W. Va. Code R. § 31-5-6

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 31-5-6 - Activities Eligible for Continuing Professional Education Credits

6.1. A licensee shall meet requirements for continuing professional education.

6.1.1. Every other renewal period, or every two (2) years, an active licensee shall have a minimum of twenty (20) hours of continuing professional education (CPE) (from an approved provider) that relates directly to professional growth and development.

6.1.2. Dietitians practicing under a provisional permit must complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing professional education each year after the first year in which they are practicing under a provisional permit.

6.2. Continuing professional education hours may only apply if they are acquired during the two (2) year reporting period. There is no carry-over of hours from one (1) period to the next.

6.2.1. The two (2) year reporting period starts with the effective date of the license and runs through one renewal of the license. The end of the reporting period is at the expiration date of the renewed license.

6.3. Continuing professional education hours may include:

6.3.1. Educational activities.

6.3.1.1. A licensee may earn continuing professional education hours by attending professional meetings and other formally organized learning events that are offered by an approved provider of continuing professional education.

6.3.1.2. The licensee shall only receive credit for those continuing professional education hours that meet the specifications established by the Board.

6.3.1.3. The Board shall grant one (1) CPE hour for up to fifty (50) minutes of educational presentation.

6.3.1.4. A licensee may not count time spent in assigned reading, outside writing assignments or similar activities, travel time, meeting time devoted to business activities, entertainment, and refreshment breaks and meals in the calculation of CPE hours.

6.3.1.5. A licensee may count an integral part of an approved continuing professional education program that occurs during a meal, such as a speech or panel discussion, in the calculation of CPE hours.

6.3.2. Academic Courses.

6.3.2.1. A licensee may take courses for credit or audit, including those taken by correspondence.

6.3.2.2. The Board will approve an academic course for CPE hours when the licensee successfully completes the course at an accredited college or university.

6.3.2.3. For courses taken for credit, the Board shall grant fifteen (15) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each semester course; fourteen (14) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each trimester course; and ten (10) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each quarter course.

6.3.2.4. For courses taken for audit, the Board shall grant eight (8) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each semester course; seven (7) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each trimester course; and five (5) CPE hours per one (1) credit for each quarter course.

6.3.3. Instruction of approved continuing professional education courses.

6.3.3.1. Instructors of approved continuing professional education courses may receive a maximum of two (2) hours of continuing professional education credit per year. An instructor may claim credit only where the individual acts as an instructor of an approved course.

6.3.3.2. A licensee who participates as a member of a panel presentation for an approved course is not entitled to earn continuing professional education credit as an instructor.

6.3.4. The Board shall determine all other CPE hours.

6.3.5. A licensee may obtain CPE hours for any other program which is approved by the Board, at the Board's discretion, including, but not limited to:

6.3.5.1. Self-directed, professional nutrition/dietetics study activities including, but not limited to, formally organized learning events; college courses taken outside an accredited nutrition/dietetics program; writing for professional nutrition/dietetics publications; nutrition/dietetics teaching or training assignments if not part of the primary job duties; independent study, research, or tutoring of a professional nutrition/dietetic nature; and making presentations on a professional nutrition/dietetic issues, provided that the activities are part of a planned, organized learning program approved in advance by the Board;

6.3.5.2. Viewing trade and educational exhibits and poster presentations, and

6.3.5.3. Continuing professional education hours from organizations who are not approved providers if the course relates to the professional growth and development of the licensee.

6.4. Organizations not approved by the Board to provide continuing education will not be accepted.

W. Va. Code R. § 31-5-6