Florida Administrative Code – 61G18-16.0035

61G18-16.0035 Standards for Providers of Continuing Veterinary Medical Education.

(1) Each proposal for program or course approval submitted by a provider must contain a detailed outline of the content of the program or course and must build upon a basic course or courses offered in the curricula of accredited schools or colleges of veterinary medicine. Continuing education must consist of post-doctoral degree programs offered by accredited college or schools of veterinary medicine, post-correspondence and on-line, real time courses, or other Board-approved educational methods.

(2) All offerings of continuing education must meet the following standards:

(a) Educational Content Development.

1. Continuing education offerings shall include a statement of measurable educational goals and behavioral objectives.

2. Continuing education offerings shall be designed to reflect the educational needs of the veterinarian and build upon the standards for practice and courses as found in the curricula of accredited colleges of schools of veterinary medicine.

3. Each continuing education offering shall be designed to explore one subject or a group of closely related subjects or standards.

(b) Methods of Delivery.

1. The method of delivery of a course shall be determined by giving appropriate consideration to such factors as educational content, objectives and composition of the audience.

2. The method of delivery must encourage active participation and involvement on the part of the veterinarian.

(c) Program Faculty Qualification.

1. The program faculty for a particular continuing education offering shall be competent in the subject matter and qualified by experience.

2. An appropriate number of program faculty for each activity shall be utilized.

3. There shall be adequate personnel to assist with administrative matters and personnel with competencies outside content areas in cases where the method of delivery requires technical or other special expertise.

(d) Facilities – The facilities to be utilized shall be appropriate and adequate to the content, method of delivery, size of the audience and promote the attainment of the objectives of the offering.

(e) Contact Hour Criteria. The number of contact hours of Continuing Education Units shall be determined by the provider in advance of the offering subject to approval by the Board and awarded upon the successful completion of the entire planned education experience.

(f) Record Keeping.

1. Records of individual offerings shall be maintained by the provider for inspection by the Board. The records shall be adequate to serve the needs of the participants and to permit the Board to monitor for adherence to the standards for continuing education offerings. The records shall also be adequate to identify the individual participant.

2. An individual certificate of attendance specifying title of offering, provider number, date of offering and number of contact hours earned shall be furnished to each participant by the provider. The individual certificate of attendance shall be maintained by the veterinarian for a period of three (3) years and shall be provided to the Board upon audit or request.

3. Records shall be maintained by the provider for a minimum of three (3) years.

(3) Providers seeking Board approval shall meet each of the standards outlined herein:

(a) All continuing education offerings conducted by the provider shall meet the standards for continuing education offerings as outlined in these rules.

(b) There shall be a visible, continuous and identifiable authority charged with administration of continuing education programs. The person or persons in whom the administrative function is vested shall be qualified by virtue of background and experience in presenting courses in and having experience in the administration of continuing education.

(4) Providers must be registered with and approved by the Board. Such Board approval must be renewed by the Provider every four years.

Specific Authority 474.206, 474.211, 474.212 FS. Law Implemented 455.2179, 474.211, 474.212 FS. History–New 5-19-96, Amended 9-24-96, 8-1-04.