Sec. 10.42.06.05. Authorization of Sponsors and Approval of Continuing Education Programs

A. Board-Authorized Sponsors.

(1) Board-authorized sponsors shall offer continuing education programs that meet the objectives set forth in Regulations .01B and .04 of this chapter.

(2) The following are Board-authorized sponsors:

(a) National, regional, or State accredited academic institutions offering academic courses or programs recognized as acceptable social work curriculum subject areas by the Council on Social Work Education;

(b) National, regional, or State social work associations including, but not limited to:

(i) Social work licensing boards;

(ii) The Association of Social Work Boards;

(iii) The National Association of Social Workers; and

(iv) Non-social-work professional membership organizations providing programs that are relevant to the professional development of social workers; and

(c) International social work associations and accredited academic institutions including, but not limited to:

(i) Social work licensing boards which provide programs that foster improvement, advancement, and extension of the social worker’s professional skill, knowledge, and competence; and

(ii) Non-social-work organizations providing programs that are relevant to the professional development of social workers.

B. Board-Authorized Provisional Sponsors.

(1) Individuals and organizations not included in §A(2) of this regulation may become authorized sponsors of continuing education programs by:

(a) Submitting the required application on a form provided by the Board at least 45 days before conducting the sponsor’s first program;

(b) Paying a fee as provided in COMAR 10.42.05.02; and

(c) Being approved by the Board.

(2) Board-authorized provisional sponsors will receive authorization upon approval and shall provide to the Board all program required documentation.

C. The Board shall establish a committee for continuing education that is responsible for recommending to the Board approval for proposed activities, sponsors, and programs offered by individuals or organizations that come under §A(2) of this regulation.

D. The Board shall maintain a roster of authorized sponsors.

E. Authorized Sponsor.

(1) An authorized sponsor shall:

(a) Include the following in the program announcement, flyer, or brochure:

(i) The date, title, location, objectives, and content of the program;

(ii) The number of continuing education units that will be awarded by the sponsor on a certificate awarded to the social worker on completion of the program;

(iii) A statement that the named sponsor is authorized by the Board; and

(iv) A statement that the named sponsor maintains responsibility for the program;

(b) Include the following on a program certificate or letter of completion:

(i) The name of the social worker;

(ii) The date, title, and location of the program;

(iii) The number of continuing education units that are being awarded to the social worker on completion of the program only for actual time in attendance;

(iv) An authorizing name, signature, and contact information for the person responsible for awarding the certificate or letter of completion;

(v) A statement that the named sponsor is authorized by the Board; and

(vi) A statement that the named sponsor maintains responsibility for the program; and

(c) Maintain documentation of continuing education activity for 4 years, which may include pretests and post-tests, but shall include:

(i) Registration and attendance records;

(ii) Stated purpose;

(iii) Content of presentation;

(iv) Time and length of activity; and

(v) Participant evaluations.

(2) The Board may audit authorized sponsors' continuing education programs and activities at any time.

F. Suspension or Revocation of an Authorized Sponsor. Authorization as a sponsor may be suspended or revoked if the sponsor does not comply with the requirements of §E of this regulation or the criteria set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.