Active Providers

Ensuring High Quality CE

As a BOC Approved Provider you are qualified to offer high quality continuing education (CE) programs to Athletic Trainers to maintain licensure on a renewing basis. The BOC Approved Provider Program ensures CE programs are of high quality, requiring BOC Approved Providers to maintain annual approval and adherence to the “Standards for BOC Approved Providers” (Standards), as well as “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Procedures) documents.

The BOC provides BOC Approved Providers with a strong support system and tools, enhancing ability to reach Athletic Trainers with engaging educational programs that enable and support their certification maintenance and professional improvement.

Joint Accreditation

Become a Joint Accreditation Continuing Education Provider

Think of Joint Accreditation (JA) as an opportunity to expand your continuing education (CE) audience and ultimately your business. The BOC is collaborating with JA in an interdisciplinary approach to professional CE. JA covers more than 10 health care professions, supporting educators in delivering high-quality, effective interprofessional continuing education that demonstrably improves interprofessional collaborative practice and patient care.

JA is good for you if you meet the following criteria:

• Currently offering continuing medical education/CE opportunities to other health care professions
• Looking for a way for your CE business to grow

Making this move can help you grow your business:

• Expand your reach to ATs and other health care professions – separately or together
• Increase operational efficiencies, saving time, money and resources – specify all accreditations are managed in one place
• Gain visibility and credibility – use the JA mark in promotional materials
• Increase program value, quality and integrity

BOC Standards

Purpose of Standards: The BOC Approved Provider Standards (to include all elements of this document: General Standards, Standards, Essential Elements, and Commentary) provide clear requirements for BOC Approved Providers to ensure an educational quality Athletic Trainers can expect from the BOC. BOC Approved Providers must adhere to all outlined standards and guidelines.

Click here to review BOC Standards

Resources

The information found in this section is divided into multiple sub components for your convenience, please review each of them for a comprehensive overview on the resources available.

Eligibility And Requirements – What’s Needed to Apply?

To help prospective providers stay on track through the application process, we have created a checklist that provides a step-by-step guide to develop a quality education program. Click on the “Preparing Your Application” section in the left menu panel.

Apply to Become a BOC Approved Provider

Eligibility And Requirements – Preparing Your Application

In educational program development, it’s recommended that educators adopt a “backwards design” approach. Begin by creating a needs analysis or “practice gap” and then define the skills (i.e. the learning objectives) participants will gain upon event conclusion. These two critical steps will work to define scope and specific targets to keep your program on track.

From this point, continue to develop documentation to track individual learning (participant assessment) and measurement tools to help improve program quality (program evaluation).

THINGS TO DO

Defining the Scope

1) Determine Practice Gap and Educational Need – Identify the knowledge, competency or performance gap for the program. What is it that Athletic Trainer don’t know or what aren’t they doing in practice? To identify a professional practice gap, ask:

• What is the practice-based problem?
• How do you know it is a problem?
• What data do you have to validate the problem?
• What is the reason the problem exists?

2) Develop Measurable Learning Objectives – Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to create an educational framework for the program and define the knowledge or skills the participants are expected to acquire.  Check out this resource and note the following tips:

• Examples of verbs associated with each level of learning.
• Examples of objectives associated with each level of learning.
• Recommended target levels of learning based on your target audience (i.e. prior knowledge, level of expertise within a specified area, etc).

3) Determine Delivery and Timing – The delivery may influence the objectives. Will your program be delivered virtually or face to face (F2F)? Will your program be delivered asynchronously (not at the same time, on demand) or synchronously (at the same time, live)?

For example, it would not be appropriate or logical to have an objective “Perform this hip flexor stretch in order to …” in a virtual asynchronous event. This particular objective requires the program faculty to actually watch, in real time (synchronously), a participant perform an action in order to adequately assess someone’s ability to perform.

4) Determine Topic and Content – Ensure the program content aligns with the latest edition of the practice analysis and is offered at or above entry-level knowledge and skill for Athletic Trainers.

The practice analysis defines the current knowledge, skills and abilities required for practice in the athletic training profession. Athletic Training Practice Domains: Athletic training practice is covered through five domains identified in the practice analysis latest edition. The practice analysis identifies essential knowledge and skills for the athletic training profession and is updated every five-to-six years. The five practice domains are identified below.

• Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion: Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication to enhance wellness and minimize the risk of injury and illness
• Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis: Implementing systematic, evidence based examinations and assessments to formulate valid clinical diagnoses and determine patients’ plan of care
• Immediate and Emergency Care: Integrating best practices in immediate and emergency care for optimal outcomes
• Therapeutic Intervention: Rehabilitating and reconditioning injuries, illnesses and general medical conditions with the goal of achieving optimal activity level based on core concepts using the applications of therapeutic exercise, modality devices and manual techniques
• Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility: Integrating best practices in policy construction and implementation, documentation and basic business practices to promote optimal patient care and employee well-being

Health Care Education Clarification: If program content incorporates tasks from the practice analysis latest edition in a substantive manner or has a health care education focus, it may qualify for continuing education units (CEUs). If the program content addresses pedagogy or improving the skill of teaching, or assessing participant learning outcomes, it does not qualify for CEUs. For example, programs related to teaching a clinical skill, documentation or communication involve tasks in the current practice analysis and qualify for CEUs. Curriculum design, however, does not represent tasks in the current practice analysis so does not qualify for CEUs.

Practice Analysis Latest Edition

5) Determine MaxCap of Participants -The number of participants may influence the objectives. For example, if your event is a large virtual event hosting hundreds of participants, you will want to write objectives that do not require program faculty to individually observe/grade each participant. And remember, at minimum, the faculty to participant ratio should be 1:25.

Gathering the Documentation

1) Create Participant Assessment – The participant assessment is highly individualized based on the learning objectives and will likely look different in each program. The assessment should “match” the learning objectives or be in alignment with them. For example, if one of your learning objectives asks participants to “Explain….”, then the participant should either explain in writing or auditorily. An inappropriate assessment to this objective is to provide a multiple-choice quiz; this does not afford the opportunity for a participant to explain something.

2) Create Program Evaluation – A program evaluation measures the delivery and structure of your program as well as the program faculty and administrative components. The evaluations are to be used to make future program improvements.

3) Identify Qualified Program Faculty – Contact subject matter experts who have previous experience in the program content. Obtain a curriculum vitae or résumé to document their qualifications (*required documentation for the annual report).

Final To-Do Item

Enter program into the program directory at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of the event.

Target Audience

The target audience must include Athletic Trainers. Programs must be intended for the credentialed health care or wellness provider. Programs with other credentialed health care participants are acceptable to create common knowledge across disciplines and promote interdisciplinary education but cannot require Athletic Trainers to be credentialed as a physician assistant, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc. to attend continuing education (CE) programs. Programs targeted at non-credentialed fitness or wellness professionals and lay persons – such as patients, parents, coaches, administrators or educators – do not meet “Standards for BOC Approved Providers” (Standards).

Operations Manual

Every program is required to execute all Standards. The operations manual contains such policies as copyright, conflict of interest, non-discrimination and cancellation/refunds, etc., which are part of “General Standard VI: Administration” from the Standards. BOC Approved Providers are expected to not only create a policy manual with the minimum specified policies but are also expected to follow them accordingly. Please reference the template link in the “What’s Needed to Apply?” Checklist.

The application process allows each organization to demonstrate the adherence of its CE practice to outlined Standards and “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Procedures). An organization must currently be developing and/or presenting a future Athletic Trainer CE program.

The BOC has several expectations of those applying to be a BOC Approved Provider:

• Eligible organizations wanting to become a BOC Approved Provider must provide prepared program materials for a future CE program, demonstrating compliance with Standards and Policies & Procedures documents.
• BOC Approved Providers must monitor all CE programs for compliance to Standards and Policies & Procedures documents
• Annual renewal is required to maintain elite BOC Approved Provider status and continue to provide CE to Athletic Trainers. Renewal consists of an annual renewal fee and annual report.

Apply to Become a BOC Approved Provider

Approval Process and Timing

To ensure you meet timing requirements within the approval process, it’s recommended to develop your timeline working backwards. Set your deadline based on the planned future program date.

Here’s an example:

Once started, you have 90 days to complete an initial application, with the clock starting on the day of submission. If after 90 days the application has not been approved, the application will be automatically denied, and no refund will be issued.

The entire application process takes one-two months; the application fee is $325 (allow up to four weeks for processing). To begin and support your process, please review all requirements in the outlined “Standards for BOC Approved Providers” (Standards) as well as “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Procedures).

On the initial application, you will have only two opportunities for revision if an application is sent back. There can only be a total of three submissions with the original submission counting as one. The application will be denied if the second round of revisions do not satisfy the Standards.

For example:

• Original submission = one
• Responds to revisions at the request of a reviewer = two
• Responds yet again to revisions at the request of a reviewer = three (from here, no other revisions can be made. A final decision will be made and will result in either approval or denial of the initial application. If denied, the applicant may elect to pay the initial app fee and apply again.)

If a BOC Approved Provider elects not to offer any programs for the current year, a full refund may be issued. Your account will be moved to “inactive” and you will not be able to upload programs to the program directory. Should you decide at any point to offer continuing education units (CEUs), you must pay the renewal fee.

Apply to Become a BOC Approved Provider

Responsibilities

Maintaining accreditation with the BOC is a simple and easy annual process. Active BOC Approved Providers have three responsibilities:

1. Post all programs to the program directory at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of a program. (*Note – The software will NOT allow you to post an event if it is less than 10 calendar days from the event. This keeps BOC Approved Providers within their accreditation requirements, and ensures appropriate planning and adequate program promotion time.)
2. Pay your annual fee (*The window to pay is mid-October to December 31). *If your fee is not paid within this window, your BOC Approved Provider status will automatically expire.*
3. Complete an annual report (*The window to complete automatically opens once the annual fee is paid; the annual report is due by March 31). **If your annual report is not submitted by March 31, your BOC Approved Provider status will automatically expire. To facilitate your annual report ONE past program will be randomly selected for review. Regardless of whether you had an CE events in the previous calendar year, you are still required to verify this by clicking on “Annual Report” in your BOC Approved Provider dashboard. If you do not click on this link and confirm, your provider account will expire on March 31, the date Annual Reports are due.

Annual Fees and Late Fees

Annual fees and late fees will be assessed in a tiered structure based on the annual average number of CEUs reported by ATs in the preceding CEU requirement period.

A late fee is applied in the case of a late renewal. The amount is based on the assessed annual fee based on the applicable tier. For example, if a Tier 3 BOC Approved Provider wishes to maintain an active status but is past due with their renewal fee, their total late fee amount would be $355.

Tier 1

Annual Number of CEUs Reported by ATs
(2020-2021 average)
≥ 10,000

BOC Approved Provider Annual Renewal
(2023 fee due in 2022, 2024 fee due in 2023)
$1,000

Late Fee
$100

Tier 2

Annual Number of CEUs Reported by ATs
(2020-2021 average)
500-9,999

BOC Approved Provider Annual Renewal
(2023 fee due in 2022, 2024 fee due in 2023)
$500

Late Fee
$50

Tier 3

Annual Number of CEUs Reported by ATs
(2020-2021 average)
≤ 499

BOC Approved Provider Annual Renewal
(2023 fee due in 2022, 2024 fee due in 2023)
$325

Late Fee
$30

Newly approved BOC Approved Providers will begin at Tier 3 pricing.
(Effective beginning in calendar year 2023 – collection window will be from mid-October – December 2022 for the upcoming year)

Renewal Fee: Late Fee and Penalty

The renewal fee payment deadline each year is December 31 for the upcoming year. BOC Approved Providers may pay late and retain an Active status but will be assessed a late fee with the below parameters applied:

• Late Fee: Applied to the renewal fee beginning 01/01. See table above for fee amounts.
• No Exceptions: As of January 15th, BOC Approved Providers will no longer be able to pay their renewal fee and will automatically expire. If expired, a provider may be reinstated by electing to complete an initial application and pay the application fee

Renewal Fee is Non-Refundable

The renewal fee must be paid, regardless of whether a BOC Approved Provider elects to offer CE programs during the current year. No refund will be issued.

**Please see Policies & Procedures for complete information on non-compliance, status changes, discipline and critical deadlines.

Additional Duties and Basic Expectations

In addition to the stated three responsibilities above, there are several basic expectations the BOC has of every BOC Approved Provider. As a BOC Approved Provider, you must:

• Comply with the “Standards for BOC Approved Providers” (Standards) and “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Procedures).
• Respond to all BOC staff inquiries and customer complaints.
• Not assign or transfer your approved provider number to another individual or organization.

Program Directory

The program directory provides an easy and effective method for Athletic Trainers to find continuing education units they need for certification. Every Category A program available to Athletic Trainers in the United States can be found in this searchable directory. Programs may be showcased on this directory either by demand, through paid sponsorship, or by distinguished reviews from Athletic Trainers who have previously taken the program. Click here to visit the program directory.

Non-Compliance Result: Failure to upload programs to the directory at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of the program will result in discipline. The program directory will not allow a BOC Approved Provider to upload programs with a start date that is less than 10 calendar days away. At this point, you must contact the BOC for assistance. This instance will be documented in your profile. If this occurs twice in a calendar year, you will be placed on probation.

What Providers Can Expect of the BOC

Changes to AP program policies are made twice a year: January and/or July. Any changes will be thoroughly communicated to stakeholders in January and/or July, as appropriate. However, changes will not go into effect until the following year (January and/or July) but no earlier than one year. For example, if a policy change is announced in January of 2024, it will not go into effect until January 2025.

Annual Fee and Annual Report

The annual fee is collected from mid-October through December 31 each year. Should a BOC Approved Provider neglect to pay the fee during this window, their status will expire (see “Status Change – Expired” below for further explanation).

The ability to submit your annual report is triggered by payment of your annual fee. Completion of your annual report is due March 31 each year. Should a BOC Approved Provider neglect to complete their annual report, or if they are found to be non-compliant for two successive years, their status will expire (see Status Explanations to the left for further explanation.) To facilitate your annual report ONE past program will be randomly selected for review. Regardless of whether you had an CE events in the previous calendar year, you are still required to verify this by clicking on “Annual Report” in your BOC Approved Provider dashboard. If you do not click on this link and confirm, your provider account will expire on March 31, the date Annual Reports are due.

It is important to note there may be one or more items in your annual report earmarked as a “suggestion” or designated as “non-compliant”. A “suggestion” from the BOC denotes an area of importance in creating quality educational programs and is designed to help educate and guide a BOC Approved Provider. An item that is marked “non-compliant” denotes a critical area in creating quality educational programs. Please read more on non-compliance to understand the consequence of not meeting that area satisfactorily.

Non-Compliance

It’s important to know that a full list of all policies and procedures for BOC Approved Providers are found in the “Policies & Procedures” section of the website. However, we have organized this section according to the items of critical importance. This provides a snapshot of all items that would result in discipline. Examine this list throughout the development and production of each educational program.

What is it?

To facilitate your annual report ONE past program will be randomly selected for review. Regardless of whether you had an CE events in the previous calendar year, you are still required to verify this by clicking on “Annual Report” in your BOC Approved Provider dashboard. If you do not click on this link and confirm, your provider account will expire on March 31, the date Annual Reports are due.

Items of non-compliance denote critically important areas relevant in creating quality educational programs. Should a BOC Approved Provider not meet these critical expectations, their annual report will be denied placing them on Probation (first offense) or Expired status (consecutive second offense). A full explanation of status changes is below. As you develop your educational programs, keep the items of non-compliance in mind. Non-compliance items listed below are solely related to your annual report. (There are additional areas of non-compliance aside from the annual report; to view these, please see our Policies & Procedures page.)

Study the list below to develop your programs to specification:

Annual Report Non-Compliance

Previously, there were several administrative requirements identified as items of non-compliance. For example, if a BOC Approved Provider did not include all seven items required on promotional materials or five items required on their certificates, they were marked as non-compliant and penalized, moving status to either Probation or Expired.

These administrative requirements will remain but the punitive consequence will be removed. The new focus on compliance will shift from a focus on the administrative aspects of CEU offerings to those items that most impact educational quality, such as the practice gap, learning objectives and participant assessment. For details, please refer to the list below:

*Note: Items that were formally marked as non-compliant: These items are still required, however, the consequence of omission has been reduced. If items are omitted, BOC will remind BOC Approved Providers of the requirements, recognizing this to be a learning opportunity rather than a punitive event.

*These items are STILL required to appear, but do not carry punitive consequences.

The following section will list the required CE program documents accompanied by the required items that need to be on that document.

Program Evaluation

• Program content was practically useful, appropriate and adequately in-depth
• Achievement of stated learning objectives
• Effectiveness of teaching and learning methods
• Quality and effectiveness of faculty
• Usefulness of educational materials
• Perception of bias or commercialism
• Appropriateness of participant assessment and the alignment with the learning objectives

Promotional Material

• Learning Objectives (three to five)
• Schedule and format
• Fee(s)
• Cancellation/refund policy
• Program faculty and credentials
• Number of contact hours/continuing education units (CEUs) that will be made available
• Sponsors (if applicable)
• Required materials and equipment

Operations Manual

• Joint Providership Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Record Keeping Policy
• Fee/Cancellation/Refund Policy
• Faculty Payment

Certificate

• Participant Name
• Program Title
• Completion Date
• BOC Approved Provider Name, Number, and logo
• BOC Approved Provider CE Statement, including number of CEUs

CE Statement of Credit for Certificate

This is the statement that must appear on certificates disseminated to ATs:

Company Name (BOC AP#: PXXXX) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of (#) Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

The following section will list the required CE program documents accompanied by the required minimum acceptance level description.

Practice Gap

Explains the observed practice and what the practice should be. This is supported by the literature. The Gap should answer all of the following:

• What isn’t the AT doing that they should be doing?
• What doesn’t the AT know that this program will provide them?
• What is the patient’s unmet need?

*If each bullet point is not addressed, practice gap is non-compliant.

Clinical Bottom Line

Summary of the evidence that identifies the clinical recommendation of the intervention outlined in the learning objectives.

*If summary does not concisely explain recommendation of intervention, it is non-compliant.

Learning Objectives

Create three to four measurable learning objectives that define the knowledge and/or skills an AT is expected to acquire by completion of the CE event.

*Learning objectives that are not measurable are non-compliant.

Participant Assessment

Each learning objective must have an appropriate, corresponding strategy for learning measure in the participant assessment.

*If the participant assessment is not aligned with the learning objectives, it is non-compliant.

For detailed explanation please reference Policies & Procedures.

Status Explanations

A provider can have one of three statuses: Active, Active-Probation and Expired.

Active

Illustrates a provider in good standing: 1) annual fee paid 2) annual report completed and 3) programs uploaded to the program directory within 10 calendar days of start date.

Active-Probation

This is merely a warning status. A provider in this status may still offer CEUs for the year. The BOC does not require an action or response by the provider at the time of decision. It is highly suggested the AP reviews non-compliant items to ensure future programs are adjusted accordingly.

Note: Athletic Trainers do not see your probation status. Providers will see this status when logging into your BOC profile.

A BOC Approved Provider will enter probation immediately upon a BOC decision based on non-compliance. This status remains until a successful outcome of a subsequent annual report. For example, if a BOC Approved Provider is found to be non-compliant on the annual report in early 2021, the probationary status will remain until the following annual report. If the annual report is accepted without any items in non-compliance, status will revert to active in early 2022 upon BOC decision to approve the annual report.

Expired

Means the provider may not offer Category A CEUs and may not upload programs to the program directory (access is revoked). Several conditions will prompt an expired provider status.

Condition 1:

A provider is on probation from a previous year and is found to be non-compliant on a subsequent annual report.

Condition 2:

The annual fee was not paid within the mid-October to December 31 window.

Condition 3:

The annual report was not completed within the mid-October to March 31 window.

Recourse

If you are in Expired status, you may offer Category D CEUs (please see Categories).

As recourse, a BOC Approved Provider may re-apply for accreditation by completing an initial application and paying the initial application fee.

Checklist for Compliant Programming

In educational program development, it’s recommended that educators adopt a “backwards design” approach. Begin by creating a needs analysis or “practice gap” and then define the skills (i.e. the learning objectives) participants will gain upon event conclusion. These two critical steps will work to define scope and specific targets to keep your program on track.

From this point, continue to develop documentation to track individual learning (participant assessment) and measurement tools to help improve program quality (program evaluation).

THINGS TO DO

Defining the Scope

1. Determine Practice Gap and Educational Need
Identify the knowledge, competency or performance gap for the program. What is it that Athletic Trainer don’t know or what aren’t they doing in practice?
To identify a professional practice gap, ask:

• What is the practice-based problem?
• How do you know it is a problem?
• What data do you have to validate the problem?
• What is the reason the problem exists?

2. Develop Measurable Learning Objectives
Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to create an educational framework for the program and define the knowledge or skills the participants are expected to acquire.
Check out this resource and note the following tips:

• Examples of verbs associated with each level of learning.
• Examples of objectives associated with each level of learning.
• Recommended target levels of learning based on your target audience (i.e. prior knowledge, level of expertise within a specified area, etc).

3. Determine Delivery and Timing
The delivery may influence the objectives. Will your program be delivered virtually or face to face (F2F)? Will your program be delivered asynchronously (not at the same time, on demand) or synchronously (at the same time, live)? For example, it would not be appropriate or logical to have an objective “Perform this hip flexor stretch in order to …” in a virtual asynchronous event. This particular objective requires the program faculty to actually watch, in real time (synchronously), a participant perform an action in order to adequately assess someone’s ability to perform.

4. Determine Topic and Content
Ensure the program content aligns with the latest edition of the practice analysis and is offered at or above entry-level knowledge and skill for Athletic Trainers. The practice analysis defines the current knowledge, skills and abilities required for practice in the athletic training profession.

Athletic Training Practice Domains: Athletic training practice is covered through five domains identified in the practice analysis latest edition. The practice analysis identifies essential knowledge and skills for the athletic training profession and is updated every five-to-six years. The five practice domains are identified below.

• Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion: Promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors with effective education and communication to enhance wellness and minimize the risk of injury and illness
• Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis: Implementing systematic, evidence based examinations and assessments to formulate valid clinical diagnoses and determine patients’ plan of care
• Immediate and Emergency Care: Integrating best practices in immediate and emergency care for optimal outcomes
• Therapeutic Intervention: Rehabilitating and reconditioning injuries, illnesses and general medical conditions with the goal of achieving optimal activity level based on core concepts using the applications of therapeutic exercise, modality devices and manual techniques
• Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility: Integrating best practices in policy construction and implementation, documentation and basic business practices to promote optimal patient care and employee well-being

Health Care Education Clarification: If program content incorporates tasks from the practice analysis in a substantive manner or has a health care education focus, it may qualify for CEUs. If the program content addresses pedagogy or improving the skill of teaching, or assessing participant learning outcomes, it does not qualify for CEUs. For example, programs related to teaching a clinical skill, documentation or communication involve tasks in the current practice analysis and qualify for CEUs. Curriculum design, however, does not represent tasks in the current practice analysis so does not qualify for CEUs.

5. Determine Max Cap of Participants
The number of participants may influence the objectives. For example, if your event is a large virtual event hosting hundreds of participants, you will want to write objectives that do not require program faculty to individually observe/grade each participant. And remember, at minimum, the faculty to participant ratio should be 1:25.

Gathering the Documentation

1. Create Participant Assessment
The participant assessment is highly individualized based on the learning objectives and will likely look different in each program The assessment should “match” the learning objectives or be in alignment with them. For example, if one of your learning objectives asks participants to “Explain….”, then the participant should either explain in writing or auditorily. An inappropriate assessment to this objective is to provide a multiple-choice quiz; this does not afford the opportunity for a participant to explain something.

2. Create Program Evaluation
A program evaluation measures the delivery and structure of your program as well as the program faculty and administrative components. The evaluations are to be used to make future program improvements.

3. Identify Qualified Program Faculty
Contact subject matter experts who have previous experience in the program content. Obtain a curriculum vitae or résumé to document their qualifications (*required documentation for the annual report).

Final To-Do Item

Enter program into the program directory at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of the event.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

Target Audience

The target audience must include Athletic Trainers. Programs must be intended for the credentialed health care or wellness provider. Programs with other credentialed health care participants are acceptable to create common knowledge across disciplines and promote interdisciplinary education but cannot require Athletic Trainers to be credentialed as a physician assistant, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc. to attend CE programs. Programs targeted at non-credentialed fitness or wellness professionals and lay persons – such as patients, parents, coaches, administrators or educators – do not meet BOC Approved Provider Standards.

Operations Manual

Every program is required to execute all BOC Approved Provider Standards. The operations manual contains such policies as copyright, conflict of interest, non-discrimination and cancellation/refunds, etc., which are part of “General Standard VI: Administration” from the Provider Standards. BOC Approved Providers are expected to not only create a policy manual with the minimum specified policies but are also expected to follow them accordingly. Please see our template as a guide.

The application process allows each organization to demonstrate the adherence of its CE practice to BOC Approved Provider Standards and Policies & Procedures. An organization must currently be developing and/or presenting a future Athletic Trainer CE program.

The BOC has several expectations of those applying to be a BOC Approved Provider:

• Eligible organizations wanting to become a BOC Approved Provider must provide prepared program materials for a future CE program, demonstrating compliance with BOC Approved Provider Standards and Policies & Procedures
• BOC Approved Providers must monitor all CE programs for compliance to Provider Standards and Policies & Procedures
• Annual renewal is required to maintain elite BOC Approved Provider status and continue to provide CE to Athletic Trainers. Renewal consists of an annual renewal fee and annual report.

Tech Resources – Leveraging Technology

Whether you are creating face-to-face (F2F) or virtually, there are ways to simplify program development and implementation. Technology can ease your burden and do the heavy lifting. There are numerous technology solutions to help BOC Approved Providers streamline and increase efficiency of all program processes.

Virtual Synchronous Program

Most organizations have a subscription to some type of virtual meeting conference software such as Zoom, Cisco, Skype, or GoTo Meetings. These options are great for hosting synchronous programs and allow for individual interaction, whether that be in a group or private chat, breakout rooms, or simply conversing F2F in real-time (*check to make sure your platform does not have a participant cap limit if you intend on hosting hundreds or thousands of people). While program delivery is easy enough, the administrative logistics like: collecting a roster, disseminating continuing education (CE) certificates, disseminating participant assessments and program evaluations can be a bit more complicated. See below for some recommended tech resources for each of these items.

How do I collect a roster at a synchronous event?

https://www.campusgroups.com/product/virtual-attendance-tracking/

This tool allows people to track attendance at online events. Simply host an event as you normally would on Zoom or GoTo Meetings and post the QR code at the beginning and end of your event.  *This option DOES incur a cost.

Virtual Asynchronous Program

Allowing Athletic Trainers to complete CE on their own time allows for amazing learning flexibility but can create a logistical conundrum for providers. One of the most frequent questions is:

How can I host or deliver a recorded event?

There are various instructional options using a simple video recording. Most organizations can upload content to their website – a perfect place to host CE events for participant viewing. Otherwise, there are free resources like YouTube or Vimeo to host your video. Blog sites like WordPress are also popular choices for hosting.

Some may turn to free Learning Management Systems (LMS) which allows for content hosting (i.e. like video recordings, articles, websites) and delivery of quizzes, surveys, and other assessments. Free LMS platforms that may work are Google Classroom, Schoology or Moodle.

How do I collect a roster or participant assessment in an asynchronous program?

Asynchronous programs can encounter logistical challenges similar to synchronous programs. A strategy to address such logistical challenges is to create an “end slide” in each program recording which contains links for participants to “check in” to a roster, complete the participant assessment and the program evaluation. Utilize clickable links that pop open in external windows allowing the recording to remain open in case a participant wishes to view something of interest again. See below for some particular tech recommendations to create these items.

FREE RESOURCES

Google Forms Add-on “Certify’em”: For creating a roster, participant assessment, and certificate.

*Yes, there really is a way to kill three birds with one stone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dya_OE8EIQ

This option facilitates quiz set up as well as passing mark designation in Google forms. The system will automatically send a certificate to a participant who passes. The quiz in Google forms would be the participant assessment, while the roster is tracked via the Google spreadsheet, and a certificate is sent.

*Note: If you’re using a regular Gmail account, Add-ons like Certify’em can only send up to 100 emails (certificates) per day.

Google Sheets Add-on “Autocrat”: For creating a roster and certificate.

Two birds, one stone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1CoyA-Nitk

This option focuses on auto-generating a certificate for those who complete a Google form. Participants provide contact information (and Certification # if designated) and it auto-populates a certificate sending it to their email. A Google spreadsheet keeps a record of participants who were sent a certificate (i.e. your roster).

Another tool to consider for roster creation is Survey Monkey. A free plan allows you to create a survey with up to 10 questions. See here: https://help.surveymonkey.com/articles/en_US/kb/SurveyMonkey-Plans

RESOURCES AT A COST

There are, of course, many paid options available. Check these out:

https://scantrakk.com/

Allows event planners to track participants, which is great for those needing a roster.

http://www.i-attend.com/

i-Attend is used for events that require attendance tracking, registration, evaluations, certificates and name badge distribution.

Checklist Overview

The below checklist will help you keep on track and in compliance with the “Standards for BOC Approved Providers” (Standards) and “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Providers), and basic BOC Approved Provider responsibilities and expectations.

Pre-Program

• Create program schedule and calculate continuing education units
• Market your event
• Create attendance roster
• Create certificate (statement of credit)
  

During the Program

• Distribute attendance roster
• Declare conflicts of interest
• Distribute participant assessments
• Distribute program evaluations
  

Post-Program

• Distribute certificates (statement of credit)
• Review program evaluations
• Provide feedback to program faculty
• Conduct internal program review
• Retain records (certificates, rosters, etc.)
• Process complaints (if any)Please click on the menu items in the left panel for a more detailed explanation of this checklist.

Calculating CEUs

Continuing education units (CEUs) are based on contact hours. A contact hour is the time actually spent in the educational portion of the program. One contact hour equals 1 CEU (needs to be calculated to the nearest quarter hour).

Regardless of modality, whether delivering an event face-to-face or virtually, the CEUs are calculated based on “time on task”. For virtual events, estimate the active participation time, whether that’s reading, watching a video, or participating in program.

Market Your Event

Even though there are many ways to market your event to Athletic Trainers (ATs), it’s critical to complete the TWO REQUIRED tasks of marketing your event as a BOC Approved Provider:

1. Upload program to the program directory – Must be completed at least 10 calendar days prior to the start date of the event.
2. Create promotional materials – Whatever promotional materials you develop for your program, the following items must be included (see sample flyer):

• • Learning objectives
  • Schedule and format
  • Program faculty credentials
  • Cancellation/refund policy
  • Number of contact hours/CEUs that will be available
  • Fee(s)
  • Sponsors
  • Required materials and equipment

*When advertising your BOC Approved Provider status, use the BOC Approved Provider seal, which can be found on the “Resources” page in your BOC profile with guidelines for use, in addition to the below statement:

(Company Name) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to offer continuing education (CE) to Certified Athletic Trainers.

Optional Marketing Opportunities

Mailing Lists and E-Blast Service

Target your audience (no minimums) with the largest, cleanest physical and digital mailing lists of ATs in the U.S. and world. For physical mailings, we can supply mailing lists on your behalf to the mail house of your choice. Our e-blasts come with tracking and your choice of a professional template, or you can supply your own design files.

Website and Publication Advertising

Reach athletic training students, certified ATs and BOC Approved Providers through our website and “Cert Update” publication. BOCATC.org generates more than 180,000 page views per month. We also distribute “Cert Update” to ATs twice a year, reaching more than 54,000 certified ATs each edition.

For more information click below or email MindyL@bocatc.org

Media Kit

Create Attendance Roster for Distribution

BOC Approved Providers must maintain a participant roster for each CE program. This can be a simple sign in/out sheet at a face-to-face event or a digital version for virtual events.

Create Certificate (Statement of Credit)

Each participant must receive documentation at the conclusion of a program that verifies program completion. The program certificate, whether digital or print, must include the following (see sample):

• Participant name
• Program title
• BOC Approved Provider name
• Completion date
• BOC Approved Provider seal
• Number of contact hours/CEUs
• BOC Approved Provider continuing education statement

During the Program

Declare Conflicts of Interest

BOC Approved Providers, program faculty and sponsors must declare any potential or actual conflicts of interest and financial gain associated with programs, presenters or providers. It is suggested BOC Approved Providers include a disclosure slide at the beginning of each presentation.

Distribute Participant Assessments and Program Evaluations

For face-to-face events, a simple paper delivery method is simplest. For virtual events, there are a variety of ways to disseminate and collect assessments and evaluations. Technology recommendations can be found on the Tech Resources section.

Post-Program

Distribute Certificates (Statements of Credit)

Certificates serve as verification that a participant completed the program and achieved a passing score on the formal participant assessment. A certificate should be provided to each attendee who signed in, completed the program, and successfully completed the participant assessment at an acceptable score.

Review Program Evaluations

Program organizers must review program evaluation feedback submitted by participants. BOC Approved Providers should utilize questions that center upon behavioral statements that they can change and respond to. Data collected through these types of questions enable BOC Approved Providers to make improvements to future programs.

Provide Feedback to Program Faculty

Program faculty must be informed of feedback to help improve their teaching and learning methods, as well as to determine presentation quality and effectiveness. Share results from the completed program evaluation forms.

Conduct Internal Program Review

BOC Approved Providers should conduct an independent or internal review no less than annually to determine the effectiveness of a program.

Retain Records

Information must be made readily available to the BOC upon request when it is necessary to verify an Athletic Trainer’s participation in a program or to provide a replacement certificate to attendees. Requests are usually made in the form of an audit, investigation, or annual report. BOC Approved Providers are not required to submit materials to the BOC immediately after each event, but should retain records for five years.

Process Complaints

Any concerns or complaints raised by Athletic Trainers should be addressed by the BOC Approved Provider. Complaints received by the BOC will be investigated and the BOC will notify the BOC Approved Provider of such complaints and will follow with an investigation protocol.

Apply Today

Joint Accreditation (JA) allows you to provide education to multiple health care disciplines, strengthening your business, expanding your reach and elevating your continuing education (CE) offerings. If you have been looking for a way for your CE business to grow, then JA accreditation might be right for you.

With each of the below options, your organization maintains BOC Approved Provider status, and the BOC annual fee and annual report requirement will be waived. Review the available options below before taking this valuable next step forward.

Current BOC Approved Provider/ Not a Joint Accreditation (JA) Provider

As a BOC Approved Provider, you can expand the scale and scope of your audience through JA, providing interprofessional continuing education (IPCE) to other allied health care professional, including Athletic Trainers that are dual-credentialed. $22,000 to become a JA provider.

For more information about JA, visit the “Become a Joint Accreditation Continuing Education Provider” tab or JA website.

Apply to Become a JA Provider

Current JA Provider/Not a BOC Approved Provider

If you are already jointly accredited and your target audiences include Athletic Trainers, or you are interested in expanding your target audiences to include this profession, we encourage you to consider this option. Simply add BOC in January or July for a $1,500 fee per year once approved.

Add BOC to JA Provider Membership

Neither a BOC Approved Provider or JA Provider

First, join BOC now to offer CE to Athletic Trainers. The process takes four weeks, and there is $325 fee once approved.

Next, become a JA provider and your organization can award BOC continuing education units or IPCE credit to Athletic Trainers without needing to attain separate program or activity accreditation through BOC. This will be in addition to your ability to offer CE to other designated health care professions.

For more information about JA, visit the “Become a Joint Accreditation Continuing Education Provider” tab or JA website

Apply to Become a JA Provider 

CE Categories

Continuing education (CE) requirements for Athletic Trainers promote continued competence, development of current skills and knowledge and enhance professional skills and judgment within the practice of athletic training. Athletic Trainers must complete a predetermined number of continuing education units (CEUs) during the certification maintenance period. The current reporting period ends December 31, 2025.

• Athletic Trainers certified in 2023 or before must complete a total of 50 CEUs.
• Athletic Trainers certified in 2024 must complete a total of 25 CEUs.

Category A: Provided only by BOC Approved Providers

Minimum Requirements:

• Athletic Trainers with 50 CEUs due must complete a minimum of 10 Category A CEUs
• Athletic Trainers with 25 CEUs due must complete a minimum of 5 Category A CEUs
• There is no maximum number in this category

Category B: Includes professional and scholarly programs.

Category C: Includes post-certification college/university coursework.

Category D: Includes professional programs sponsored by groups other than BOC Approved Providers. *In the event that a BOC Approved Provider’s status becomes expired during an active CE program, the provider may offer Athletic Trainers Category D CEUs (once expired, Category A CEUs CANNOT be offered).

Policies and Procedures – Overview

Staying On Track

As a BOC Approved Provider there are policies and procedures to follow throughout your program development and implementation to maintain your active status. The “Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers” (Policies & Procedures) document clearly outlines the process to stay on track and maintain your active status, as well as defines specific actions that can result in non-compliance. By understanding actions that can lead to non-compliance, the process is simplified for BOC Approved Providers.

The Policies & Procedures are intended to guide BOC Approved Providers and inform BOC Certified Athletic Trainers and members of the public.

Maintaining Compliance

Following policies and procedures during program planning and implementation keeps programs on track to achieve high-quality results, as well as minimize the risk of non-compliance and disciplinary action. A BOC Approved Provider who is found to be non-compliant is placed on probation for a specified time period; usually a period of one year. If a BOC Approved Provider on probation is found to be non-compliant in a subsequent year, expired status is applied.

Actions Leading to Non-Compliance

Most issues of non-compliance are identified through the annual report, which essentially is an audit or a check to ensure each BOC Approved Provider is operating their educational programs in accordance with the “BOC Standards for BOC Approved Providers” and Policies & Procedures. To ensure success, BOC Approved Providers should become very familiar with the non-compliant list below and should reference this list when building programs Another helpful checklist is the “Checklist for Compliant Programming” under the Active Providers section of the BOC website.

Reasons

There are a few areas that BOC Approved Providers could be found to be non-compliant and include annual report, program directory (10-day rule) and complaints (Athletic Trainer triggered investigation).

1. Annual Report

What is it?

To facilitate your annual report ONE past program will be randomly selected for review. Regardless of whether you had an CE events in the previous calendar year, you are still required to verify this by clicking on “Annual Report” in your BOC Approved Provider dashboard. If you do not click on this link and confirm, your provider account will expire on March 31, the date Annual Reports are due. Items of non-compliance denote critically important areas relevant in creating quality educational programs. Should a BOC Approved Provider not meet these critical expectations, their annual report will be denied placing them on probation (first offense) or expired status (consecutive second offense). A full explanation of status changes is found below. As you develop your educational programs, keep the items of non-compliance in mind. Non-compliance items listed below are solely related to your annual report.

Study the list below to develop your programs to specification:

Non-Compliance on Annual Report

Previously, there were several administrative requirements identified as items of non-compliance. For example, if a BOC Approved Provider did not include all seven items required on promotional materials or five items required on their certificates, they were marked as non-compliant and penalized, moving status to either Probation or Expired.

These administrative requirements will remain but the punitive consequence will be removed. The new focus on compliance will shift from a focus on the administrative aspects of CEU offerings to those items that most impact educational quality, such as the practice gap, learning objectives and participant assessment. For details, please refer to the list below:

*Note: Items that were formally marked as non-compliant: These items are still required, however, the consequence of omission has been reduced. If items are omitted, BOC will remind BOC Approved Providers of the requirements, recognizing this to be a learning opportunity rather than a punitive event.

*These items are STILL required to appear, but do not carry punitive consequences.

The following section will list the required CE program documents accompanied by the required items that need to be on that document.

Program Evaluation

• Program content was practically useful, appropriate and adequately in-depth
• Achievement of stated learning objectives
• Effectiveness of teaching and learning methods
• Quality and effectiveness of faculty
• Usefulness of educational materials
• Perception of bias or commercialism
• Appropriateness of participant assessment and the alignment with the learning objectives

Promotional Material

• Learning Objectives (three to five)
• Schedule and format
• Fee(s)
• Cancellation/refund policy
• Program faculty and credentials
• Number of contact hours/continuing education units (CEUs) that will be made available
• Sponsors (if applicable)
• Required materials and equipment

Operations Manual

• Joint Providership Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Record Keeping Policy
• Fee/Cancellation/Refund Policy
• Faculty Payment

Certificate

• Participant Name
• Program Title
• Completion Date
• BOC Approved Provider Name, Number, and logo
• BOC Approved Provider CE Statement, including number of CEUs

CE Statement of Credit for Certificate

This is the statement that must appear on certificates disseminated to ATs:

Company Name (BOC AP#: PXXXX) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of (#) Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

The following section will list the required CE program documents accompanied by the required minimum acceptance level description.

Practice Gap

Explains the observed practice and what the practice should be. This is supported by the literature. The Gap should answer all of the following:

• What isn’t the AT doing that they should be doing?
• What doesn’t the AT know that this program will provide them?
• What is the patient’s unmet need?

*If each bullet point is not addressed, practice gap is non-compliant.

Clinical Bottom Line

Summary of the evidence that identifies the clinical recommendation of the intervention outlined in the learning objectives.

*If summary does not concisely explain recommendation of intervention, it is non-compliant.

Learning Objectives

Create three to four measurable learning objectives that define the knowledge and/or skills an AT is expected to acquire by completion of the CE event.

*Learning objectives that are not measurable are non-compliant.

Participant Assessment

Each learning objective must have an appropriate, corresponding strategy for learning measure in the participant assessment.

*If the participant assessment is not aligned with the learning objectives, it is non-compliant.

2. Program Directory

What is it?

The program directory provides an easy and effective method for Athletic Trainers to find CEUs they need for certification. Every Category A program available to Athletic Trainers can be found in this searchable directory. Click here to visit the program directory.

Non-Compliance Result

Failure to upload programs to the directory at least 10 calendar days prior to the start of the program will result in discipline. The program directory will not allow a BOC Approved Provider to upload programs with a start date that is less than 10 calendar days away. At this point, a BOC Approved Provider must contact the BOC for assistance. This instance will be documented in the BOC Approved Provider’s profile. If this occurs twice in a calendar year, the BOC Approved Provider will be placed on probation.

3. Complaints

In the event the BOC receives a complaint from an Athletic Trainer or other person(s) or discovers information indicating that a violation of the standards or requirements may have occurred, an investigation will begin. The investigation protocol is stipulated below.

Filing A Complaint

Athletic Trainers and BOC Approved Providers that have access to the portal can file a complaint by accessing the portal and following the steps outlined there. If you are a member of the public or other person who does not have access to the portal, please contact the BOC to begin the process; paperwork will be sent to you. To prepare, BOC will collect the following: BOC Approved Provider name/number alleged to be involved, any facts concerning the alleged conduct, and any available documentation.

Investigation Protocol

The BOC shall notify a BOC Approved Provider of an investigation and will require a response within 15 calendar days from the date notification is sent. The BOC may extend this period up to 15 calendar days upon request. The notification shall provide instruction on the materials needed from the BOC Approved Provider to conduct the investigation. The BOC shall notify the BOC Approved Provider of the outcome within 30 calendar days of receipt.

Issues of non-compliance are not the only reason a status may become expired. A status may become expired due to missed deadlines. See the next section “Status Changes” for more explanation.

Status Changes

A status may be changed to probation due to non-compliance. An expired status may be issued due to non-compliance or because of missed deadlines. It’s important to understand what this means for you as a BOC Approved Provider and what your responsibilities are to Athletic Trainers.

A BOC Approved Provider can have one of three statuses: active, active – probation and expired.

Active illustrates a BOC Approved Provider in good standing: 1) annual fee paid 2) annual report completed and 3) programs uploaded to the program directory within 10 days of start date.

Active-Probation is merely a warning status. BOC Approved Providers in this status may still offer CEUs for the year. The BOC does not require an action or response by the BOC Approved Provider at the time of decision. It is highly suggested a BOC Approved Provider reviews non-compliant items to ensure future programs are adjusted accordingly. Note: Athletic Trainers do not see your probation status. BOC Approved Providers will see this status when logging into the portal only.

A BOC Approved Provider will enter into probation immediately upon a BOC decision based on non-compliance. This status remains until a successful outcome of a subsequent annual report. For example, if a provider is found to be non-compliant on the annual report in early 2021, the probationary status will remain until the following annual report. If the annual report is accepted without any items in non-compliance, status will revert back to active in early 2022 upon BOC decision to approve the annual report.

Expired status means a provider may not offer Category A CEUs and may not upload programs to the program directory (access is revoked).

Expired (former) Providers who Offer CEU:

If as an expired provider (i.e. not BOC approved) you deliver CEUs to Athletic Trainers (ATs) the BOC will send you a cease and desist letter and require the following steps be completed:

• Contact all affected ATs providing notification of this error.
• Retract the invalid CEU certificate and reissue a new one to attendees without the BOC logo and CE statement.
• Send the BOC a copy of the message sent to ATs, along with an example of the new certificate (for an actual affected participant) to the Senior Manager of Professional Development, who will maintain records in the provider account

To ensure the ability to offer Category A CEUs going forward, we encourage you to reapply to become a BOC Approved Provider.

Conditions

A number of conditions will prompt an expired provider status:

Condition 1: A BOC Approved Provider is on probation from a previous year and is found to be non-compliant on a subsequent annual report.

Condition 2: The annual fee was not paid within the November to December 31 window.

Condition 3: The annual report was not completed within the November to March 31 window.

Recourse: If you are in expired status, your courses are not eligible for Category A. Please see the category explanation to identify whether your course is eligible for a different category. As recourse, a provider may re-apply for accreditation by completing an initial application and paying the initial application fee. A provider may do this immediately as there is no waiting period.

Appeals

In the event a BOC Approved Provider’s status changes to probation or expired, they may elect to appeal the BOC decision. The appeal process is completed in BOC360; it must be in writing, and we will not hold any phone conversations or email conversations regarding appeals. Everything must be documented in BOC360 under the “appeal” form, and the below procedure is all done within BOC360 (all deadlines are automatically handled by the system). There are strictly defined grounds for appeal (see below under Qualified Reasons).

Timing/Steps

Submit within 30 days: A provider will have 30 days once a decision has been made to make a formal, written, appeal. Note that this 30-day window begins on the day of decision which will be automatically sent to the primary provider contact(s). This 30-day window does not begin upon receipt of the decision.

1. BOC reply within seven days: The BOC will review qualified reasons for appeal (see below) and will return a response within seven days. The decision will either be “Yes, your reason is qualified” OR “No, this does not qualify as a valid reason for appeal.” IF the decision is “NO”, then the appeal process will end. It will not advance.
2. Submit evidence within seven days: If your appeal is filed under a qualified reason, you will then have seven days to submit supporting documentation and evidence to support your claim.
3. BOC decision within seven days: The BOC will examine the evidence and will return a decision to either grant or deny your appeal.

If granted, provider status will revert back to active.

If denied:

• Submit appeal to CEO within seven days: If the appeal is denied by BOC staff and you wish to continue to appeal, you may do so through the portal, in writing, to the CEO.
• Final decision of the CEO within seven days: Once the decision is given by the CEO, the appeal process is officially closed and no further communication will be given by any member of the BOC on this specific matter.

An appeal may be made based on a qualified reason. All qualified reasons are listed below.

• BOC staff have missed something or overlooked something in an initial review such as the annual report.
• BOC staff have provided inconsistent feedback that either misleads and/or does not align with the “Standards for BOC Approved Providers.”
• A provider that receives a decision of probation or expiration may request an appeal when it feels that the evidence it presented to the BOC justifies a different decision.
  If the appeal does not meet one of these conditions, it cannot be considered.

Reasons that do not qualify:

*Please note: The appeal process is not a place to contend with the “Standards for BOC Approved Providers.” If there is an area of ambiguity in the standards wherein upon you do not feel you understand what is expected of you as an BOC Approved Provider, ask questions prior to the development of your program(s) and prior to beginning an annual report.

*The appeal process is not a place to contend with the Policies & Procedures. To ensure fairness among BOC Approved Providers and to uphold the highest ethical standard, the BOC will operate in accordance with the published Policies & Procedures.

*Appeals are not a place for providers to submit additional material that was omitted previously. Only material which was considered at the time of the initial review, such as in the annual report, may be reviewed upon reconsideration.

*Note that non-accreditation decisions (when your status becomes expired) delivered as a result of administrative issues such as failure to submit fees are not eligible for the appeals process.

Policies Outside of Non-Compliance

Refunds

• Initial Application – If denied, the BOC will refund the application fee but $50 is held for processing.
• Renewal Fee is Non-Refundable – The renewal fee must be paid, regardless of whether a BOC Approved Provider elects to offer CE programs during the current year. No refund will be issued.

Commercialism/Bias/Sale of Goods

BOC Approved Providers may NOT withhold a participant survey/assessment/program evaluation/certificate to a participant on the requirement the participant view or listen to a sales pitch or buy goods/services. A sponsor’s name should not be used in the title of the program either as this lends to suggestive selling.

Electronic Documents Required

Electronic records are expected to be kept that include but are not limited to participant certificates, participant assessments, participant rosters and program evaluations. All BOC Approved Providers are expected to retain program records, of each occurrence, for at least five years. In the case of an audit,you will be expected to produce the program documents listed above. In the case of the annual report, which occurs each year, you will be expected to provide these documents (*The annual report will involve a program that occurred within that current year).

Initial Application Fee

Beginning July 1, 2022, the initial application fee will be $325 (rather than $300).

Initial Application Process

Applicants will have only two opportunities for revisions if an application is sent back. There can only be a total of three submissions where the original submission counts as one. An application will be denied if the second round of revisions do not satisfy the standards

For example:

• Original submission = one
• Responds to revisions at the request of the reviewer = two
• Responds yet again to revisions at the request of a reviewer = three (*From here, no other revisions can be made. A final decision will be made and will result in either approval or denial of the initial application. If denied, the applicant may elect to pay the initial application fee and apply again.)

Extensions

In the rarest of cases, an extension may be granted to complete an initial application, annual report or pay a fee. The circumstances are related, but not limited to, a global pandemic, a life/death situation impacting an entire organization, a financial crisis impacting an entire organization or a health crisis impacting an entire organization. Extensions will be authorized only by the Senior Manager of Professional Development at BOC and will be issued in writing with a clear deadline in accordance to the sensitivity and severity of the circumstances impeding the ability of the BOC Approved Provider to comply with BOC basic responsibilities. This (new) deadline will not be further extended.

What Providers Can Expect of the BOC

Changes to AP program policies are made twice a year: January and/or July. Any changes will be thoroughly communicated to stakeholders in January and/or July, as appropriate. However, changes will not go into effect until the following year (January and/or July) but no earlier than one year. For example, if a policy change is announced in January of 2024, it will not go into effect until January 2025.

Download Policies & Procedures for BOC Approved Providers-Effective July 2022