1. (a) Registered ophthalmic dispensers shall complete a minimum of 8 continuing education credits during the 2 year period prior to each renewal of registration in accordance with RSA 327-A:14.
2. (b) At least 5 of the continuing education credits shall be earned through live didactic courses.
3. (c) Home study programs shall include audio, video, or computer programs with successful completion of a written examination.
4. (d) Applicants for renewal shall submit documentation concerning continuing education credits with the application for renewal in accordance with He-P 6002.02 (c) (2).
5. (e) Continuing education events approved by the American Board of Opticianry or the National Contact Lens Examiners shall be accepted by the commissioner for continuing education credits.
6. (f) Events which are not approved by the American Board of Opticianry or the National Contact Lens Examiners shall be pre-approved by the commissioner as described in (g) through (j) below in accordance with RSA 327-A:14 for continuing education credits.
7. (g) Requests for pre-approval for continuing education credits shall be submitted by the association or organization sponsoring the event.
8. (h) Associations and organizations requesting pre-approval for continuing education credits shall submit their requests to the commissioner, in writing, at least 60 days prior to the scheduled event.

9. (i) Requests for pre-approval for continuing education credits pursuant to RSA 327-A:14 shall include:

   1. (1) The name of the course, seminar, or event;
   2. (2) The location of the course, seminar, or event;
   3. (3) The sponsor or presenter of the course, seminar or event;
   4. (4) The address and telephone number of the sponsor or presenter;
   5. (5) A complete description of the course, seminar, or event;
   6. (6) The date(s) of the course, seminar, or event; and
   7. (7) The number of continuing education credits being requested.

10. (j) The commissioner shall approve the proposed continuing education course if the course:

    1. (1) Is sponsored by any national, regional, or state optical company, trade, or professional group; and
    2. (2) Contributes to the advancement, extension, or enhancement of the professional skills and the technical knowledge of opticians.
11. (k) Continuing education requirements shall be completed prior to the expiration date of the registration.
12. (l) Registrants shall maintain accurate records of continuing education credits.
13. (m) Certificates and documents of evidence of continuing education credits shall be retained by the registrant for a period of 3 years.
14. (n) Original certificates and documents of evidence of continuing education hours shall be subject to inspection by the department upon request.
15. (o) Excess continuing education credits earned throughout the registration period shall not be carried forward into the next registration period.

Source. #7119, eff 10-16-99; ss by #7894, eff 5-21-03; ss by #8593, eff 3-28-06; ss by #10453, eff 10-31-13