(1) The department will not pre-approve continuing education (CE) programs or sponsors. 

(2) Licensees are responsible for selecting quality programs that focus on protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public and contribute to genetic counselors' professional knowledge and competence. Acceptable CE activities:

(a) directly relate to the scope of practice of genetic counseling as defined in 37-49-202, MCA;

(b) review existing concepts and techniques;

(c) convey information beyond the basic professional education;

(d) update knowledge on the practice and advances in genetic counseling;

(e) reinforce professional conduct or ethical obligations of the licensee; and/or

(f) are conducted by an individual or group qualified by practical or academic experience.

(3) Licensees must obtain 24 hours (60 minutes per hour) of CE annually, prior to renewal.

(4) Licensees shall affirm an understanding of their recurring duty to comply with CE requirements as part of license renewal.

(5) Continuing education requirements will not apply until after the licensee's first renewal.

(6) The department may randomly audit up to 50 percent of renewed licensees.

(7) Licensees must maintain documentation of completed CE for three years and provide documentation to the department upon request.

(8) Licensees found to be in noncompliance with CE requirements may be subject to administrative suspension.

(9) Licensees may request exemption from CE requirements due to hardship. Requests will be considered by the department.