<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 10.42.06.02" title_num="10" subtitle_num="42" chapter_num="06" heading="Definitions.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Terms Defined.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>“Approved programs” means programs that are presented by professionals who are qualified in the content area with education as the focus and that:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Are offered or provided under the auspices of an authorized sponsor; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Are offered or approved by the Board.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>“Authorized sponsor” means an individual, agency, 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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>“Board” means the Board of Social Work Examiners.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>“Category I” means activities that are formally organized face-to-face, or live, real time interactive learning experiences provided authorized sponsors as set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>“Category II” means learning experiences as set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>“Committee” means the Continuing Education Committee appointed by the Board.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>“Continuing education” means completing approved programs designed to provide:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Enhancement of professional social work practice, values, skills, and knowledge; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Enrichment of professional social work services and competence.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>“Continuing education unit” means 1 hour (60 minutes) of an approved program as set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>“County” means a county of Maryland and, unless expressly provided otherwise, Baltimore City.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>“Exception” means a deviation or departure from the continuing education requirements for circumstances set forth in Regulation .11 of this chapter that is granted at the discretion of the Board.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>“Extension” means a period of time, not to exceed 6 months for renewal, that the Board authorizes to permit additional time for a social worker with an active license to obtain the required continuing education units needed for renewal of a license as set forth in Regulation .10 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>“Nonprofit organization” means an organization that is tax exempt under 26 U.S.C. §501(c)(3)—(4).</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(13)">
      <text>“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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(14)">
      <text>“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.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(15)">
      <text>“State” means:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>A state, possession, or territory of the United States;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The District of Columbia; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>