Final answer:
Regulatory bodies or professional boards determine the topics and number of hours of continuing education for a licensee between renewals. These boards ensure professionals stay current in their field by mandating specific topics and hours of education. Non-compliance can lead to the inability to legally practice their profession.
Step-by-step explanation:
The topics and number of hours of continuing education required for a licensee are usually determined by regulatory bodies or professional boards associated with the specific profession. These entities create and maintain the standards for licensure and ongoing professional development within their jurisdiction. For instance, in the case of medical professionals, this might be a state medical board, whereas for certified public accountants, it could be a state board of accountancy or a national association.
Continuing education ensures licensees are up-to-date with the latest knowledge, skills, and changes in their field. Requirements can vary significantly by profession and state. Typically, these boards will outline specific topics that are necessary for practicing professionals to be educated on, and they also dictate the number of hours required. This ensures that professionals are well-prepared to serve their clients or patients and remain compliant with the current standards and regulations.
Licensees must complete the mandated hours and topics within a certain time frame, commonly every one to two years before they can renew their licenses. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in the inability to practice until the requirements are fulfilled.