Rule 220-4-.06 - Approved Programs(1) Category 1. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained from the following providers or through independent study, so long as they conform with the requirements set out above. Providers described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) below will not require prior Board approval. (a) Professional Associations. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by participating in activities sponsored by or approved by the Society of American Foresters or other professional associations. A properly authorized official of the professional organization shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content of each sponsored or approved activity.(b) Educational Institutions. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by completing non-forestry degree or graduate level course work or by participating in continuing educational programs sponsored by or approved by educational institutions accredited by a regional body recognized by the Council on Post Secondary Accreditation. The educational institution shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each sponsored or approved program.(c) Government Agencies. Continuing forestry education hours may be obtained by participating in in-service training, courses, or work-shops sponsored by federal, state or local agencies. The provider shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each sponsored activity.(d) Board Approved Providers.1. Continuing forestry education may be obtained by participating in activities sponsored by Board Approved Providers, so long as the provider was approved at the time the program was offered. Board Approved Providers may only offer programs in the topic areas for which they have been approved. The provider shall certify the number of contact hours of educational content in each continuing education activity.2. In order to qualify for initial Board approval, to renew Board approval or to qualify for approval in additional topic areas, a provider must apply to the Board. The application must be on a Board-approved form and received in the Board office at least 90 days prior to any scheduled programs. The application must include the following:(i) A description of the topic areas in which the provider plans to sponsor continuing education activities.(ii) The names of all instructors currently offering continuing education activities, a description of the topic areas in which each instructor is qualified to teach along with a vita or other evidence demonstrating that each instructor is qualified in the identified topic area.(iii) Program outlines, including instructors, objectives, schedules and instructional materials, for two continuing education activities the provider has presented or plans to present.3. Board Approved Provider status shall expire four years from the date of approval and may be renewed by application to the Board. The Board retains the right to monitor continuing education programs sponsored by Board Approved Providers and will withdraw approval from providers who do not maintain the standards demonstrated in their application. Board Approved Providers shall notify the Board in writing of a change of address or of a decision to withdraw from Board Approved Provider status.(2) Category 2. Standards similar to those required for Category 1 providers are expected for Category 2 providers except that the professional societies will be other than forestry related. The Board will not approve any other providers but will accept Category 2 courses approved by other state licensing boards in the appropriate specialty areas, such as engineering or geology.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 220-4-.06
O.C.G.A. Sec. 12-6-56.
Original Rule entitled "Approved Programs" adopted. F. Feb. 12, 1990; eff. Mar. 4, 1990.