department of state
Division of Professional Regulation
500 Board of Podiatry
PROPOSED
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, pursuant to Title 29, Chapter 101 and Title 24, Section 506(a)(1) of the Delaware Code, the State Board of Podiatry proposes changes to its Regulations 5.0 and 6.0 relating to In-Training licensure and online license renewal. Specifically, the changes to Regulation 5.0 Licenses (Renewal, Inactive, Temporary) provide for the new In-Training license in Title 24, Section 513(d) of the Delaware Code created by Senate Bill 32 and signed into law on February 1, 2006. The changes to Regulation 6.0 Continuing Education provide for the online renewal of licenses, including the attestation of completion of continuing education requirements by licensees and the post-renewal random audit of licensees by the Board to check the veracity of attestations. Regulation 5.2.4 was created in relation to online renewal. Other grammatical, typographic, or stylistic changes are also included.
A public hearing will be held on the proposed regulations on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at 5 p.m. in the 2nd floor Conference Room A of the Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover, Delaware 19904. The Board will receive and consider input in writing from any person on the proposed regulations. Any written comments should be submitted to the Board in care of Sherry Clark at the above address. The final date to submit written comments shall be at the above scheduled public hearing. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the proposed regulations or to make comments at the public hearing should contact Sherry Clark at the above address or by calling (302) 744-4530.
The Board will consider promulgating the proposed regulations immediately following the public hearing.
500 Board of Podiatry
1.0 General Provisions
1.1 Pursuant to 24 Del.C. Ch. 5, the Delaware Board of Podiatry (“the Board”) is authorized to, and has adopted, these Rules and Regulations.
1.2 Information about the Board, including its meeting dates, may be obtained by contacting the Board’s Administrative Assistant at the Division of Professional Regulation, Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Ste. 203, Dover, Delaware 19904-2467, telephone (302) 739-4522. Requests to the Board may be directed to the same office.
1.3 The Board’s President shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall sign all official documents of the Board. In the President’s absence, the Board’s Secretary shall preside at meetings and perform all duties usually performed by the President.
1.4 The Board shall elect officers, pursuant to 24 Del.C. §504 in January of each year.
1.5 The Board may seek counsel, advice and information from other governmental agencies and such other groups as it deems appropriate.
1.6 The Board may establish such subcommittees as it determines appropriate for the fair and efficient processing of the Board’s duties.
1.7 Board members are subject to the provisions applying to honorary state officials in the “State Employees’, Officers’ and Officials’ Code of Conduct,” found at 29 Del.C. Ch. 58.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §503; 504; 506.
2.0 Application And Licensing Requirements
2.1 Application and Requirements for Licensure. Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §508, an applicant for licensure must meet the requirements of 24 Del.C. §508(a). An applicant for licensure must arrange to provide the Board with a copy of his or her record with the National Practitioners’ Data Bank. Upon completion of these requirements, the Board shall issue a license.
2.2 The Board may require additional information or explanation when it has questions about an applicant’s qualifications or application materials. An application is not complete or in proper form until the Board has received all required and requested documents, materials, information and fees.
2.3 Graduates of non-United States (U.S.) degree programs will be required to have their credentials evaluated by a credential evaluation service acceptable to the Board, to determine equivalency to U.S. degree programs.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §508.
2.4 Residency Program. The hospital residency program shall be approved by and comply with the Special Standards and Requirements established for residency programs by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME).
2.5 Preceptorship Program.
2.5.1 Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §508(a)(2), each and every applicant for licensure by examination who has not satisfactorily completed an APMA approved hospital residency program shall complete a one year preceptorship, during which time the applicant’s clinical abilities and skills shall be under the observation and supervision of a preceptor, who shall be a Delaware licensed podiatrist, who has received the prior written approval of the Board to supervise the preceptorship of one or more candidates for licensure.
2.5.2 Preceptorships shall run for twelve (12) months.
2.5.3 A candidate for the preceptorship program shall submit his or her curriculum vitae, certified transcripts from podiatric medical school(s) showing confirmation of “Doctor of Podiatric Medicine” degree, and evidence of passing scores on National Board Examinations Part I and Part II, before the Board may approve his or her admission to the preceptorship program.
2.5.4 The Board shall, by letter, notify each applicant who has submitted all required documentation of his or her admission to the preceptorship program.
2.5.5 Following receipt by an applicant of notice of his or her admission to the preceptorship program, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to apply to a licensed practitioner for a twelve (12) month preceptorship with that practitioner. It shall be the responsibility of the Board, in connection with the above-described preceptorship requirements to approve and certify all preceptors; and approve and certify all preceptorship programs and evaluations.
2.5.6 The preceptor shall provide professional liability (malpractice) coverage for candidates for whom they are the preceptor at all times during the preceptorship.
2.5.7 During the course of each twelve (12) month preceptorship, each candidate shall be evaluated by the preceptor (primary clinical observer) for whom he or she is working. The preceptorship shall pattern itself after and ensure exposure to all areas covered by the CPME standards for Rotating Podiatric Residency (RPR) Sections 21.0 through 21.6, and the candidate shall be evaluated in those areas.
Each candidate shall be evaluated during the twelve (12) month preceptorship by one other licensed practitioner (secondary clinical observer) approved by the Board in the following areas: podiatric medicine, physical examination and the basic application of podiatric principles. The primary observer shall submit his observations in the form of a letter addressed to the Board. The primary observer shall report to the Board every three (3) months. The letter shall include an evaluation covering the prescribed subjects above. The secondary observer shall submit a similar appropriate report by letter to the Board, accompanied by evaluations covering the prescribed subjects.
2.5.7.1 In the event that the primary observer has been unable to expose the candidate to any required category of evaluation, he or she shall advise the secondary observer of this fact, and shall include the fact in his quarterly report to the Board.
2.5.7.2 In the event that a preceptorship candidate receives a negative or deficient evaluation from his or her preceptor, in two or less of the above-described categories of evaluation, the Board shall allow the applicant to correct the deficiency or deficiencies by attendance at and completion of a course or program in each said deficient area. Said program or course shall have prior written approval by the Board. Upon successful completion of all such approved programs, the Board shall forthwith issue to the candidate a letter indicating that he or she may proceed with his preceptorship program.
2.5.7.3 In the event that a preceptorship candidate receives a negative or deficient evaluation from his or her preceptor, in more than two of the above-described categories of evaluation, the candidate may request another Delaware licensed podiatrist to independently evaluate the candidate’s competency in those areas and report to the Board. The Board will review all evaluations and make a determination as to the status of the preceptorship.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §§508(a)(2).
3.0 Examinations
3.1 Examination. Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §508 and 509, applicants for licensure must have taken an approved national examination and achieved the minimum passing score recommended by the testing service providing the examination. The approved national examination is the PMLexis administered by the National Board of Podiatry Medical Examiners (NBPME).
3.2 An applicant for licensure is required to have successfully completed the NBPME Part I and Part II exams as a prerequisite to sitting for the PMLexis.
3.3 An applicant for licensure shall, prior to sitting for the examination, notify the testing service administering the PMLexis to forward his or her examination results directly to the Board. Failure to do so may constitute grounds for denial of licensure.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §506(a)(3); 509.
4.0 Reciprocity
4.1 In addition to other requirements for licensure by reciprocity set forth in 24 Del.C. §510, the Board may only approve licensure by reciprocity where said applicants are currently licensed in other state(s) whose requirements for registration or certification are substantially similar to those of the State of Delaware, or as set forth in Rules 4.3 and 4.4, below. Equivalency shall be determined by comparing the laws in effect at the time of application. Prior to issuing a license by reciprocity, the Board will determine whether said applicants have ever been disciplined or whether there are any disciplinary actions pending in any jurisdiction.
4.2 Requirements for registration and certification, as they relate to states other than Delaware, are deemed by the Board to be substantially similar to those of the State of Delaware when said requirements include:
4.2.1 Satisfactory completion of a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine or its equivalent from a school currently accredited by the APMA or its successor;
4.2.2 Satisfactory completion of the NBPME Part I, Part II and PMLexis examinations, with at least the minimum passing score recommended by the testing service providing the examination; and;
4.2.3 Satisfactory completion of a hospital residency program approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), or completion of an approved preceptorship program in the office of a podiatrist, licensed in the state in which the applicant is licensed or certified, for a period of one year.
4.3 An applicant licensed in a state whose standards for licensure are not substantially similar to those of Delaware may obtain licensure by reciprocity if he or she holds a license in good standing in that state and has practiced podiatry for a minimum of five years after licensure.
4.4 An applicant for licensure by reciprocity, who is licensed in a state whose standards are not substantially similar to those of this state, must provide the Board with an affidavit from his or her employer(s) in the state of licensure, or other evidence acceptable to the Board, documenting at least five (5) years of practice following licensure in that state.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §510.
5.0 Licenses (In-Training, Lapse/Renewal, Inactive, Temporary)
5.1 In-Training License.
5.1.1 Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §513(d), the Board will issue, without examination, an In-Training license to podiatric physicians who are (1) participating in this State in a residency program accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education and (2) are otherwise qualified for licensure.
5.1.2 A podiatric physician who will be employed by a hospital as a resident or fellow in an accredited residency or fellowship program may apply for an In-Training license. Application shall be made on forms provided by the Board. Such applications shall include:
5.1.2.1 An affidavit of the employer hospital’s residency program director certifying that the podiatric physician will be employed by the hospital and meets all requirements for licensure specified in 24 Del.C. §508(a)(1) through (a)(7), excluding 24 Del.C. §508(a)(2).
5.1.2.2 An affidavit of the podiatric physician seeking licensure certifying that he meets all the requirements for licensure specified in 24 Del.C. §508(a)(1) through (a)(7), excluding 24 Del.C. §508(a)(2).
5.1.2.3 An affidavit of the podiatric physician seeking licensure certifying that he intends to limit himself solely to practice within the hospital or the performance of such medical duties outside the hospital which may be assigned to him as part of the residency program.
5.1.3 Residents employed by accredited hospitals who have been granted In-Training licenses shall be specifically limited to the practice of medicine within the hospital where they are employed, except for any medical duties which may be assigned as part of the residency program as long as those outside duties are performed under the supervision of a fully licensed podiatric physician.
5.1.4 An In-Training license is required for all podiatric physicians who will spend 45 or more consecutive days in a Delaware institution as part of a rotation for an out-of-state residency program.
5.1.5 The licensee and the employer hospital shall notify the board not later than three (3) days after the licensee’s completion of or withdrawal from the residency program.
5.1.6 Valid In-Training licenses may be renewed by the licensee by paying the renewal fee set by the Division of Professional Regulation.
5.12.1 Any licensee whose license lapses for non-renewal may re-apply within one (1) year by paying the fee required by 24 Del.C. §511 and having completed all continuing education which a licensee would have been required to complete for renewal.
5.12.2 If a licensee allows his or her license to lapse for over one (1) year and has not been granted inactive status, that licensee must reapply for licensure in the same manner as a new applicant.
5.12.3 It shall be the responsibility of all licensees, active or inactive, to keep the Board informed of any change in name, home or business address.
5.2.4 License renewal may be accomplished online at http://www.dpr.delaware.gov.
5.23 Inactive Status
5.23.1 A licensee may be placed in on an inactive status by the Board for a period of no more than five (5) years. Requests for inactive status shall be made, in writing, to the Board and requests which exceed one (1) year shall be renewed biennially at the time of regular license renewals, set by the Division. Upon After application to the Board and payment of a renewal fee, an inactive licensee may obtain a new license and re-enter active practice upon after completion of the continuing education requirements below. The following continuing education must be completed prior to the licensee reentering active practice:
5.23.1.1 Inactive status for one (1) year or less: 16 CE hours.
5.23.1.2 Inactive status for more than one (1) year up to 5 years: 32 CE hours, completed within 24 months prior to reapplication.
5.3 Temporary License. In the case of a temporary license issued to a qualified applicant for licensure in this state pending the results of the PMLexis examination, it is the duty of the applicant to inform the Board of his or her examination results immediately upon their receipt.
6.0 Continuing Education
6.1 Pursuant to 24 Del.C. §506(a)(7), the Board is empowered to provide by rule for continuing medical education. “Continuing medical education (CME),” as that term is herein applied by the Board, includes any and all continuing education requirements, as herein below provided, which must be satisfied biennially by all licensed practitioners as a condition for licensure renewal. Each licensed practitioner shall complete, biennially on or before the last day in April every two (2) years, at least 32 hours of continuing education as a condition of license renewal.
6.2 Each practitioner shall be exempt from the continuing education requirement in the first biennial licensing period, or any portion thereof, in which he is licensed to practice in Delaware. On or before the last day in April every two (2) years, During the renewal process, each a practitioner shall submit to the Board validated documents which evidence attest to his satisfactory completion of the continuing education requirements for the previous two (2) years. Attestation may be completed electronically if the renewal is accomplished online. In the alternative, paper renewal documents that contain the attestation of completion may be submitted. Each licensee must complete maintain a Podiatry CME log, on a form to be supplied by the Board, indicating the date, title, sponsor, and number of hours the licensee attended, for each continuing education program submitted for credit. Random audits will be performed by the Board to ensure compliance with the continuing education requirement. Licensees selected for the random audit shall submit validated documents which evidence satisfactory completion of the continuing education requirements for the previous two (2) years. The Board reserves the right to request additional documentation, such as copies of program materials, to verify CME compliance in the course of a random audit.
6.3 Only approved courses will be counted toward the 32 hour biennial continuing education requirement. A practitioner may gain approval of any course or program by written application to the Board, stating the title, sponsor and summary of course content. The Board may act upon all such requests at the next regularly scheduled meeting, may act upon such requests at any intervening special meeting convened to consider other issues, or may delegate to any member of the Board the authority to approve continuing education courses on behalf of the Board. Any practitioner who attends and/or completes a course which has not yet been approved by the Board does so at his own risk that the Board may not approve the said course nor allow it to be counted toward completion of the annual requirement of 32 hours of continuing education.
6.4 Content. The overriding consideration in determining if a specific program qualifies for continuing professional education is that it be a formal program of learning which contributes directly to the professional competence of the licensee. No credit shall be given for business or practice seminars.
6.4.1 Computer, television or video based courses and other independent study courses may be submitted to the Board for approval, however no such course will be approved for credit unless it includes successful completion of a final examination or paper.
6.4.2 The following programs will be deemed to qualify for continuing education without prior Board approval:
6.4.2.1 Any program approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), and approved affiliates.
6.4.2.2 Any seminar sponsored by the Delaware Podiatric Medical Association (DMPA).
6.4.2.3 Any podiatric program sponsored by a hospital or clinic as part of a CPME approved residency program.
6.5 Hardship. The Board has the authority to make exceptions to the continuing professional education requirements upon written request of the licensee and a showing of good cause. “Good cause” may include, but is not limited to, disability, illness, military service, foreign residency, and retirement. Upon application, the Board shall set the time in which the licensee must complete the continuing education requirement. No extension shall be granted for more than 120 days after the end of the licensing period.
6.6 Self-directed activity
6.6.1 The Board may, upon request, review and approve credit for self-directed activities, including research, preparation and/or presentation of professional papers and articles, to a maximum of eight (8) hours per biennial licensing period. A licensee must obtain pre-approval of the Board prior to undertaking the self-directed activity in order to assure continuing education credit for the activity. Any self-directed activity submitted for approval must include a written proposal outlining the scope of the activity, the number of continuing education hours requested, the anticipated completion date(s), the role of the licensee in the case of multiple participants (e.g. research) and whether any part of the self-directed activity has ever been previously approved or submitted for credit by the same licensee.
6.6.2 The Board may award up to a maximum of eight (8) continuing education hours for the first-time preparation and presentation of an approved podiatric clinical course, in-service training, workshop, or seminar. A copy of the course syllabus and verification that the course was presented is required for Board approval.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §§506(a)(7).
7.0 Disciplinary Proceedings And Hearings
7.1 Disciplinary proceedings against any licensee may be initiated by an aggrieved person by submitting a complaint in writing to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation as specified in 29 Del.C. §8807(h)(1)-(3).
7.1.1 A copy of the written complaint shall be forwarded to the administrative assistant for the Board. At the next regularly scheduled Board meeting, a contact person for the Board shall be appointed and a copy of the written complaint given to that person.
7.1.2 The contact person appointed by the Board shall maintain strict confidentiality with respect to the contents of the complaint and shall not discuss the matter with other Board members or with the public. The contact person shall maintain contact with the investigator or deputy attorney general assigned to the case regarding the progress of the investigation.
7.1.3 In the instance when the case is being closed by the Division, the contact person shall report the facts and conclusions to the Board without revealing the identities of the parties involved. No vote of the Board is necessary to close the case.
7.1.4 If a hearing has been requested by the Deputy Attorney General, a copy of these Rules and Regulations shall be provided to the respondent upon request. The notice of hearing shall fully comply with 29 Del.C. §10122 and 10131 pertaining to the requirements of the notice of proceedings. All notices shall be sent to the respondent’s address as reflected in the Board’s records.
7.1.5 At any disciplinary hearing, the respondent shall have the right to appear in person or be represented by counsel, or both. The Respondent shall have the right to produce evidence and witnesses on his or her behalf and to cross examine witnesses. The Respondent shall be entitled to the issuance of subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents on his or her behalf.
7.1.6 No less than 10 days prior to the date set for a disciplinary hearing, the Department of Justice and the respondent shall submit to the Board and to each other, a list of the witnesses they intend to call at the hearing. Witnesses not listed shall be permitted to testify only upon a showing of reasonable cause for such omission.
7.1.7 If the respondent fails to appear at a disciplinary hearing after receiving the notice required by 29 Del.C. §10122 and 10131, the Board may proceed to hear and determine the validity of the charges against the respondent.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §§514 and 517; 29 Del.C. §§10111, 10122 and 10131
7.2 Hearing procedures
7.2.1 The Board may administer oaths, take testimony, hear proofs and receive exhibits into evidence at any hearing. All testimony at any hearing shall be under oath.
7.2.2 Strict rules of evidence shall not apply. All evidence having probative value commonly accepted by reasonably prudent people in the conduct of their affairs shall be admitted.
7.2.3 An attorney representing a party in a hearing or matter before the Board shall notify the Board of the representation in writing as soon as practicable.
7.2.4 Requests for postponements of any matter scheduled before the Board shall be submitted to the Board’s office in writing no less than three (3) days before the date scheduled for the hearing. Absent a showing of exceptional hardship, there shall be a maximum of one postponement allowed to each party to any hearing.
7.2.5 A complaint shall be deemed to “have merit” and the Board may impose disciplinary sanctions against the licensee if a majority of the members of the Board find, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the respondent has committed the act(s) of which he or she is accused and that those act(s) constitute grounds for discipline pursuant to 24 Del.C. §515.
Statutory authority: 24 Del.C. §§514, 515, 517; 29 Del.C. §§10111
8.0 Voluntary Treatment Option for Chemically Dependent or Impaired Professionals
8.1 If the report is received by the chairperson of the regulatory Board, that chairperson shall immediately notify the Director of Professional Regulation or his/her designate of the report. If the Director of Professional Regulation receives the report, he/she shall immediately notify the chairperson of the regulatory Board, or that chairperson's designate or designates.
8.2 The chairperson of the regulatory Board or that chairperson's designate or designates shall, within 7 days of receipt of the report, contact the individual in question and inform him/her in writing of the report, provide the individual written information describing the Voluntary Treatment Option, and give him/her the opportunity to enter the Voluntary Treatment Option.
8.3 In order for the individual to participate in the Voluntary Treatment Option, he/she shall agree to submit to a voluntary drug and alcohol screening and evaluation at a specified laboratory or health care facility. This initial evaluation and screen shall take place within 30 days following notification to the professional by the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate(s).
8.4 A regulated professional with chemical dependency or impairment due to addiction to drugs or alcohol may enter into the Voluntary Treatment Option and continue to practice, subject to any limitations on practice the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate or designates or the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate may, in consultation with the treating professional, deem necessary, only if such action will not endanger the public health, welfare or safety, and the regulated professional enters into an agreement with the Director of Professional Regulation or his/her designate and the chairperson of the participating Board or that chairperson's designate for a treatment plan and progresses satisfactorily in such treatment program and complies with all terms of that agreement. Treatment programs may be operated by professional Committees and Associations or other similar professional groups with the approval of the Director of Professional Regulation and the chairperson of the participating Board.
8.5 Failure to cooperate fully with the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate or designates or the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate in regard to the Voluntary Treatment Option or to comply with their requests for evaluations and screens may disqualify the regulated professional from the provisions of the Voluntary Treatment Option, and the participating Board chairperson or that chairperson's designate or designates shall cause to be activated an immediate investigation and institution of disciplinary proceedings, if appropriate, as outlined in subsection (h) of this section.
8.6 The Voluntary Treatment Option may require a regulated professional to enter into an agreement which includes, but is not limited to, the following provisions:
8.6.1 Entry of the regulated professional into a treatment program approved by the participating Board. Board approval shall not require that the regulated professional be identified to the Board. Treatment and evaluation functions must be performed by separate agencies to assure an unbiased assessment of the regulated professional's progress.
8.6.2 Consent to the treating professional of the approved treatment program to report on the progress of the regulated professional to the chairperson of the participating Board or to that chairperson's designate or designates or to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate at such intervals as required by the chairperson of the participating Board or that chairperson's designate or designates or the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate, and such person making such report will not be liable when such reports are made in good faith and without malice.
8.6.3 Consent of the regulated professional, in accordance with applicable law, to the release of any treatment information from anyone within the approved treatment program.
8.6.4 Agreement by the regulated professional to be personally responsible for all costs and charges associated with the Voluntary Treatment Option and treatment program(s). In addition, the Division of Professional Regulation may assess a fee to be paid by the regulated professional to cover administrative costs associated with the Voluntary Treatment Option. The amount of the fee imposed under this subparagraph shall approximate and reasonably reflect the costs necessary to defray the expenses of the participating Board, as well as the proportional expenses incurred by the Division of Professional Regulation in its services on behalf of the Board in addition to the administrative costs associated with the Voluntary Treatment Option.
8.6.5 Agreement by the regulated professional that failure to satisfactorily progress in such treatment program shall be reported to the participating Board's chairperson or his/her designate or designates or to the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/ her designate by the treating professional who shall be immune from any liability for such reporting made in good faith and without malice.
8.6.6 Compliance by the regulated professional with any terms or restrictions placed on professional practice as outlined in the agreement under the Voluntary Treatment Option.
8.7 The regulated professional's records of participation in the Voluntary Treatment Option will not reflect disciplinary action and shall not be considered public records open to public inspection. However, the participating Board may consider such records in setting a disciplinary sanction in any future matter in which the regulated professional's chemical dependency or impairment is an issue.
8.8 The participating Board's chairperson, his/her designate or designates or the Director of the Division of Professional Regulation or his/her designate may, in consultation with the treating professional at any time during the Voluntary Treatment Option, restrict the practice of a chemically dependent or impaired professional if such action is deemed necessary to protect the public health, welfare or safety.
8.9 If practice is restricted, the regulated professional may apply for unrestricted licensure upon completion of the program.
8.10 Failure to enter into such agreement or to comply with the terms and make satisfactory progress in the treatment program shall disqualify the regulated professional from the provisions of the Voluntary Treatment Option, and the participating Board shall be notified and cause to be activated an immediate investigation and disciplinary proceedings as appropriate.
8.11 Any person who reports pursuant to this section in good faith and without malice shall be immune from any civil, criminal or disciplinary liability arising from such reports, and shall have his/her confidentiality protected if the matter is handled in a nondisciplinary matter.
8.12 Any regulated professional who complies with all of the terms and completes the Voluntary Treatment Option shall have his/her confidentiality protected unless otherwise specified in a participating Board's rules and regulations. In such an instance, the written agreement with the regulated professional shall include the potential for disclosure and specify those to whom such information may be disclosed.
4 DE Reg. 683 (10/1/00)
9.0 Definitions - The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, should have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Conviction”, unless otherwise defined by specific statute, means a verdict of guilty by whether entered by a judge or jury, or a plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere or other similar plea such as a “Robinson” or “Alford” plea unless the individual has been discharged under §4218 of Title 11 of the Delaware Code (probation before judgment) or under §1024 of Title 10 (domestic violence diversion program) or by §4764 of Title 16 (first offenders controlled substances diversion program).
“Substantially similar crimes in another State or Jurisdiction”, shall include all crimes prohibited by or punishable under Title 18 of the United Stated Code Annotated (U.S.C.A.) such as, but not limited to, Federal Health Care offenses.
9.1 Any crime which involves the use of physical force or violence toward or upon the person of another and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes set forth in Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
Assaults and Related Offenses
9.1.1 §601. Offensive touching;
9.1.2 §602. Menacing;
9.1.3 §603. Reckless endangering in the second degree;
9.1.4 §604. Reckless endangering in the first degree;
9.1.5 §605. Abuse of a pregnant female in the second degree;
9.1.6 §606. Abuse of a pregnant female in the first degree;
9.1.7 §611. Assault in the third degree;
9.1.8 §612. Assault in the second degree;
9.1.9 §613. Assault in the first degree;
9.1.10 §614. Assault on a sports official.
9.1.11 §615. Assault by abuse or neglect;
9.1.12 §621. Terroristic threatening;
9.1.13 §625. Unlawfully administering drugs;
9.1.14 §626. Unlawfully administering controlled substance or counterfeit substance or narcotic drugs;
9.1.15 §627. Prohibited acts as to substances releasing vapors or fumes;
9.1.16 §628. Vehicular assault in the second degree;
9.1.17 §629. Vehicular assault in the first degree;
9.1.18 §630. Vehicular homicide in the second degree;
9.1.19 §630A. Vehicular homicide in the first degree;
9.1.20 §631. Criminally negligent homicide;
9.1.21 §632. Manslaughter;
9.1.22 §633. Murder by abuse or neglect in the second degree;
9.1.23 §634. Murder by abuse or neglect in the first degree;
9.1.24 §635. Murder in the second degree;
9.1.25 §636. Murder in the first degree;
9.1.26 §645. Promoting suicide. Abortion and Related Offenses
9.1.27 §651. Abortion;
9.1.28 §653. Issuing abortional articles. Sexual Offenses
9.1.29 §763. Sexual harassment;
9.1.30 §764. Indecent exposure in the second degree;
9.1.31 §765. Indecent exposure in the first degree;
9.1.32 §766. Incest;
9.1.33 §767. Unlawful sexual contact in the third degree;
9.1.34 §768. Unlawful sexual contact in the second degree;
9.1.35 §769. Unlawful sexual contact in the first degree;
9.1.36 §770. Rape in the fourth degree;
9.1.37 §771. Rape in the third degree;
9.1.38 §772. Rape in the second degree;
9.1.39 §773. Rape in the first degree;
9.1.40 §776. Sexual extortion;
9.1.41 §777. Bestiality;
9.1.42 §778. Continuous sexual abuse of a child;
9.1.43 §780. Female genital mutilation.
Kidnapping and Related Offenses
9.1.44 §781. Unlawful imprisonment in the second degree;
9.1.45 §782. Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree;
9.1.46 §783. Kidnapping in the second degree;
9.1.47 §783A. Kidnapping in the first degree;
9.1.48 §785. Interference with custody; Coercion
9.1.49 §791. Acts constituting coercion;
9.2 Any crime which involves dishonesty or false, fraudulent or aberrant behavior and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes listed in Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
Arson and Related Offenses
9.2.1 §801. Arson in the third degree;
9.2.2 §802. Arson in the second degree;
9.2.3 §803. Arson in the first degree;
9.2.4 §804. Reckless burning or exploding;
9.2.5 §805. Cross or religious symbol burning;
Criminal Trespass and Burglary
9.2.6 §820. Trespassing with intent to peer or peep into a window or door of another;
9.2.7 §821. Criminal trespass in the third degree;
9.2.8 §822. Criminal trespass in the second degree;
9.2.9 §823. Criminal trespass in the first degree;
9.2.10 §824. Burglary in the third degree;
9.2.11 §825. Burglary in the second degree;
9.2.12 §826. Burglary in the first degree;
9.2.13 §828. Possession of burglar’s tools or instruments facilitating theft;
Robbery
9.2.14 §831. Robbery in the second degree;
9.2.15 §832. Robbery in the first degree.
9.2.16 §835. Carjacking in the second degree;
9.2.17 §836. Carjacking in the first degree;
Theft and Related Offenses
9.2.18 §840. Shoplifting; class G felony;
9.2.19 §840A. Use of illegitimate retail sales receipt or Universal Product Code Label.
9.2.20 §841. Theft;
9.2.21 §842. Theft; lost or mislaid property; mistaken delivery.
9.2.22 §843. Theft; false pretense.
9.2.23 §844. Theft; false promise.
9.2.24 §845. Theft of services.
9.2.25 §846. Extortion;
9.2.26 §848. Misapplication of property;
9.2.27 §849. Theft of rented property;
9.2.28 §850. Use, possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of unlawful telecommunication and access devices.
9.2.29 §851. Receiving stolen property;
9.2.30 §853. Unauthorized use of a vehicle;
9.2.31 §854. Identity theft;
9.2.32 §859. Larceny of livestock;
9.2.33 §860. Possession of shoplifter’s tools or instruments facilitating theft;
Forgery and Related Offenses
9.2.34 §861. Forgery; class F felony;
9.2.35 §862. Possession of forgery devices;
Offenses Involving Falsification of Records
9.2.36 §871. Falsifying business records;
9.2.37 §872. Falsifying business records;
9.2.38 §873. Tampering with public records in the second degree;
9.2.39 §876. Tampering with public records in the first degree;
9.2.40 §877. Offering a false instrument for filing;
9.2.41 §878. Issuing a false certificate;
Bribery Not Involving Public Servants
9.2.42 §881. Bribery;
9.2.43 §882. Bribe receiving;
Frauds on Creditors
9.2.44 §891. Defrauding secured creditors;
9.2.45 §892. Fraud in insolvency;
9.2.46 §893. Interference with levied-upon property;
Other Frauds and Cheats
9.2.47 §900. Issuing a bad check;
9.2.48 §903. Unlawful use of credit card;
9.2.49 §903A. Reencoder and scanning devices;
9.2.50 §906. Deceptive business practices;
9.2.51 §907. Criminal impersonation;
9.2.52 §907A. Criminal impersonation, accident related;
9.2.53 §907B. Criminal impersonation of a police officer;
9.2.54 §908. Unlawfully concealing a will;
9.2.55 §909. Securing execution of documents by deception;
9.2.56 §910. Debt adjusting;
9.2.57 §911. Fraudulent conveyance of public lands;
9.2.58 §912. Fraudulent receipt of public lands;
9.2.59 §913. Insurance fraud;
9.2.60 §913A. Health care fraud;
9.2.61 §914. Use of consumer identification information;
9.2.62 §915. Use of credit card information;
9.2.63 §915A. Credit and debit card transaction receipts;
9.2.64 §916. Home improvement fraud;
9.2.65 §917. New home construction fraud;
Offenses Relating to Recorded Devices
9.2.66 §920. Transfer of recorded sounds;
9.2.67 §921. Sale of transferred recorded sounds;
9.2.68 §922. Improper labeling;
Computer Related Offenses
9.2.69 §932. Unauthorized access.
9.2.70 §933. Theft of computer services.
9.2.71 §934. Interruption of computer services.
9.2.72 §935. Misuse of computer system information.
9.2.73 §936. Destruction of computer equipment.
9.2.74 §937. Unrequested or unauthorized electronic mail or use of network or software to cause same.
9.2.75 §938. Failure to promptly cease electronic communication upon request.
Offenses Relating to Marriage
9.2.76 §1001. Bigamy;
9.2.77 §1003. Bigamous marriage contracted outside the State.
9.3 Any crime which involves misuse or abuse of children or animals and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes listed in Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
Child Welfare; Sexual Offenses, Animal Offenses
9.3.1 §1100. Dealing in children;
9.3.2 §1101. Abandonment of child;
9.3.3 §1102. Endangering the welfare of a child;
9.3.4 §1105. Endangering the welfare of an incompetent person;
9.3.5 §1106. Unlawfully dealing with a child;
9.3.6 §1107. Endangering children;
9.3.7 §1108. Sexual exploitation of a child;
9.3.8 §1109. Unlawfully dealing in child pornography;
9.3.9 §1111. Possession of child pornography;
9.3.10 §1112. Sexual offenders; prohibitions from school zones.
9.3.11 §1112A. Sexual solicitation of a child;
9.3.12 §1113. Criminal non-support and aggravated criminal non-support.
9.3.13 §1114. Body-piercing; tattooing or branding;
9.3.14 §1114A. Tongue-splitting;
9.3.15 §1116. Sale or distribution of tobacco products to minors;
9.3.16 §1117. Notice;
9.3.17 §1119. Distribution of cigarettes through vending machines;
9.3.18 §1120. Distribution of tobacco products;
9.3.19 §1124. Purchase or receipt of tobacco products by minor;
9.3.20 §1325. Cruelty to animals;
9.3.21 §1325A. The unlawful trade in dog or cat by-products;
9.3.22 §1326. Animals; fighting and baiting prohibited;
9.3.23 §1327. Maintaining a dangerous animal;
9.4 Any crime which involves offenses against the public order the commission of which may tend to bring discredit upon the profession and which are thus substantially related to one’s fitness to practice such profession and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes listed in Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
Bribery and Improper Influence
9.4.1 §1201. Bribery;
9.4.2 §1203. Receiving a bribe;
9.4.3 §1205. Giving unlawful gratuities;
9.4.4 §1206. Receiving unlawful gratuities;
9.4.5 §1207. Improper influence;
9.4.6 §1211. Official misconduct;
9.4.7 §1212. Profiteering. Perjury and related offenses
9.4.8 §1221. Perjury in the third degree;
9.4.9 §1222. Perjury in the second degree;
9.4.10 §1223. Perjury in the first degree;
9.4.11 §1233. Making a false written statement;
9.4.12 §1239. Wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony;
9.4.13 §1240. Terroristic threatening of public officials or public servants;
9.4.14 §1241. Refusing to aid a police officer;
9.4.15 §1243. Obstructing fire-fighting operations;
9.4.16 §1244. Hindering prosecution;
9.4.17 §1245. Falsely reporting an incident;
9.4.18 §1246. Compounding a crime;
9.4.19 §1248. Obstructing the control and suppression of rabies;
9.4.20 §1249. Abetting the violation of driver’s license restrictions;
9.4.21 §1250. Offenses against law-enforcement animals;
9.4.22 §1251. Escape in the third degree;
9.4.23 §1252. Escape in the second degree;
9.4.24 §1253. Escape after conviction;
9.4.25 §1254. Assault in a detention facility;
9.4.26 §1257A. Use of an animal to avoid capture;
9.4.27 §1259. Sexual relations in detention facility;
9.4.28 §1260. Misuse of prisoner mail.
Offenses Relating to Judicial and Similar Proceedings
9.4.29 §1261. Bribing a witness;
9.4.30 §1262. Bribe receiving by a witness;
9.4.31 §1263. Tampering with a witness;
9.4.32 §1263A. Interfering with child witness.
9.4.33 §1264. Bribing a juror;
9.4.34 §1265. Bribe receiving by a juror;
9.4.35 §1266. Tampering with a juror;
9.4.36 §1267. Misconduct by a juror;
9.4.37 §1269. Tampering with physical evidence;
9.4.38 §1271. Criminal contempt;
9.4.39 §1271A. Criminal contempt of a domestic violence protective order;
9.4.40 §1273. Unlawful grand jury disclosure.
9.5 Any crime which involves offenses against a public health order and decency which may tend to bring discredit upon the profession, specifically including the below listed crimes from Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated which evidence a lack of appropriate concern for the safety and well being of another person or persons in general or sufficiently flawed judgment to call into question the individuals ability to make health care decisions or advise upon health care related matters for other individuals.
Disorderly Conduct and Related Offenses
9.5.1 §1301. Disorderly conduct;
9.5.2 §1302. Riot;
9.5.3 §1304. Hate crimes;
9.5.4 §1311. Harassment;
9.5.5 §1312. Aggravated harassment;
9.5.6 §1312A. Stalking;
9.5.7 §1313. Malicious interference with emergency communications;
9.5.8 §1315. Public intoxication;
9.5.9 §1316. Registration of out-of-state liquor agents;
9.5.10 §1320. Loitering on property of a state-supported school, college or university;
9.5.11 §1321. Loitering
9.5.12 §1322. Criminal nuisance;
9.5.13 §1323. Obstructing public passages;
9.5.14 §1324. Obstructing ingress to or egress from public buildings;
9.5.15 §1331. Desecration;
9.5.16 §1332. Abusing a corpse;
9.5.17 §1333. Trading in human remains and associated funerary objects.
9.5.18 §1335. Violation of privacy;
9.5.19 §1338. Bombs, incendiary devices, Molotov cocktails and explosive devices;
9.5.20 §1339. Adulteration;
9.5.21 §1340. Desecration of burial place.
Offenses Involving Public Indecency
9.5.22 §1341. Lewdness;
9.5.23 §1342. Prostitution;
9.5.24 §1343. Patronizing a prostitute prohibited.
9.5.25 §1351. Promoting prostitution in the third degree;
9.5.26 §1352. Promoting prostitution in the second degree;
9.5.27 §1353. Promoting prostitution in the first degree;
9.5.28 §1355. Permitting prostitution;
Obscenity
9.5.29 §1361. Obscenity; acts constituting;
9.5.30 §1365. Obscene literature harmful to minors;
9.5.31 §1366. Outdoor motion picture theatres;
Offenses Involving Gambling
9.5.32 §1403. Advancing gambling in the first degree;
9.5.33 §1404. Providing premises for gambling;
9.5.34 §1405. Possessing a gambling device; class A misdemeanor.
9.5.35 §1406. Being concerned in interest in keeping any gambling device;
9.5.36 §1407. Engaging in a crap game;
9.5.37 §1411. Unlawfully disseminating gambling information.
9.6 Any crime which involves the illegal possession or the misuse or abuse of narcotics, or other addictive substances and those non-addictive substances with a substantial capacity to impair reason or judgment and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes listed in Chapter 47 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
9.6.1 §4751. Prohibited acts A;
9.6.2 §4752. Prohibited acts B;
9.6.3 §4752A. Unlawful delivery of noncontrolled substance.
9.6.4 §4753. Prohibited acts C.
9.6.5 §4753A. Trafficking in marijuana, cocaine, illegal drugs, methamphetamines, L.S.D., or designer drugs.
9.6.6 §4754. Prohibited acts D;
9.6.7 §4754A. Possession and delivery of noncontrolled prescription drug.
9.6.8 §4755. Prohibited acts E;
9.6.9 §4756. Prohibited acts;
9.6.10 §4757. Hypodermic syringe or needle; delivering or possessing; disposal; exceptions;
9.6.11 §4758. Keeping drugs in original containers.
9.6.12 §4761. Distribution to persons under 21 years of age;
9.6.13 §4761A. Purchase of drugs from minors;
9.6.14 §4767. Distribution, delivery, or possession of controlled substance within 1,000 feet of school property;
9.6.15 §4768. Distribution, delivery or possession of controlled substance in or within 300 feet of park, recreation area, church, synagogue or other place of worship.
9.7 Any crime which involves the misuse or illegal possession or sale of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument and shall include by way of example and not of limitation the following crimes listed in Title 11 of the Delaware Code Annotated:
Offenses Involving Deadly Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
9.7.1 §1442. Carrying a concealed deadly weapon;
9.7.2 §1443. Carrying a concealed dangerous instrument;
9.7.3 §1444. Possessing a destructive weapon;
9.7.4 §1445. Unlawfully dealing with a dangerous weapon;
9.7.5 §1446. Unlawfully dealing with a switchblade knife;
9.7.6 §1447. Possession of a deadly weapon during commission of a felony;
9.7.7 §1447A. Possession of a firearm during commission of a felony;
9.7.8 §1448. Possession and purchase of deadly weapons by persons prohibited;
9.7.9 §1448A. Criminal history record checks for sales or firearms;
9.7.10 §1449. Wearing body armor during commission of felony;
9.7.11 §1450. Receiving a stolen firearm;
9.7.12 §1451. Theft of a firearm;
9.7.13 §1452. Unlawfully dealing with knuckles-combination knife;
9.7.14 §1453. Unlawfully dealing with martial arts throwing star;
9.7.15 §1454. Giving a firearm to person prohibited;
9.7.16 §1455. Engaging in a firearms transaction on behalf of another;
9.7.17 §1456. Unlawfully permitting a minor access to a firearm;
9.7.18 §1457. Possession of a weapon in a Safe School and Recreation Zone;
9.7.19 §1458. Removing a firearm from the possession of a law enforcement officer;
9.7.20 §1459. Possession of a weapon with a removed, obliterated or altered serial number;
9.7.21 §1471. Prohibited acts.
Offenses Involving Drug Paraphernalia
9.7.22 §4774. Penalties.
Offenses Involving Organized Crime and Racketeering
9.7.23 §1504. Criminal Penalties for Organized Crime & Racketeering Offenses Involving Intimidation of Victims or Witnesses
9.7.24 §3532. Acts of Intimidation: Class E felony
9.7.25 §3533. Aggravated act of intimidation, Class D felony
Other Crimes
9.7.26 Title 3 §1041. Willfully or maliciously starting fires; Carelessly Starting Fires;
9.7.27 §1043. Setting fire to woodland; Unseasonable Marsh Burning.
9.7.28 Title 4 §901. Offenses carrying penalty of imprisonment for 3 to 6 months;
9.7.29 §902. Offenses carrying penalty of fine of $500 to $1,000 or imprisonment of 3 to 6 months on failure to pay fine;
9.7.30 §903. Offenses carrying penalty of fine of not more than $100 imprisonment for 1 month on failure to pay fine;
9.7.31 §904. Offenses concerning certain persons;
9.7.32 §905. Unlicensed manufacture of alcoholic liquor; Possession of still, apparatus, mash, etc., by unlicensed person;
9.7.33 §906. Transportation or shipment;
9.7.34 §907. Interference with officer or inspector;
9.7.35 §908. Failure of licensee to file report;
9.7.36 §909. Violation of rules respecting liquor taxes.
9.7.37 Title 7 §1717. Unauthorized acts against a service guide or seeing eye dog.
9.7.38 Title 11 §2403. Manufacture, possession or sale of intercepting device;
9.7.39 §2410. Breaking and entering, etc. to place or remove equipment;
9.7.40 §2412. Obstruction, impediment or prevention of interception;
9.7.41 §2422. Divulging contents of communications;
9.7.42 §3532. Act of intimidation;
9.7.43 §3533. Aggravated act of intimidation;
9.7.44 §3534. Attempt to intimidate;
9.7.45 §8523. Penalties [for violation of reporting provision re: SBI];
9.7.46 §8562. Penalties [for failure of child-care provider to obtain information required under §8561 or for those providing false information]
9.7.47 §8572. Penalties [for providing false information when seeking employment in a public school]
9.7.48 §9016. Filing false claim [under Victims’ Compensation Fund].
9.7.49 Title 12 §210 Alteration, theft or destruction of Will.
9.7.50 Title 16 §1136. Abuse or neglect of a patient or resident of a nursing facility.
9.7.51 Title 21 §2118A. Unlawful possession or manufacture of proof of insurance;
9.7.52 §2133. Penalties; jurisdiction of justices of the peace.
9.7.53 §2315. False statements;
9.7.54 §2316. Altering or forging certificate of title, manufacturer’s certificate of origin, registration sticker or vehicle I identification plate;
9.7.55 §2620. False statements; incorrect or incomplete information;
9.7.56 §2703. License to operate a motorcycle, motorbike, etc.;
9.7.57 §2710. Issuance of a Level 1 Learner’s Permit and Class D operator’s license to persons under 18 years of age;
9.7.58 §2722. Restricted licenses based on driver’s physical limitations;
9.7.59 §2751. Unlawful application for or use of license or identification card;
9.7.60 §2752. False statements;
9.7.61 §2756. Driving vehicle while license is suspended or revoked; penalty;
9.7.62 §2760. Duplication, reproduction, altering, or counterfeiting of driver’s licenses or identification cards.
9.7.63 Title 23 §2302. Operation of a vessel or boat while under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs;
9.7.64 §2305. Penalties; jurisdiction.
9.7.65 Title 24 §903. Sale to persons under 21 or intoxicated persons.
9.7.66 Title 29 §3107. Motor vehicle safety-responsibility; False statements;
9.7.67 §4175A. Reckless driving;
9.7.68 §4177. Driving a vehicle while under the influence or with a prohibited alcohol content; evidence; arrests; and penalties.
9.7.69 §4177M. Operating a commercial motor vehicle with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration or while impaired by drugs;
9.7.70 §4183. Parking areas for vehicles being used by persons with disabilities;
9.7.71 §4198J. Bicycling on highways under influence of drugs or alcohol;
9.7.72 §4198O. Operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMD);
9.7.73 §4201. Duty of driver involved in accident resulting in property damage or injury;
9.7.74 §4202. Duty of driver involved in accident resulting in injury or death to any person;
9.7.75 §4203. Duty to report accidents; evidence;
9.7.76 §4204. Report of damaged vehicles; cars involved in fatal accidents;
9.7.77 §4604. Possession of motor vehicle master keys, manipulative keys, key-cutting devices, lock picks or lock picking devices and hot wires;
9.7.78 §6420. Odometers penalties;
9.7.79 §6702. Driving vehicle without consent of owner;
9.7.80 §6704. Receiving or transferring stolen vehicle;
9.7.81 §6705. Removed, falsified or unauthorized identification number on vehicle, bicycle or engine; removed or affixed license/registration plate with intent to misrepresent identity;
9.7.82 §6707. Penalty;
9.7.83 §6709. Removal of warranty or certification stickers; vehicle identification plates; confidential vehicle identification numbers;
9.7.84 §6710. Unlawful possession of assigned titles, assigned registration cards, vehicle identification plates and warranty stickers.
9.7.85 Title 30 §571. Attempt to evade or defeat tax;
9.7.86 §572. Failure to collect or pay over tax;
9.7.87 §573. Failure to file return, supply information or pay tax;
9.7.88 §574. Fraud and false statements;
9.7.89 §576. Misdemeanors.
9.7.90 Title 31§1007. Fraudulent acts penalties;
9.7.91 §3913. Welfare violations [knowing or reckless abuse of an infirm adult]
9.8 Any crime which is a violation of Title 24, Chapter 5 as it may be amended from time to time or of any other statute which requires the reporting of a medical situation or condition to state, federal or local authorities or a crime which constitutes a violation of the Podiatric Practice Act of the state in which the conviction occurred or in which the physician is licensed.
9.9 The Board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to modify this regulation as and if it becomes necessary to either add or delete crimes including such additions as may be required on an emergency basis under 29 Del.C. §10119 to address imminent peril to the public health, safety or welfare.
8 DE Reg. 1273 (03/1/05)
