(a) This section applies to a hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license holder.

(b) Except as provided under subsection (j), a license holder must complete 20 continuing education hours during each license term.

(c) Pursuant to 16 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 59, a continuing education hour shall be 50 minutes of attendance in an approved continuing education course.

(d) No more than 10 continuing education hours per license term may be earned from an approved online continuing education course offered by an approved continuing education provider.

(e) No more than 5 continuing education hours per license term may be earned from an approved continuing education course offered by an approved manufacturer continuing education provider.

(f) A license holder may be credited with continuing education hours for a published book or article written by the license holder that contributes to the license holder's professional competence. The department may approve credit hours based on the degree that the published book or article advanced knowledge regarding the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments. No more than 5 contact hours per license term may be approved for preparation of a publication.

(g) Continuing education shall be acceptable if the education is described in subsection (f) or falls in one or more of the following categories:

(1) participation in approved continuing education courses offered by approved continuing education providers;

(2) completion of academic courses at an accredited college or university in areas directly supporting development of skills and competence in the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments;

(3) participation or teaching in programs directly related to the fitting and dispensing of hearing instruments (e.g., institutes, seminars, workshops, or conferences), which are approved or offered by an accredited college or university; and/or

(4) serving as a Proctor for the practical test, not to exceed one continuing education hour of continuing education credit for each test date and with a maximum of four continuing education hours of credit earned each license term.

(h) To receive credit for completion of academic work the license holder must submit an official transcript(s) from accredited school(s) showing completion of hours in appropriate areas for which the license holder received a passing grade.

(i) The department will not approve continuing education credit for any license holder for:

(1) education incidental to the regular professional activities of a license holder such as knowledge gained through experience or research;

(2) organization activity such as serving on committees or councils or as an officer in a professional organization; and

(3) any program which is not described in, or in compliance with, this section.

(j) Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code §402.305, the department may renew the license of a license holder who has not complied with the continuing education requirements if the license holder:

(1) submits proof from an attending physician that the license holder suffered a serious disabling illness or physical disability that prevented compliance with the continuing education requirements during the twenty-four (24) months before the end of the license term; or

(2) was licensed for the first time during the twenty-four (24) months before the end of the license term.

Source Note: The provisions of this §112.70 adopted to be effective October 1, 2016, 41 TexReg 4458; amended to be effective May 1, 2018, 43 TexReg 2564; amended to be effective January 1, 2024, 48 TexReg 8366