(a) Certificates issued under this article shall be renewed every two years and renewal shall be conditional upon the occurrence of all of the following:

(1) The certificate holder submitting documentation of completion of 48 hours of in-service training every two years obtained through an approved training program or taught by a director of staff development for a licensed skilled nursing or intermediate care facility that has been approved by the department, or by individuals or programs approved by the department. At least 12 of the 48 hours of in-service training shall be completed in each of the two years. Twenty-four of the 48 hours of in-service training may be obtained through an online computer training program approved by the Licensing and Certification Division of the department.

(2) (A) A vendor of online programs for continuing education shall ensure that each online course contains all of the following:

(i) An interactive portion where the participants receive feedback, through online communication, based on input from the participant.

(ii) Required use of a personal identification number or personal identification information to confirm the identity of the participant.

(iii) A final screen displaying a printable statement, to be signed by the participant, certifying that the identified participant completed the course. The vendor shall obtain a copy of the final screen statement with the original signature of the participant prior to the issuance of a certificate of completion. The signed statement of completion shall be maintained by the vendor for a period of three years and shall be made available to the department upon demand.

(B) The department may approve online programs for continuing education that do not meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the vendor demonstrates to the department’s satisfaction that, through advanced technology, the course and the course delivery meet the other requirements of this section.

(3) The certificate holder obtaining a criminal record clearance.

(b) Certificates issued under this article shall expire on the certificate holder’s birthday.

(c) To renew an unexpired certificate, the certificate holder shall, on or before the certificate expiration date, apply for renewal on a form provided by the department and submit documentation of the required in-service training.

(d) The department shall give written notice to a certificate holder 90 days in advance of the renewal date and, 90 days in advance of the expiration of the fourth year that a renewal application has not been submitted, and shall give written notice informing the certificate holder, in general terms, of the provisions of this article. Nonreceipt of the renewal notice does not relieve the certificate holder of the obligation to make a timely renewal. Failure to make a timely renewal shall result in expiration of the certificate.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this article, an expired certificate may be renewed at any time within two years after its expiration on the filing of an application for renewal on a form prescribed by the department and documentation of the required in-service education.

Renewal under this article shall be effective on the date on which the application is filed. If so renewed, the certificate shall continue in effect until the date provided for in this article, when it shall expire if it is not again renewed.

(f) If a certified nurse assistant applies for renewal more than two years after the expiration, the certified nurse assistant shall complete an approved 75-hour competency evaluation training program and competency evaluation program. A suspended certificate is subject to expiration and shall be renewed as provided in this article, but this renewal does not entitle the certificate holder, while the certificate remains suspended, and, until it is reinstated, to engage in the certified activity, or in any other activity or conduct in violation of the order or judgment by which the certificate was suspended.

(g) A revoked certificate is subject to expiration as provided in this article, but it cannot be renewed.

(h) Except as provided in subdivision (i), a certificate that is not renewed within four years after its expiration cannot be renewed, restored, reissued, or reinstated except upon completion of a certification program unless deemed otherwise by the department if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) No fact, circumstance, or condition exists that, if the certificate was issued, would justify its revocation or suspension.

(2) The person takes and passes any examination that may be required of an applicant for a new certificate at that time, that shall be given by an approved provider of a certification training program.

(i) A certified nurse assistant whose certificate has expired after two years may have his or her certificate renewed if he or she completes 75 hours in an approved competency evaluation training program, passes a competency test, and obtains a criminal background clearance prior to the renewal. The department shall develop a training program for these previously certified individuals.

(j) Certificate holders shall notify the department within 60 days of any change of address. Any notice sent by the department shall be effective if mailed to the current address filed with the department.

(k) Certificate holders that have been certified as both nurse assistants pursuant to this article and home health aides pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 1725) of Division 2 shall renew their certificates at the same time on one application.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 74, Sec. 12. Effective July 12, 2006.)