel and resources for conducting an organized plan of continuing education for nurses.

(2) A Board-approved provider of continuing education shall adhere to the following standards:

(a) A complete application for continued approval as a provider shall be submitted in accordance with a schedule established by the Board.

(b) The program director:

1. May be a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or otherwise qualified individual. When the program director is not a registered nurse, there shall be evidence of consultation by a registered nurse who either is licensed in Alabama or holds a valid multistate registered nurse license issued by a party state, as defined in Chapter 4 of these rules.

2. Is accountable for the quality, accuracy and veracity of continuing education provided.

3. Is responsible for ensuring the instructor (s) possess qualifications appropriate to the content of the activity.

(c) The continued approval of the provider shall extend for a maximum of four years, provided standards for approval are maintained. Lapsed or retired Board providers shall not offer continuing education as an approved Board provider.

(d) Approved providers shall submit electronic records of all contact hours awarded to registered nurses or licensed practical nurses to the Board in a format and method specified by the Board.

(e) Records and reports shall be maintained for a minimum of four years.

(3) A Board-assigned provider number shall be issued upon approval of the entity as an approved provider of continuing education.

(a) The Board-assigned provider number and expiration date of Board approval shall be listed on course announcements, certificates, records, and reports including all correspondence with the Board.

(b) Name of entity attached to the Board assigned provider number may be changed upon written request from the contact person or administrator of record due to:

1. Corporate restructuring,

2. Change in ownership.

(4) A provider number shall be retired:

(a) Upon request of an authorized entity.

(b) Upon failure of an authorized entity to request continued approval.

(c) When the Board denies or withdraws approval

(5) Withdrawal of approval as a provider may occur if the provider fails to adhere to requirements in these rules. Grounds for withdrawal of approval include, but are not limited to:

(a) Lack of qualified personnel for planning and conducting continuing education for nurses.

(b) Inadequate record maintenance.

(c) Fraud, deception or misrepresentation relating to the educational program.

(d) Failure to comply with request for documents, or submitting false, inaccurate, or incomplete evidence of continuing education programs conducted and certificates issued.

(e) Aiding or abetting a licensee who fails to meet the continuing education requirement by altering or falsifying certificates.

(6) Request for Reinstatement of a Provider Number:

(a) A previously approved provider who has requested retirement of a provider number, or has had a number retired for any reason, may request reinstatement of the provider number.

(b) Reinstatement may be denied for failure of the applicant to satisfactorily demonstrate capability of meeting continuing education standards and criteria for providers.

(7) A continuing education program director who is a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse and fails to comply with the requirements in these rules shall be subject to disciplinary actions by the Board.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-10-.06

Effective March 22, 1991. Amended: August 29, 1994. Amended: May 24, 1996. Repealed and Replaced: Filed January 29, 2002. Effective March 5, 2002. Amended: Effective November 1, 2004. Amended: Filed September 16, 2005; Effective October 21, 2005. Repealed and Replaced: Filed February 23, 2009. Effective March 30, 2009. Amended: Filed January 25, 2011; effective March 1, 2011.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIV, Issue No. 05, February 29, 2016, eff. 3/24/2016.

Amended by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXVIII, Issue No. 07, April 30, 2020, eff. 6/14/2020.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-21-2, 34-21-23 (f).