The board may set and approve continuing competency and continuing education programs for license holders, but it cannot require more than 20 hours of continuing education in a two-year licensing period.
Sec. 301.303. CONTINUING COMPETENCY. (a) The board may recognize, prepare, or implement continuing competency programs for license holders under this chapter and may require participation in continuing competency programs as a condition of renewal of a license. The programs may allow a license holder to demonstrate competency through various methods, including: (1) completion of targeted continuing education programs; and (2) consideration of a license holder's professional portfolio, including certifications held by the license holder. (b) The board may not require participation in more than a total of 20 hours of continuing education in a two-year licensing period. (c) If the board requires participation in continuing education programs as a condition of license renewal, the board by rule shall establish a system for the approval of programs and providers of continuing education. (d) Repealed by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 803, Sec. 21(1), eff. September 1, 2007. (e) The board may adopt other rules as necessary to implement this section. (f) The board may assess each program and provider under this section a fee in an amount that is reasonable and necessary to defray the costs incurred in approving programs and providers. (g) The board by rule may establish guidelines for targeted continuing education required under this chapter. The rules adopted under this subsection must address: (1) the nurses who are required to complete the targeted continuing education program; (2) the type of courses that satisfy the targeted continuing education requirement; (3) the time in which a nurse is required to complete the targeted continuing education; (4) the frequency with which a nurse is required to meet the targeted continuing education requirement; and (5) any other requirement considered necessary by the board. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 876, Sec. 3, 4, eff. June 20, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 803 (S.B. 993), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 803 (S.B. 993), Sec. 21(1), eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 889 (H.B. 2426), Sec. 23, eff. September 1, 2007.