SECTION 140.418. Continuing Education Standards

(a) The department will accept continuing education (CE) hours that meet the criteria in this section. Hours that do not meet these criteria may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

(b) Subject to department review, the department will accept continuing education credits approved by:

(1) recognized state boards, including, but not limited to the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, and the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors;

(2) the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors; and

(3) the Texas Certification Board for Addiction Professionals.

(c) All continuing education hours must be specific to substance use disorders and their treatment, or related to chemical dependency counseling, as defined by the KSA dimensions. Related education hours may include psychology, sociology, counseling, mental health, behavioral science, psychiatric nursing, ethics, and rehabilitation counseling.

(d) The department may accept continuing education hours approved by other state or federal agencies or organizations, subject to the department's review and approval.

(e) The department will monitor an LCDC's compliance with continuing education requirements by the use of random audit. Licensees will be notified in writing if they have been selected for a continuing education audit. Individual supporting documents of participation in continuing education courses are not to be submitted to the department unless written notification of an audit is received informing the licensee that he or she has been randomly selected for a document audit. Upon receipt of written notification of an audit, the licensee shall submit all appropriate documentation to substantiate compliance with the continuing education and documentation requirements as set forth in this section and §140.416 of this title (relating to LCDC License Expiration, Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements).

(f) Continuing education certificates must contain:

(1) applicant's name and license number;

(2) date the continuing education hours were completed;

(3) number of hours assigned to each course;

(4) course title;

(5) educational provider name and, if applicable, number;

(6) approving agency or entity's name; and

(7) name and signature of instructor or coordinator.

(g) The department will accept education hours from an accredited college or university.

(1) College transcripts must contain the official seal of the college and the signature of the registrar.

(2) One semester hour of college credit is equivalent to 15 continuing education hours. One quarter hour of college credit is equivalent to 10 continuing education hours.

(h) Independent study or distance learning courses must be guided and monitored by the instructor and include an evaluation of performance and/or participation verification. In addition, the course must be structured so that students have access to faculty or instructors for questions and assistance in the completion of such course work.

Source Note: The provisions of this §140.418 adopted to be effective September 9, 2008, 33 TexReg 7520; amended to be effective August 9, 2012, 37 TexReg 5788