How many continuing education hours are required during a reporting period?

Occupational Therapists: A licensed Colorado OT must complete twenty-four (24) hours every two (2) years.

New Licensees: CE is required after the first renewal period.

OTAs: A licensed Colorado OTA must complete twenty-four (24) hours every two (2) years.

How is credit hour defined?

Professional development activities are equivalent to clock hours; one PDA is equal to one (1) clock hour (60 minutes).

How long is the reporting period?

Two (2) years.

Can CE credits be carried over into the next reporting period?

No. The total required PDA must be earned within the same renewal period in which credit is requested. PDA will be credited toward only one (1) renewal period.

Are there any specific requirements for continuing education?

The licensee shall complete the RSAT once per renewal period. A licensee shall use the form approved by the Director.

The execution of a Learning Plan once per renewal period that is based upon the licensee’s RSAT. The licensee shall use the form approved by the Director.

Are there limitations on the types of courses that can be taken?

PDA must be earned through a minimum of two (2) categories with no more than twelve (12) hours in any one category.

CE Categories

One (1) PDA is granted per one (1) clock hour of qualifying activity.

“Presentations” grant two (2) PDA are credited for each one (1) hour of presentation delivered. This 2:1 ratio acknowledges the preparation of the presentation.  PDAs are credited only once per presentation.

Categories:

• Volunteer service
• Fieldwork supervision
• Mentoring
• Presentations
• Publishing
• Coursework
• Independent learning
• Group study

What type of approval is needed for the courses?

The Director will not pre-approve specific courses or providers. The licensee shall determine which activities and topics will meet his/her Learning Plan and select appropriate courses and providers.

What type of courses or activities are not allowed?

N/A

What are the reporting requirements?

Qualification. In order to qualify for deemed status upon renewal, the licensee shall:

• Attest to his/her deemed status and:
• Attest that the requested CPC program is substantially equivalent to the CPD program administered by the Director and must include, at a minimum each renewal period, the following components:
• An assessment of knowledge and skills;
• Twenty-four (24) hours of continuing education or learning activities per renewal period; and
• Demonstration of completion of continuing competency activities.

How long must continuing education records be retained?

A licensee shall retain documentation demonstrating his/her compliance for two (2) complete renewal periods.

Is there an exemption for active military personnel?

A licensee who has been called to federally funded active duty for more than 120 days for the purpose of serving in a war, emergency or contingency may request an exemption from the continuing professional competency requirements for the renewal, reinstatement, or reactivation of his/her license for the renewal period that falls within the period of service or within six (6) months following the completion of service.

What documentation is required if I am audited?

The following documentation is required for an audit of compliance of a licensee’s participation in the CPD program:

• A signed learning plan that contains the licensee’s learning goals in the form and manner set forth in the current program manual as approved by the Director.
• Documentation of the required PDA in compliance with the current program manual and this rule.
• The Director has sole discretion to accept or reject PDA that do not meet the criteria established by the Director as defined in the current program manual and this rule.

Reference

3 CCR 715-1.8