§ 794. Continuing education requirements. 1. Prior to the expiration
of a certificate of registration and as a condition of renewal, each
hearing aid dispenser registered pursuant to subdivision one of section
seven hundred ninety of this article shall submit documentation showing
successful completion of twenty continuing education credits through a
course or courses approved by the secretary in consultation with the
advisory board, or, in relation to audiologists licensed pursuant to
article one hundred fifty-nine of the education law, the office of the
professions in the education department. Such formal courses of learning
shall include, but not be limited to, collegiate level of credit in
non-credit courses, professional development programs and technical
sessions offered by national, state and local professional associations
and other organizations acceptable to the secretary and any other
organized educational and technical programs acceptable to the
secretary. The secretary may, in his or her discretion, and as needed to
contribute to the health and welfare of the public, require the
completion of continuing education courses in specific subjects to
fulfill this mandatory continuing education requirement. Courses shall
be taken from a sponsor approved by the secretary pursuant to
regulations promulgated pursuant to this section.

2. A hearing aid dispenser registered under paragraph (b) of
subdivision one of section seven hundred ninety of this article may
satisfy the requirements of subdivision one of this section by
demonstrating to the secretary compliance with such continuing
competency requirements as are prescribed by article one hundred
fifty-nine of the education law, provided, however, that, such persons
shall submit documentation showing the successful completion of four
continuing education credits relating to the dispensing of hearing aids.

3. (a) Within one year of the effective date of this article, the
secretary shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing the
method, content and supervision requirements for the continuing
education course or courses provided for in this section. Properly
prepared written materials of the subject matter of each course shall be
distributed and each course shall be taught by an instructor who meets
requirements established by the secretary upon the recommendation of the
board. Any person or organization offering a course shall apply to the
secretary for authorization to offer such course or courses pursuant to
said rules and regulations.

(b) Credits shall be awarded based on one hour of credit for each
sixty minutes of participation. The secretary may prescribe the form or
forms on which participation and credits are documented. At the
conclusion of each approved course, a certificate of completion shall be
transmitted to the secretary.