Regulation .05 Authorized Sponsors and Approval of Continuing Education Programs.
Regulation .05 Authorized Sponsors and Approval of Continuing Education Programs.LinkCopy Citation
A.
Authorized Sponsors.
(1)
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 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;
(c)
Maryland State or county government entities that have registered using a Board approved form and attested to:
(i)
Compliance with all requirements set forth in this chapter;
(ii)
Employment of Maryland licensed social workers;
(iii)
Adherence to the objectives set forth in Regulation .01 of this chapter; and
(iv)
The administration of all continuing education learning activities as required in Regulation .04 of this chapter;
(d)
Maryland nonprofit organizations that:
(i)
Meet all of the requirements set forth in §A(2)(c) of this regulation; and
(ii)
Provide the Board with documentation of current nonprofit status; and
(e)
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.
(3)
Registration Process. The Board shall issue a notice of authorized sponsor status to a Maryland State or county government entity or Maryland nonprofit organization within 60 days if the applicant:
(a)
Completes the online Board approved registration form;
(b)
Submits to the Board all required documentation as set forth in §A(2) of this regulation; and
(c)
Meets all of the requirements of this regulation.
(4)
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)
Ensure that a program certificate or letter of completion on official letterhead is provided and includes the following:
(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.
(5)
The Board may audit authorized sponsors’ continuing education programs and activities at any time.
B.
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.
C.
The Board shall maintain a roster of authorized sponsors.
(1)
All authorized sponsors shall inform the Board of a change in any of the following within 60 days of the change:
(a)
Sponsor name;
(b)
Primary and secondary contacts;
(c)
Mailing address;
(d)
Phone number;
(e)
Email address; and
(f)
Dissolution or closure of the entity or organization.
(2)
Failure to notify the Board of a change as set forth under §C(1) of this regulation may result in withdrawal of authorization as a sponsor.
D.
Withdrawal of Authorization as a Sponsor.
(1)
Authorization as a sponsor may be withdrawn from any authorized sponsor that fails to comply with the:
(a)
Requirements of this regulation;
(b)
Objectives set forth in Regulation .01 of this chapter; and
(c)
Criteria set forth in Regulation .04 of this chapter.
(2)
A sponsor that has had its authorization withdrawn may reapply for authorization by submitting:
(a)
A written request to the Board; and
(b)
Documentation that the sponsor is in compliance with the requirements and criteria set forth in this regulation.