(a) A sponsor review program is established for the purpose of monitoring the compliance by board registered CPE sponsors and the courses they offer with the registration requirements, CPE standards and/or applicable board rules. The program shall emphasize high quality education and compliance with professional standards. In the event a sponsor does not comply with the registration requirements, CPE standards, or applicable board rules, the board shall take appropriate action.
(b) The presiding officer shall appoint three members who shall be either board members or advisory members to the Sponsor Review Program Committee (SRPC). The SRPC's duties are to:
  (1) monitor the sponsor review program to provide assurance to the CPE committee that the CPE sponsors are being reviewed and that the reviews are conducted and reported in accordance with established CPE program standards;
  (2) serve as mediators between the reviewers and sponsors whose courses are being reviewed; and
  (3) report to the CPE committee as requested and make recommendations as appropriate.
(c) The board shall contract with qualified persons selected by the CPE committee to review the courses of sponsors ("reviewers"). The board will compensate reviewers from revenue received from sponsors' registration fees.
  (1) If the reviewer is a CPA, the reviewer must be in good standing with the licensing board.
  (2) A reviewer must recuse himself from service if the reviewer has an interest in the sponsoring organization under review or if the reviewer believes he cannot be impartial or objective.
  (3) A reviewer may not concurrently serve as a member of the board or one of its committees.
(d) The reviewers shall:
  (1) assess board-registered sponsors of CPE to provide reasonable assurance that quality CPE is being offered in accordance with registration requirement, CPE standards, or applicable board rules;
  (2) review the policies and procedures of board registered CPE sponsors as to their conformity with the rules;
  (3) when necessary, prescribe actions designed to assure correction of the deficiencies in the program or CPE;
  (4) report to the SRPC as required:
    (A) problems experienced with sponsor compliance; and
    (B) problems experienced in the implementation of the review program.
(e) The procedures used by the reviewers in monitoring of sponsors of CPE may include, but not be limited to:
  (1) random visits of sponsors as deemed appropriate, and review of course materials;
  (2) meetings with the sponsor;
  (3) reviewing educational materials and record keeping documents;
  (4) reviewing the sponsor's educational philosophy;
  (5) reviewing, on the basis of a random selection, the course evaluations from licensees to determine whether the materials have received adverse comments;
  (6) expanding the review of records if significant deficiencies, problems, or inconsistencies are encountered during the review of the materials; and
  (7) determining that courses offered by board-registered CPE sponsors comply with all applicable board rules including §523.102 of this chapter (relating to CPE Purpose and Definitions) and this subchapter and provide that:
    (A) educational content meets the course objectives;
    (B) course material is up-to-date and relevant; and
    (C) adequate documentation procedures are in place;
  (8) other procedures as deemed necessary by the board so that the CPE sponsor is in compliance with the registration requirements, CPE standards and applicable board rules.

Source Note: The provisions of this §523.147 adopted to be effective October 12, 2004, 29 TexReg 9538; amended to be effective February 17, 2008, 33 TexReg 1117; amended to be effective February 6, 2013, 38 TexReg 507