(a)
A licensee who began graduate study prior to January 1, 2004, shall complete a three-hour continuing education course in aging and long-term care during his or her first renewal period after the operative date of this section, and shall submit to the board evidence acceptable to the board of the person’s satisfactory completion of the course.
(b)
The course shall include, but is not limited to, the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging. On and after January 1, 2012, this coursework shall include instruction on the assessment and reporting of, as well as treatment related to, elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect.
(c)
Any person seeking to meet the requirements of subdivision (a) of this section may submit to the board a certificate evidencing completion of equivalent courses in aging and long-term care taken prior to the operative date of this section, or proof of equivalent teaching or practice experience. The board, in its discretion, may accept that certification as meeting the requirements of this section.
(d)
The board may not renew an applicant’s license until the applicant has met the requirements of this section.
(e)
Continuing education courses taken pursuant to this section shall be applied to the 36 hours of approved continuing education required in Section 4996.22.
(f)
This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005.