§ 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.