Pennsylvania Code
Title 49 - PROFESSIONAL AND VOCATIONAL STANDARDS
Part I - DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Subpart A - PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL AFFAIRS
Chapter 23 - STATE BOARD OF OPTOMETRY
INTERPRETATIONS
Section 23.301 - Interpretation relating to sources of continuing education hours-statement of policy

(a) Purpose. This statement of policy is intended to clarify to the regulated community the Board's current interpretation of "individual study" contained in § 23.86 (relating to sources of continuing education hours).

(b) Background. As a requirement for optometry license renewal, under § 23.82 (relating to continuing education hour requirements; continuing education reporting; audit and enforcement), licensees must complete at least 30 hours of Board approved continuing education in each biennial renewal period. This continuing education must be taken from a Board-approved optometry continuing education provider listed in § 23.86(a). Section 23.86(g) allows for up to 15 hours of the required 30 hours to be individualized study programs. Taped study programs, online or webinar programs and journal courses are considered individual study programs. At a minimum, 50% of continuing education credits must be obtained from attendance at live, in person courses and programs. The Board has received inquiries regarding whether § 23.86(g) applies to "live virtual" courses and programs that are conducted through synchronous (real-time) audio and video communications where the instructor and participant can interact in real-time.

(c) Interpretation. For purposes of § 23.86(g), the Board interprets § 23.86(g) to exclude live virtual courses and programs that are conducted through synchronous (realtime) audio and video communications where the instructor and participant can interact in real-time. Stated differently, the Board considers live virtual courses and programs with real-time (synchronous) video and audio communication as live, in person, continuing education.