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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 4723-14 | Continuing Nursing Education

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 4723-14-01 | Definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Accredited provider" means an entity that has received accreditation through a nationally recognized system. An accredited provider is authorized to plan, present and award contact hours for continuing education activities.

(B) "Approved provider unit" means an entity whose continuing education system has been approved by an OBN approver according to this chapter, or who has been approved by a national accrediting body to provide continuing education in a health care field. An approved provider unit is authorized to plan, present and award contact hours for continuing education activities.

(C) "Asynchronous learning" means forms of education, instruction and learning that do not occur in the same space or at the same time.

(D) "Blended learning" is a combination of independent study materials and faculty directed education or enduring materials and faculty directed education.

(E) "Category A" means the portion of continuing education that meets the one hour requirement directly related to Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and the rules of the board as described in rule 4723-14-03 of the Administrative Code. To qualify as category A, the continuing education must be approved by the board, an OBN approver, or offered by an approved provider unit headquartered in the state of Ohio.

(F) "Clinical content" means that the continuing education being provided includes information about patients, patient care, clinical skills, or clinical knowledge.

(G) "Commercial support" means monetary or in-kind contributions given to the provider, or approved provider unit of a continuing education activity by an ineligible company that is used to pay for all or part of the costs of a continuing education activity.

(H) "Content integrity" means assuring the content of the education is evidence based and free from commercial bias and marketing.

(I) "Contact hour" means sixty minutes of continuing education, which may be determined by rounding to the nearest quarter hour.

(J) "Continuing education" means a learning activity that builds upon a prelicensure or precertification education program and enables a licensee or certificate holder to acquire or improve knowledge or skills that promote professional or technical development to enhance the licensee's or certificate holder's contribution to quality health care and pursuit of health care career goals according to rule 4723-14-05 of the Administrative Code.

(1) "Faculty-directed continuing education activity" means a continuing education activity in which faculty facilitate the pace and content of the activity, and the activity is one for which contact hours may be awarded. The activity may occur in settings such as a classroom, on-line, or via teleconference provided that one or more individuals is facilitating the pace of the activity.

(2) "Independent study continuing education activity" means a self-paced learning activity for which contact hours may be awarded that includes both a mechanism for evaluation of learning and feedback to the learner.

(3) "Enduring continuing education activity" means a provider-directed learner self-paced learning activity for which contact hours may be awarded.

(4) "Interprofessional continuing education" means a planned, organized learning experience designed for a target audience made up of members of two or more different professions.

(K) "Entity" means a corporation, whether for profit or nonprofit, a partnership, a limited liability company, or an unincorporated society or association, but does not include a natural person.

(L) "Ineligible Company" means an entity that produces, markets, re-sells or distributes health care goods or services consumed by or used on patients, or that is owned or controlled by an entity that produces, markets, re-sells or distributes health care goods or services consumed by, or used on patients.

(M) "Marketing" means the process of promoting, selling and distributing a product or service. It includes advertising, selling and delivering products.

(N) "OBN" means the Ohio board of nursing.

(O) "OBN approver" means an approver of continuing education, headquartered in the state of Ohio, that has successfully completed the approval or reapproval process set forth in rules 4723-14-09 and 4723-14-10 of the Administrative Code.

(P) "Planned learning activity" means an educational experience which meets the requirements of this chapter and that may include interprofessional continuing education.

(Q) "Proof of completion of continuing education" means a document or other verification that is issued by a continuing education provider as evidence of successful completion of a continuing education activity, and that meets the requirements set forth in rule 4723-14-06 of the Administrative Code.

(R) "Provider" means an entity that has received approval to plan and present faculty-directed, enduring, or independent study continuing education activities.

(S) "Reactivate" means to change the status of a license or certificate from inactive to active.

(T) "Reinstate" means to change the status of a license or certificate from lapsed or suspended to reinstated.

(U) "Reporting period" or "renewal period" means:

(1) For a licensed practical nurse, November first through October thirty-first in the even numbered years;

(2) For a registered nurse, November first through October thirty-first in the odd numbered years;

(3) For an advanced practice registered nurse, November first through October thirty-first in the odd numbered years;

(4) For an Ohio certified dialysis technician, April first through March thirty-first in the odd numbered years;

(5) For a certified community health worker, April first through March thirty-first in the odd numbered years;

(6) For a certified medication aide, the renewal period as specified in Chapter 4723-27 of the Administrative Code.

(V) "Waiver" means a one-time exception from meeting the continuing education requirement set forth in section 4723.24 of the Revised Code and rules 4723-8-10, 4723-14-03, 4723-23-06, and 4723-26-05 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated February 1, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2001
Rule 4723-14-03 | Continuing education requirement for licensed practical and registered nurses.
 

(A) A nurse applying to renew an active license to practice nursing as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in Ohio must complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education during the renewal period, unless an exception applies, and at least one of the required hours needs to be in category A continuing education.

(1) For the period immediately following licensure by examination, a nurse who holds an active license to practice nursing in Ohio is not required to complete any contact hours of continuing education for the first license renewal;

(2) A nurse who has been licensed by endorsement in Ohio for one year or less must complete twelve contact hours of continuing education;

(3) A nurse who has been licensed by endorsement in Ohio for more than one year must complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education.

(B) A licensed practical nurse who has an active license as a registered nurse in Ohio is not required to meet the continuing education requirement for renewal of the license to practice as a practical nurse.

(C) A nurse from another jurisdiction who applies for licensure by endorsement to practice as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse in Ohio is required to complete two contact hours of category A continuing education in order to be eligible for licensure.

(D) In order to renew, applicants must attest to completion of the continuing education required by this rule on the application for renewal. The board may require a renewal applicant to show proof of completion of continuing education. If the board requests proof of continuing education and the applicant fails to provide proof to the board before the end of the renewal period, the license shall lapse.

(E) To reactivate an inactive license or to reinstate a lapsed license to practice as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, the applicant must complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education during the twenty-four month period immediately before the application date.

(1) If the license of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse has been inactive or lapsed in Ohio less than two years, or the applicant holds a current, valid license in another jurisdiction, the continuing education shall be twenty-four contact hours of continuing education that includes one hour of category A.

(2) If the license of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse has been inactive or lapsed in Ohio for two years or more, and the applicant does not hold a current, valid license in another jurisdiction, the continuing education must consist of twenty-four contact hours. The twenty-four contact hours must include two contact hours of category A with learning outcomes that address scopes of practice for registered and licensed practical nurses, standards of safe practice, and nursing delegation.

(F) A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse who requests that a license to practice be placed on inactive status is not required to meet the continuing education requirement for the period during which the license is on inactive status. To return to active status, the nurse must meet the continuing education requirements in paragraph (E) of this rule.

(G) A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse may use a waiver to satisfy the continuing education requirement for one renewal period only if the nurse notifies the board in writing requesting the waiver. Once a nurse notifies the board of the intent to use the waiver, the board will not accept a withdrawal of the request.

(H) A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse cannot use the waiver to satisfy the requirements of rule 4723-8-10 or 4723-14-07 of the Administrative Code, or to meet the requirements for reactivating or reinstating a license.

(I) A licensed practical nurse or registered nurse who earns more than the number of hours required by this chapter during a single renewal period cannot apply the extra hours to meet future renewal period continuing education requirements.

(J) One contact hour of education, that is directly related to recognition and handling of human trafficking victims, or victims of sexual assault, may qualify as part of the hours of continuing education required by paragraph (A), paragraph (E) or paragraph (K) of this rule for purposes of license or certificate renewal, reactivation or reinstatement.

(K) An individual holding a volunteer's certificate issued by the board according to section 4723.26 of the Revised Code must:

(1) To renew the certificate, complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education in the twenty-four month period immediately before the renewal application date, that meets the requirements of Chapter 4723-14 of the Administrative Code, and includes:

(a) Two contact hours of category A with learning outcomes that address standards of safe practice and nursing delegation;

(b) One contact hour that includes content in patient abuse, patient rights, and professional boundaries;

(c) Two contact hours that include content in the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse and the registered nurse;

(d) Two contact hours in nursing documentation;

(e) Three contact hours in principles of pain management;

(f) One contact hour that addresses the application of the nursing process and critical thinking related to patient care;

(g) One contact hour that includes content in maintaining patient confidentiality;

(h) Four contact hours in patient assessment and wound care;

(i) Four contact hours in medication administration and preventing medication errors; and

(j) Four contact hours relevant to the nurse's practice setting.

(2) To reactive an inactive certificate or reinstate a lapsed certificate, the applicant must complete the continuing education requirements specified in paragraph (K)(1) of this rule.

(L) For purposes of complying with the twenty-four hours of continuing education required by section 4723.24 of the Revised Code, a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse may satisfy up to eight hours by providing health care services as a volunteer if the following requirements are met:

(1) The licensee provides the health care services to an indigent and uninsured person as defined in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code;

(2) For registered nurses, the health care services provided are the practice of nursing as a registered nurse as defined in division (B) of section 4723.01 of the Revised Code;

(3) For licensed practical nurses, the health care services provided are the practice of nursing as a licensed practical nurse as defined in division (F) of section 4723.01 of the Revised Code;

(4) The health care services provided are provided as a volunteer, as that term is defined in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code;

(5) The licensee satisfies the requirements of section 2305.234 of the Revised Code to qualify for the immunity from liability granted under that section;

(6) One hour of continuing education may be awarded for each sixty minutes documented as spent providing health care services as a volunteer;

(7) The licensed practical nurse or registered nurse obtains, and maintains for a period of six years following the date the health care services are provided, a signed statement from a person at the health care facility or location where the health care services were performed indicating:

(a) The date and time period the licensee performed the health care services;

(b) That the recipient of the health care services was indigent and uninsured as defined in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code; and

(c) That the licensee provided the health care services as a volunteer as defined in section 2305.234 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.26
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1998, 2/1/2007, 2/1/2013, 2/1/2015
Rule 4723-14-04 | Determining the continuing education credit.
 

(A) The official unit of measure for continuing education credit for licensees and certificate holders is the contact hour, as defined in paragraph (I) of rule 4723-14-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) The calculation of contact hours based on credit hours earned in an academic institution is as follows:

(1) For credit hours earned on an academic quarter system, one credit hour is equivalent to ten contact hours;

(2) For credit hours earned on an academic trimester system, one credit hour is equivalent to twelve contact hours;

(3) For credit hours earned on an academic semester system, one credit hour is equivalent to fifteen contact hours; and

(4) For credit hours that have not been identified as quarters, semesters, or trimesters, one credit hour is equivalent to ten contact hours.

(C) The amount of continuing education credit designated on a certificate issued according to rule 4723-14-06 of the Administrative Code by the provider or approval body will be the amount accepted by the board.

(D) The OBN approver shall determine the minimum number of contact hours to be awarded.

(E) A licensee or certificate holder who is engaged in active military duty may be eligible for an extension of time to complete continuing education as provided in rule 4723-2-04 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1996, 4/1/1998, 2/1/2013
Rule 4723-14-05 | Educational activities that do and do not meet the continuing education requirement.
 

(A) Any of the following options may be used by a licensee or certificate holder to meet the continuing education requirements set forth in section 4723.24 of the Revised Code, this chapter, or Chapter 4723-23, 4723-26 or 4723-27 of the Administrative Code:

(1) A continuing education activity that has been approved by an OBN approver or provided by an approved provider unit;

(2) A continuing education activity that has been approved by a board or agency regulating the licensee or certificate holder in another jurisdiction;

(3) A continuing education activity that has been approved or provided by a nationally recognized accreditation system of continuing education or a national certifying organization that meets the requirements in division (A) of section 4723.46 of the Revised Code;

(4) A successfully completed course provided by an accredited educational institution for which academic credit is awarded to the licensee or certificate holder;

(5) An independent study continuing education activity, or an enduring continuing education activity, as defined in rule 4723-14-01 of the Administrative Code;

(6) Interprofessional continuing education as defined in rule 4723-14-01 of the Administrative Code;

(7) A continuing education activity that has been approved by a board or an agency that regulates a health care profession or related discipline in Ohio or another jurisdiction;

(8) Continuing education credit may be given to a licensee or certificate holder who develops and presents a course or activity, or develops an independent study continuing education activity, or an enduring continuing education activity, as follows:

(a) For the first time a presentation is given, the licensee or certificate holder who develops and presents the course or activity shall be awarded the same number of contact hours as the participant receives for the presentation. Contact hours shall only be awarded for the first time a presentation is given;

(b) For an independent study continuing education activity, or an enduring continuing education activity, the number of contact hours awarded to the licensee or certificate holder who develops the independent study or enduring activity shall be equal to the number of contact hours awarded to participants who complete the independent study or enduring activity;

(c) A licensee or certificate holder who presents a portion of an activity may receive continuing education contact hours for additional portions of the activity the licensee or certificate holder attends but does not present.

(9) The board may award contact hours for a board-approved continuing education activity.

(10) A nurse who completes CE activities defined in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(9) of the Administrative Code, shall retain and submit upon audit or request of the board proof of completion of continuing education as contained in rule 4723-14-06 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Except as provided for advanced practice registered nurses in paragraph (C) of this rule, the following activities cannot be used by a licensee or certificate holder to meet the continuing education requirements set forth in section 4723.24 of the Revised Code, this chapter, or Chapter 4723-23, 4723-26 or 4723-27 of the Administrative Code:

(1) Repetition of any educational activity with identical content and course outcomes within a single reporting period;

(2) Self-directed learning such as reading of texts or journal articles that has not been approved as an independent study or an enduring activity or awarded contact hours by an accredited or approved provider or provider unit;

(3) Participation in clinical practice or research that is not part of a continuing education activity;

(4) A personal development activity;

(5) Professional meetings or conventions except for those portions designated as a continuing education activity;

(6) Community service or volunteer practice, unless the service or practice qualifies under paragraph (L) of rule 4723-14-03 of the Administrative Code;

(7) Continuing education ordered by the board pursuant to section 4723.28, 4723.282, 4723.652 or 4723.86 of the Revised Code; or

(8) Membership in a professional organization.

(C) The continuing education required of an advanced practice registered nurse to maintain certification by a national certifying organization shall be applied toward the continuing education requirements for renewal of a license to practice as a registered nurse and advanced practice registered nurse if the continuing education is obtained through a program or course meeting the requirement of paragraph (A) of this rule. Notwithstanding paragraph (B) of this rule, if the activity is approved or provided by a national certifying organization, which meets the requirements of division (A) of section 4723.46 of the Revised Code, the activity may include the following:

(1) Self-directed learning such as reading or reviewing of texts or journal articles;

(2) Participation in clinical practice, research or mission trips;

(3) Professional meetings or conventions; or

(4) Precepting, teaching or conducting public education courses.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.79, 4723.07, 4723.69
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1997, 2/1/2004, 2/1/2008, 2/1/2014
Rule 4723-14-06 | Proof of completion of continuing education.
 

(A) A licensee or certificate holder must keep proof of completion of continuing education for six years.

(B) Upon board request, the licensee or certificate holder shall immediately provide the board proof of completion of continuing education, including the following:

(1) A copy of the certificate issued by the provider that meets the requirements set forth in this rule;

(2) A school transcript or grade report that meets the requirements set forth in this rule; or

(3) Other documentation that meets the requirements set forth in this rule.

(C) The certificate issued by the provider shall include the following:

(1) The authorized OBN approver number;

(2) Information about the accreditation system, if any;

(3) Space for the name of the attendee;

(4) Title of the program;

(5) Date of the program;

(6) Name and address of the provider;

(7) The number of contact hours earned; and

(8) When applicable, a statement that includes the number of category A hours and any other specific continuing education hours required under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and this chapter for certain licensees or certificate holders.

(D) The certificate issued by an approval body that meets the criteria of this chapter, but that is not an OBN approved provider, shall include the following:

(1) Space for the name of the attendee;

(2) Title of the program;

(3) Date of the program;

(4) Name of the provider;

(5) The number of contact hours earned; and

(6) The name of the authorized approver or the name of the approval body.

(E) For a course completed for academic credit, the school transcript or grade report shall include the following:

(1) The name of the student;

(2) The name of the school attended;

(3) The dates attended; and

(4) The credit hours awarded.

(F) Individuals seeking continuing education credit for first time presentation of a course for which contact hours were awarded, as referenced in paragraph (A)(8) of rule 4723-14-05 of the Administrative Code, shall supply the following:

(1) Original date of the activity;

(2) Length of the presentation;

(3) Title of the activity;

(4) The authorized OBN approver number, or name of the authorized approver if not OBN;

(5) Name of the provider;

(6) Outcomes for the activity; and

(7) Number of contact hours awarded for the presenter's presentation.

(G) If the information required by this rule is not included on the certificate, transcript, or grade report, the licensee or certificate holder shall obtain from the provider or academic institution a letter or other documentation satisfactory to the board that supplies the required information.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2001, 2/1/2008
Rule 4723-14-07 | Continuing education audit.
 

(A) The board may conduct an audit of any licensee or certificate holder to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. The audit shall be conducted as follows:

(1) The board will notify the licensee or certificate holder of the audit;

(2) The audit notice will reference the reporting period for which the licensee or certificate holder is required to provide proof of completion of continuing education;

(3) Within sixty days after the mailing of the audit notice, the licensee or certificate holder shall submit proof of completion of continuing education for the specified licensure or certification period to the board.

(B) If the documentation submitted to the board by the licensee or certificate holder in response to an audit notice indicates noncompliance with the continuing education requirements, the board shall send notice of noncompliance to the licensee or certificate holder. The notice may indicate any action the licensee or certificate holder is required to take to avoid being ineligible to renew the license or certificate on the next scheduled renewal date.

(C) A licensee or certificate holder who fails to respond to an audit or noncompliance notice, or who fails to provide proof to the board of meeting the required continuing education, will not be provided a renewal application, and is not eligible for renewal, reactivation or reinstatement of the license or certificate until all continuing education requirements are satisfied.

(D) A licensee or certificate holder who is ineligible to renew, reinstate or reactivate due to failure to comply with continuing education requirements is required to provide to the board proof of completion of up to forty-eight hours of continuing education in the forty-eight month period immediately before the application date in order to renew, reinstate, or reactivate their license or certificate.

(E) A licensee or certificate holder cannot use a waiver instead of providing the board proof of completed continuing education after receiving an audit notice.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2002, 2/1/2008, 2/1/2013
Rule 4723-14-08 | General requirements for an Ohio board of nursing (OBN) approver.
 

(A) A provider unit, headquartered in Ohio, that has been operating for a minimum of three years may apply to the board to become an OBN approver of continuing education if it is:

(1) A nursing or dialysis technician organization;

(2) A nursing education program;

(3) A dialysis technician training program; or

(4) A nursing or dialysis technician continuing education department.

(B) The OBN approver applicant shall demonstrate to the board its ability to determine that a provider of continuing education meets the standards set forth in this chapter.

(C) Upon approval by the board, an OBN approver will be issued an approver number.

(D) An OBN approver must use its assigned approver number on all written material and must have a mechanism to ensure that all providers approved by the OBN approver use the number.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1991, 2/1/1996
Rule 4723-14-09 | Process to obtain initial approval as an OBN approver.
 

[Comment: Information regarding the availability and effective date of the materials incorporated by reference in this rule can be found in paragraph (G) of rule 4723-1-03 of the Administrative Code.]

(A) To become an OBN approver the following shall be submitted to the board:

(1) A completed "OBN Approver Application," that includes, with respect to the proposed OBN approver:

(a) Demographic data;

(b) An organizational overview and goals related to operating as an OBN approver;

(c) Information regarding material resources and physical facilities;

(d) A budget plan;

(e) A description of the record-keeping system to be used;

(f) A description of the proposed evaluation process;

(g) An organizational table showing staff responsibilities;

(h) A description of the process for approving providers or provider units that includes peer review directed by a registered nurse who holds a current, valid license issued by the board, a master's degree and either:

(i) Has a background or education in adult education; or

(ii) Has documented knowledge of the continuing education process;

(i) A copy of the policies required by rule 4723-14-12 of the Administrative Code.

(2) An attestation that the information provided to the board is true and accurate.

(B) The board may conduct a site visit of the proposed OBN approver to verify the accuracy of the information submitted to the board in the application process.

(C) The board shall notify the proposed OBN approver in writing if additional information is needed. The notice shall specify a time frame for submission of the requested information.

(D) At a regularly scheduled board meeting the board shall review a summary of the completed application submitted by the proposed OBN approver and any other information required by the board to determine compliance with this chapter. After review the board will:

(1) Grant initial approval, and assign an OBN approver number, to the proposed OBN approver for a period of two years;

(2) Deny approval based on the proposed OBN approver's failure to meet requirements contained in this rule as identified by the board; or

(3) Defer action pending submission by the proposed OBN approver of additional information that addresses the requirements of this rule that were not met as identified by the board.

(E) The board shall provide written notice of its decision to the proposed OBN approver. A denial of approval shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(F) A proposed OBN approver shall not approve a continuing education activity or provider unit until authorized by the board to do so.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1993
Rule 4723-14-10 | Reapproval of an OBN approver.
 

(A) The board may conduct a site visit of the OBN approver to determine compliance with this chapter prior to reapproval of the approver.

(B) After reviewing a summary report and supporting documentation related to the site visit, the board shall:

(1) Grant reapproval to the OBN approver for no more than five years;

(2) Deny reapproval based on any of the reasons listed in paragraph (B) of rule 4723-14-11 of the Administrative Code;

(3) Defer action pending submission of additional information by the OBN approver that addresses the requirements of this chapter that were not met as identified by the board; or

(4) Extend the time period for approval in order to provide the board additional time to consider the reapproval application.

(C) A decision by the board to deny reapproval shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 8:58 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07
Amplifies: 4723.24
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1996, 2/1/2000
Rule 4723-14-11 | Termination of OBN approver status.
 

(A) The board may conduct an audit of an OBN approver at any time. The audit may include a site visit or a request for any information needed to determine compliance with this chapter.

(B) The following may constitute grounds for termination of an OBN approver's approval status:

(1) Failure to maintain compliance with this chapter;

(2) Failure to submit information required by the board within the time frame established by the board;

(3) Refusal to cooperate during a site visit conducted by the board; or

(4) Providing false, misleading, or deceptive statements, or submitting or causing to be submitted any false, misleading or deceptive information, or documentation to the board or any representative of the board.

(C) A board proposal to terminate OBN approver status shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The board may enter a settlement with the OBN approver, or may order continued approval, terminate approval, or continue approval with conditions or restrictions.

(D) An OBN approver may voluntarily surrender its approval status. Upon surrender, the OBN approver must comply with the requirements in rule 4723-14-18 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07
Amplifies: 4723.24
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Rule 4723-14-12 | OBN approver processes and statements.
 

(A) An OBN approver shall establish, implement, and enforce processes that address the following:

(1) The scope of the approver's approval activities including identification of the target audience of providers and the type of applications to be approved;

(2) Qualifications and responsibilities of all paid or volunteer staff members of the approver, including a mechanism for identifying and handling potential conflicts of interest for individuals involved in the approval process;

(3) A peer review process to be used for review and approval of all continuing education activities;

(4) A process to ensure that documentation of a planned activity satisfies the requirements of this chapter;

(5) An application process and guidelines for approval and reapproval of faculty-directed, enduring, and independent study continuing education activities, according to rules 4723-14-15 and 4723-14-16 of the Administrative Code, that ensure:

(a) The approval or reapproval process is completed prior to the date the continuing education activity is offered; and

(b) The content of the activity meets the criteria for approval set forth in paragraph (J) of rule 4723-14-01 of the Administrative Code;

(6) An application process and guidelines for approval and reapproval to be used by an approved provider unit that applies to have its continuing education system approved according to rule 4723-14-17 of the Administrative Code. The process must ensure that the internal review and documentation used by the approved provider unit are completed before the date continuing education activity is offered;

(7) The documentation, review process, and record-keeping to be used by the OBN approver offering its own continuing education activities that ensure all documentation and reviews are completed before the date continuing education activity is offered;

(8) The process for awarding contact hours for a continuing education activity, including a statement of minimum requirements an individual must meet to receive contact hours;

(9) The process for ensuring content integrity and that the primary purpose of a continuing education activity is not to promote the sale of items or services;

(10) If any commercial support is provided for an educational activity, the continuing education provider will maintain control of the educational content and disclose the existence of the commercial support to the learner;

(11) For clinical content only, the provider will disclose to learners that there is no relevant financial relationship with an ineligible company involving anyone with the ability to control content of the educational activity, or, if there is a relevant relationship with an ineligible company, that it has been mitigated by the provider. The provider will disclose to the learner the name of the individual, the type of relationship and the name of the ineligible company;

(12) Exhibits shall not be set up or positioned in such a way that will influence or distract a learner from the educational activity;

(13) A system for record-keeping that ensures the following records are maintained, safely stored, and readily retrievable for a minimum of six years:

(a) A copy of the entire application package submitted to the board by the OBN approver and all reapproval applications;

(b) A copy of each continuing education application reviewed by the OBN approver with all attachments;

(c) Documentation of the review and action taken on each application;

(d) A copy of any letter stating OBN approver decisions and all other pertinent correspondence; and

(e) All additional or clarifying information concerning the application;

(14) An evaluation process that provides for evaluation of the activities of the OBN approver;

(15) The process for assuring that the OBN approver number is used in all correspondence and advertising as required by paragraph (E) or (F) of rule 4723-14-14 of the Administrative Code;

(16) The process for development and distribution to the public of material related to approval activities including a current list of continuing education activities approved or offered by the OBN approver;

(17) Possible actions an OBN approver may take in response to an application for approval submitted by a continuing education provider, including the time period for notifying the applicant regarding the action taken;

(18) The actions a continuing education provider may take while an application for approval of a continuing education activity is pending before an OBN approver, including a process for appealing a negative decision by the approver;

(19) The process for withdrawal of approval of a continuing education provider's activity or system that includes a description of the circumstances that can lead to loss of approval and the process used to notify consumers regarding the loss of approval;

(20) Publication of deadlines for submitting continuing education provider applications and fees for the approval process;

(21) The process for documenting a review conducted by the OBN approver in response to complaints received about a provider or provider unit.

(B) An OBN approver must have goals that are consistent with the requirements of this chapter.

(C) An OBN approver must establish a means to review the provider unit during the three year approval period, that may include on-site visits to the provider unit, or review of documentation requested by the OBN approver.

Last updated February 1, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1991, 4/1/1993, 4/1/1998, 2/1/2014, 2/1/2023
Rule 4723-14-13 | Reports to the board by an OBN approver.
 

(A) An OBN approver must give written notice to the board within thirty days of any significant change in the:

(1) Approval system;

(2) Key personnel directly responsible for the approval system including peer reviewers and the primary contact for the OBN approver;

(3) Structure of the administration that influences the functioning of the approver;

(4) Ownership of the OBN approver; or

(5) The OBN approver's activities.

(B) An OBN approver must provide the board all data about its approval activities as requested by the board within the time frame established by the board.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 8:59 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.79, 4723.69, 4723.07
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.77, 4723.651
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/2003
Rule 4723-14-14 | Approval of a continuing education provider or approved provider unit.
 

(A) An OBN approver may approve the individual continuing education activities offered by a provider or may approve the entire continuing education system of an approved provider unit.

(B) A continuing education activity offered by a provider or approved provider unit may be faculty-directed, an independent study, an enduring activity, or blended learning as defined in rule 4723-14-01 of the Administrative Code.

(C) An OBN approver may grant a provider approval of an individual continuing education activity for two years, or grant approval to an approved provider unit for its entire continuing education system for up to three years provided:

(1) For an individual continuing education activity, the provider notifies the OBN approver of all additional dates the activity will be offered and of any change to the activity; or

(2) For an approved provider unit whose entire continuing education system has been approved, the approved provider unit maintains records of additional dates and any change to the repeated activity.

(D) An OBN approver may present its own continuing education activity provided the approver ensures that documentation of a planned activity meets the requirements of this chapter.

(E) If approved by an OBN approver, all marketing for the continuing education activity must include the approval status and the OBN approver number.

(F) If approval by an OBN approver is not yet determined, marketing for a continuing education activity must include a statement that directs any interested party to contact the provider to obtain information regarding approval status.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 9:00 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1991, 2/1/2001, 2/1/2003
Rule 4723-14-15 | Approval of a faculty-directed continuing education activity.
 

(A) Each application for approval of a continuing education activity, other than an independent study activity, submitted by a continuing education provider to an OBN approver must document all of the following:

(1) Availability of adequate resources to be used for administering and planning the continuing education activity, including identification of the person responsible for its administration and planning;

(2) The process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of a continuing education activity occurs under the direction of a registered nurse or a planning committee that includes at least one registered nurse, and at least one licensed practical nurse if the target audience includes licensed practical nurses;

(3) Identification of the target audience and appropriate outcomes for the identified target audience;

(4) Inclusion of learning outcomes for each segment of the continuing education activity that are appropriate for the identified target audience;

(5) Identification of a content outline reflecting continuing education principles, practice, and needs of the target audience;

(6) Identification of faculty credentials that include the specific qualifications of each faculty member for the topic area to be presented;

(7) A process ensuring the approved provider maintains control of, and responsibility for, all aspects of meeting and maintaining the continuing education requirements set forth in Chapter 4723-14 of the Administrative Code;

(8) If any commercial support is provided for an education activity the continuing education provider will maintain control of the educational content and disclose to the learner the existence of commercial support;

(9) The provider will disclose to learners that there is no relevant relationship with an ineligible company for anyone with the ability to control content of the educational activity, or if there is, it has been mitigated by the provider. The provider will disclose to the learner the name of the individual, the type of relationship and the name of the ineligible company;

(10) Exhibits shall not be set up or positioned in such a way that will influence or distract a learner from the educational activity;

(11) Evaluation of the continuing education activity that addresses the achievement of program outcomes;

(12) Identification of criteria for successful completion of the continuing education activity that are communicated to the participant before the continuing education activity; and

(13) The method used for determining the number of contact hours to be awarded.

(B) Any marketing materials for the continuing education activity must be completed according to rule 4723-14-14 of the Administrative Code and must be submitted to the OBN approver for review. A draft may be submitted with the application with a final copy to be submitted for the record.

(1) All marketing for the continuing education activity shall include the approval status and the OBN approver number; and

(2) If approval by the OBN approver is not yet determined, marketing for a continuing education activity shall include a statement that directs any interested party to contact the provider to obtain information regarding approval status.

(C) A document verifying completion of a continuing education activity must be given by the continuing education provider to all attendees who meet the requirements to receive contact hours. The document shall include:

(1) A space for the name of the attendee;

(2) The title of the program;

(3) The date of the program;

(4) The name and address of the provider of the continuing education activity;

(5) The name of the OBN approver and OBN approver number;

(6) The number of contact hours earned;

(7) When applicable, a statement that includes the number of category A hours, or a statement that includes the number of contact hours and a description of the following:

(a) Continuing education for non-certified clinical nurse specialists as described in rule 4723-8-10 of the Administrative Code;

(b) Continuing education for dialysis care as described in rule 4723-23-06 of the Administrative Code;

(c) Continuing education in advanced pharmacology for an advanced practice registered nurse designated as a clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse-midwife as described in section 4723.24 of the Revised Code;

(d) Continuing education for an advanced practice registered nurse designated as a clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse practitioner in the detection of concussion, its clinical features, assessment techniques, and the principles of safe return to play protocols as set forth in rule 4723-8-11 of the Administrative Code; and

(8) When applicable, indication of contact hours for the initial presentation of the continuing education activity by the presenter.

(D) Records must be maintained by the provider offering the continuing education activity in a safe, secure, and accessible manner for at least six years and shall include the following for each continuing education activity approved:

(1) A complete copy of all application data;

(2) All correspondence with the OBN approver;

(3) A list of all attendees who were issued contact hours for each date the continuing education activity was offered that includes the number of contact hours granted to each;

(4) A summary evaluation of the continuing education activity; and

(5) Any change made to the program during its approval period.

(E) During the period of approval, the provider offering the continuing education activity approved by the OBN approver must notify the OBN approver of:

(1) Any additional presentation dates; and

(2) Any change made to the continuing education activity as submitted in the original application.

(F) An OBN approver may approve an individually submitted continuing education activity that complies with the standards set forth in this rule. The approval may be granted for up to two years.

(G) An application for reapproval of an individually submitted continuing education activity may be simplified according to policies established by the OBN approver.

Last updated February 1, 2023 at 9:00 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 2/1/1996
Rule 4723-14-16 | Approval of an independent study continuing education activity.
 

(A) An application for approval of an independent study continuing education activity submitted by a provider to an OBN approver must include documentation of all of the requirements contained in paragraphs (A) to (D) of rule 4723-14-15 of the Administrative Code in addition to the following:

(1) Documentation of the qualifications of the author of the independent study package and those of the individual providing feedback to the learner;

(2) A description of the entire independent study package that outlines all activities of the learner, all materials to be used, and the method the learner is to use to gain access to, or interact with, the provider of the independent study;

(3) Documentation of the effectiveness of the independent study in meeting outcomes, and of the rationale used to determine the number of contact hours to be awarded; and

(4) An evaluation mechanism that includes a method for providing feedback to the learner.

(B) An OBN approver may approve an individually submitted independent study continuing education activity that complies with the requirements of this rule. The approval may be valid for up to two years.

(C) An application for reapproval of an individually submitted independent study continuing education activity may be simplified according to policies established by the OBN approver.

Last updated June 8, 2023 at 9:30 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1998
Rule 4723-14-17 | Approval of the continuing education system of a provider unit.
 

(A) An OBN approver may elect to approve and reapprove the continuing education system of a proposed provider unit for a specified period of time, not to exceed three years. The approval and reapproval processes shall be based on an in-depth analysis by the OBN approver of the ability of the proposed provider unit to meet the board continuing education requirements set forth in this chapter, and to maintain the requirements during the approval period. The applicant for initial approved provider unit status must include documentation demonstrating the proposed provider unit:

(1) Has the ability to meet the board continuing education requirements set forth in this chapter by having received approval for a specified number of continuing education activities or contact hours before applying for approval of the continuing education system;

(2) Is an identifiable unit and has goals consistent with the requirements of this chapter;

(3) Has sufficient resources to meet and maintain board requirements of this chapter including a registered nurse responsible for the planning and implementation of continuing education activities;

(4) Documents planned learning activities that meet the requirements of this chapter;

(5) The proposed provider unit must have the following ready to implement:

(a) A process ensuring that all continuing education requirements contained in this chapter are to be met and maintained;

(b) A process to ensure that all the required planning documentation is completed before presentation of the continuing education activity, and that the required records are completed after the presentation and maintained according to rule 4723-14-12 of the Administrative Code;

(c) A process ensuring the approved provider unit maintains control of, and responsibility for, all aspects of meeting and maintaining continuing education requirements set forth in this chapter;

(d) A process requiring that all marketing used by the provider meets the requirements of rule 4723-14-14 of the Administrative Code;

(e) A process requiring ongoing evaluation of the approved provider unit's system;

(f) If any commercial support is provided for an activity, the continuing education provider will maintain control of the educational content and disclose the existence of commercial support to the learner;

(g) For clinical content only, the provider will disclose to learners that there is no relevant financial relationship with an ineligible company for anyone with the ability to control content of the educational activity, or if there is, it has been mitigated by the provider. The provider will disclose to the learner the name of the individual, the type of relationship and the name of the ineligible company;

(h) Exhibits shall not be set up or positioned in such a way that will influence or distract a learner from the educational activity; and

(6) The applicant for approved provider unit status must submit to the OBN approver complete documentation of a continuing education activity that has been previously approved by an OBN approver. The documentation must demonstrate that the requirements for a continuing education activity required by this chapter are met.

(B) For reapproval, an approved provider unit must submit to the OBN approver, at a minimum, updated processes and sample documentation for a continuing education activity demonstrating that the requirements in rules 4723-14-15 and 4723-14-16 of the Administrative Code are met. The documentation must include the following:

(1) Marketing material;

(2) A description of how continuing education rules have been followed during the approval time period;

(3) Results of the approved provider units evaluation process; and

(4) Any additional information requested by the OBN approver.

(C) An approved provider unit must give written notice to the OBN approver within thirty days of any significant change in the:

(1) Provider system;

(2) Key personnel directly responsible for the provider system including the registered nurse responsible for the planning and implementation of activities as required by paragraph (A)(3) of rule 4723-14-17 of the Administrative Code, and the primary contact for the provider;

(3) Structure of the administration that influences the functioning of the provider;

(4) Ownership of the approved provider unit; or

(5) Approved provider unit activities.

(D) An approved provider unit shall not approve continuing education activities. An approved provider unit is authorized to award contact hours only for those continuing education activities that have been planned and implemented by the approved provider unit according to the requirements of this chapter, including having a registered nurse responsible for the planning and implementation of activities as required by paragraph (A)(3) of rule 4723-14-17 of the Administrative Code.

(E) Records must be maintained by the approved provider unit in a safe, secure, and accessible manner for at least six years, and must include:

(1) A complete copy of the provider unit application submitted to the OBN approver and all related correspondence;

(2) Copies of all continuing education activity files including:

(a) Documentation for a continuing education activity required by paragraphs (A) to (C) of rule 4723-14-15 of the Administrative Code, or documentation for an independent study required by rule 4723-14-16 of the Administrative Code;

(b) A list of all attendees who were awarded contact hours for each date the continuing education activity was offered that includes the number of contact hours awarded to each;

(c) A summary evaluation for each date the continuing education activity is offered; and

(d) Any changes made to the activity during the time the activity was offered to learners.

Last updated February 1, 2024 at 9:33 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.07, 4723.69, 4723.79
Amplifies: 4723.24, 4723.651, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/15/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/1993, 4/1/1998
Rule 4723-14-18 | Voluntary termination of approval activities.
 

(A) An OBN approver who intends to terminate its approval status must establish and implement a plan for the orderly transfer of approver activities before the anticipated termination date, as follows:

(1) The OBN approver must give written notice to the board of its intent to surrender its OBN approver status at least six months before the anticipated termination date;

(2) The OBN approver must give written notice to all of its approved providers of continuing education activities that it intends to surrender its OBN approver status at least six months before the anticipated termination date;

(3) At least thirty days before the anticipated termination date, the OBN approver must give written notice to the board that includes the status of its approved provider units and the OBN approvers plan; and

(4) On or before the termination date, the OBN approver must identify a custodian of records and a record maintenance plan to ensure that the records will be maintained for at least six years, as required by rule 4723-14-12 of the Administrative Code.

(B) In the event an OBN approver must immediately cease its activities and is unable to comply with the time frames included in this rule, the OBN approver must identify a custodian of records and a record maintenance plan to ensure that the records will be maintained for at least six years, as required by rule 4723-14-12 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4723.79, 4723.69, 4723.07
Amplifies: 4723.651, 4723.24, 4723.77
Five Year Review Date: 10/5/2027