On April 14, 2020, the BBRS has approved suspending the minimum 6 hour IN CLASS requirement for a period of 90 days after the state of emergency has been terminated for licenses renewing during that time.

All 10 or 12 hours may be completed online through previously approved online classes, live webinars or any virtual platform. Guidelines for Webinars or Live Virtual Platform (skype, zoom, etc.) • Webinars or Live Virtual Platform shall allow two-way communication between the instructor and the audience.If the student has a question about the presentation, or subject, they can ask the instructor in real-time which may help eliminate barriers to conversion. • Webinars or Live Virtual Platform shall give audience members direct access to the speaker.

Since the speaker/instructor is qualified by education, training, or experience (110.R7.4.10), this gives attendees unprecedented access, which is both an enticing reason to attend and a way to build trust.

• Webinars or Live Virtual Platform should support mobile devices for their interactive features.

• Coordinators are required to maintain accurate records relating to course offerings for all Webinars or Live Virtual Platform.

• Courses offered through Live Virtual Platforms that have been previously approved for On Line classes will use the course number previously assigned.

The Certificate of Completion shall be changed to read ‘Live-Webinar’. Courses being offered live but utilizing an On-Line presentation will need to have a course number assigned for this type of In-Class offering. The class should have a syllabus coordinating with the on-line course and a coordinator/instructor present to answer questions.

On March 23, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order prohibiting all businesses and other organizations that do not provide COVID-19 Essential Services from re-opening their "bricks-and-mortar premises to workers, customers, or the public before May 4, 2020 (this order may be subject to further extension.)

However, an exception is made for “Workers who support the design, production and distribution of educational materials or technologies for the use of educators or students in distance learning during the state of emergency.”

Please refer to the following website for updates on the Governor’s Orders:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information

Please contact Kimberly Spencer Office of Public Safety and Inspections 1000 Washington Street – Suite 710 Boston, MA 02118 617-826-5224 617-248-0813 f with any questions.