Sec. 10.42.06.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Approved programs" means programs that are presented by professionals who are qualified in the content area with education as the focus and that:

(a) Are offered or provided under the auspices of an authorized sponsor; or

(b) Are offered or approved by the Board.

(2) "Authorized sponsor" means an individual or organization that is authorized to provide continuing education programs and to offer under its auspices programs as set forth in Regulation .05 of this chapter.

(3) "Board" means the Board of Social Work Examiners.

(4) "Category I" means activities that are formally organized face-to-face learning experiences provided by Board-approved sponsors.

(5) "Category II" means activities that are independent, less structured learning experiences.

(6) "Committee" means the Advisory Committee for Continuing Education appointed by the Board.

(7) "Continuing education" means completing approved programs designed to provide:

(a) Enhancement of social work practice, values, skills, and knowledge; and

(b) Enrichment of social work services and competence.

(8) "Continuing education unit" means 1 hour (60 minutes) of an approved program as set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.

(9) "Exception" means an exception granted by the Board for any of the continuing education requirements for circumstances set forth in Regulation .06 of this chapter.

(10) "Extension" means a period of time, not to exceed 6 months for renewal or 1 year for reactivation or reinstatement, that the Board authorizes to permit additional time for the social worker to obtain the required continuing education units needed for renewal, reactivation, or reinstatement of a license as set forth in Regulation .08 of this chapter.

(11) "Renewal date" means the date the license expires, as specified in the notice sent to the social worker by the Board in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §19-308(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.

(12) "Renewal period" means the period from the date the license was issued or November 1 of the renewal year to October 31 of the expiration year.