The LA Veterinary Practice Act defines interactive webinars as online CE hours, not live CE hours. The Board continues to receive questions from licensees concerning the type of continuing education hours required for the annual renewal of licenses - specifically whether interactive, live presentations online may be substituted for the physical presence requirements for attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, or workshops. Further guidance has been requested concerning the definition of “online instruction” which is limited to 50% of the total required hours per CE period (i.e. - fiscal year prior to July 1st renewal opening). The Board is governed in this regard by the provisions of the Louisiana Administrative Code(LAC title 46 part LXXXV) and in particular Chapter 4, sections 400 and 403 (A) (2) and (3). The LAC addresses continuing education instruction in terms of subject matter, accreditation, and the means of delivery of instruction (medium).

The medium of delivery of instruction has specific provisions beyond content and accreditation. “Contact participation” is defined in section 400 as “physical attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences, or workshops”. The units of continuing education by contact participation are not limited by the LA Veterinary Practice Act; however, a minimum of 50% of the required CE must be completed through contact (physical) participation. Credit for online hours (which includes interactive webinars) will be limited to 50% towards the total number of required hours.

Accordingly, the LA Practice Act distinguishes between “physical attendance” instruction and all other types, including interactive, live instruction participation online, the latter being subject to the maximum of online hours allowed for each CE period.