Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Information

One of the most significant practical changes under R156-60e is the standardization of asynchronous (self-study/on-demand) CE hour limits. Under the previous rules, the cap varied by license type. Under R156-60e, the cap is now determined by the educational degree used for licensure:

• Master's degree or higher (LCSW, CSW, CMHC, MFT, SUDC, ASUDC, MAC): 10 hours maximum may be self-study per cycle
• Bachelor's degree (SSW): confirm directly with DOPL
• Associate's degree (certain SUDC pathways): up to 10 hours

Previously, LCSWs could count up to 15 hours of self-study, and SUDCs also had a 15-hour cap. Those higher caps no longer apply. The new limit is 10 hours for all master's level licensees.

The total CE hours required per two-year renewal cycle are now also tied to educational degree level:

• 40 hours for master's degree or higher
• 20 hours for bachelor's degree
• 10 hours for associate's degree

This means CSWs are now required to complete 40 hours per cycle, matching LCSWs. Previously, CSWs were required to complete 20 hours. This is one of the most significant changes for social workers under the new rule.

Across all license types covered under R156-60e, the following mandatory topic requirements remain the same:

• 6 hours in professional ethics, law, or ethics of technology per cycle
• 2 hours in suicide prevention per cycle

Suicide prevention courses must meet specific content standards outlined in R156-60e-302.1, including topics such as risk assessment, crisis intervention, evidence-based intervention, and therapeutic alliances.

The Mental Health Professional Practice Act Rule (R156-60e-402.1(3)(b)) explicitly lists approved CE formats. Synchronous distance learning courses that are clearly documented as real-time and interactive count as live hours and do not draw from the 10-hour self-study cap. Asynchronous (on-demand) courses count toward the 10-hour self-study limit.

All live Zoom Webinar sessions offered by the College of Social Work qualify as synchronous, real-time, interactive distance learning under this rule. On-demand sessions count toward self-study hours.

The new rule also introduces several additional ways licensees can earn CE credit, beyond traditional seminars and courses. These include:

• Peer case consultation: up to 10 hours per cycle
• Peer direct observation: up to 10 hours per cycle
• Volunteer service providing mental health services: up to 10 hours per cycle
• Direct clinical supervision of a licensee working toward advanced licensure: up to 10 hours per cycle
• Volunteer service on boards, committees, or in professional leadership roles: up to 6 hours per cycle (may count toward ethics requirement)
• Lecture or instruction: up to 5 hours per cycle, credited up to two times for the same course
• Certifiable clinical readings: up to 10 hours per cycle

These are expanded opportunities compared to the previous rules and give licensees more flexibility in how they earn credit.

One of the most substantive changes under SB 26 and R156-60e is the creation of a formal process for becoming a Division-approved clinical supervisor. This is a new requirement that affects anyone who supervises associate-level licensees working toward full licensure.

To become a Division-approved clinical supervisor, a licensee must now:

• Hold an active license in good standing as an LCSW, CMHC, MFT, psychologist, MAC, APRN (psychiatric specialty), or psychiatrist
• Hold a master's degree or higher
• Have been licensed for at least two years before beginning supervision
• Complete an approved clinical supervisor training program (see below)
• Submit proof of training to DOPL and receive Division-approved status

This is a significant departure from the previous rules, which had lighter formal requirements for supervisors.

Under R156-60e-306.1, there are three approved pathways to complete the required supervisor training:

• Graduate-level coursework: a clinical supervision course completed as a graduate student in an accredited doctoral program, taken after obtaining an associate-level or CSW license
• AAMFT-approved certification: completion of a specialized certification through an AAMFT-approved clinical supervision course
• 8-hour synchronous course: a dedicated, single course covering specific curriculum areas including supervision models, ethics, multicultural supervision, administrative tasks, and evaluation — taught by a licensed mental health professional

The 8-hour synchronous course option is the most accessible pathway for most licensees. It must be completed at least 24 months after obtaining full licensure and may count for CEUs.

Once approved, Division-approved clinical supervisors must complete at least 6 hours of ongoing professional development specific to clinical supervision during each two-year renewal cycle. These hours may count toward the total CE requirement if the course title clearly identifies it as supervision-specific.

The supervision contract requirements have been substantially updated under R156-60e-307.1. Contracts must now include five specific plan components:

• A meeting and accessibility plan — specifying that meetings occur at least weekly, last at least 50 minutes, and outline learning objectives
• A documentation and communication plan — including quarterly signing of supervision hours and emergency contact procedures
• An ethical and professional standards plan — specifying the code of ethics to be used and how artificial intelligence will be managed in practice
• A conflict and breach resolution plan — addressing employer conflicts and contract termination procedures
• A remote supervision protocols plan — if any supervision is conducted remotely, outlining how synchronous two-way audio/video will be used and how confidentiality will be protected

The addition of an AI management plan is new and reflects the broader attention to AI in professional practice. DOPL also released a Best Practices Guide for Mental Health Therapists Using Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with the Utah Department of Commerce.