1496-1498

HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE
SECTION 1496-1498




1496.  As used in this article:
   (a) "Continuing education program" means educational programs
designed to increase the knowledge and skills of health workers.
   (b) "Licensed health worker" means any person who works in a
health profession that requires licensure under the laws of
California.
   (c) "Non-county-employed health worker" means any person employed
in a health facility, other than a county-operated health facility,
in a county in which a continuing education program is offered or is
to be offered.
   (d) "Nonlicensed health worker" means any person who performs
duties in a health facility and who is not required to be licensed to
perform such duties under the laws of California.



1496.5.  Any county may conduct continuing education programs for
non-county-employed licensed health workers or non-county-employed
nonlicensed health workers as prescribed in this article.



1497.  (a) Any county health facility, including, but not limited
to, hospitals, mental health facilities, and other public health
facilities, may utilize its county staff personnel to conduct
continuing education programs for non-county-employed licensed health
workers or non-county-employed nonlicensed health workers.
   (b) A county may contract with a community college, college,
university, hospital, or other health facility for purposes of
conducting continuing education programs pursuant to this article.



1497.5.  (a) Any county conducting continuing educational programs
pursuant to this article shall charge and collect fees sufficient to
defray the cost of such instruction and training. Such fees may be
reduced to the extent of any federal funds obtained by the county for
the purpose of providing such instruction and training.
   (b) Any fees collected pursuant to this section shall be placed in
a continuing education program fund of the county. The revenue in
such a fund shall be used for the sole purpose of supporting and
continually upgrading such continuing educational programs.



1498.  Any county conducting a continuing education program pursuant
to this article shall maintain individual records of attendance and
the number of continuing education units earned by participants, if
any, in such program. Copies of such information shall be made
available upon request and at the cost of reproduction to
participants in such program.