OAR 833-080-0031: Continuing Education Content

Policy. Continuing education must be a learning activity that contributes directly to the professional competence of the licensee. (1) Continuing education content must focus on increasing knowledge and/or skills in the following substantive areas relevant to the field: (a) Counseling or marriage and family therapy theory & techniques; (b) Human development and family studies; (c) Social and cultural foundations in counseling or marriage and family therapy; (d) The helping relationship; (e) Group dynamics; (f) Life style and career development; (g) DSM diagnosis and assessment; (h) Research and evaluation; (i) Professional orientation and ethics; (j) Professional supervision training; (k) Disability and life transitions; (l) Substance abuse; (m) Psychopharmacology; (n) Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. (2) The program must be conducted by a qualified instructor or discussion leader, which means a person whose background, training, education, or experience makes it appropriate for the person to make a presentation or lead a discussion on the subject matter. (3) Evidence of completion must be obtained and/or documented in accordance with OAR 833-080-0051. (4) Activities which do not qualify for continuing education include: (a) Marketing, investments, and practice building strategies; (b) Yoga, Pilates, therapeutic massage, or martial arts; (c) Staff meetings or consultation; (d) Word processing computer skills; (e) Organizing or participating in awareness campaigns; (f) Blogs, vlogs, or podcasts; (g) Nutrition or self-help courses; (h) Program content that is outside of a licensee’s authorized scope of practice or that lacks a demonstrable basis in established research, evidence-based practice, or generally accepted professional standards. (5) Programs that are completed to fulfill the terms of a Board order or agreement do not qualify towards the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal or reinstatement.