Source: http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/375-5-6
Timestamp: 2019-08-19 16:08:43
Document Index: 69053152

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 42', '§ 42', '§ 42', '§ 42', '§ 42', '§ 42', '§ 10', '§ 40']

» Subject 375-5-6
Subject 375-5-6 DUI ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE RISK REDUCTION PROGRAM
Rule 375-5-6-.01 Organization
The DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program shall be administered by the Regulatory Compliance Division of the Department of Driver Services, and such additional staff as the Commissioner deems necessary.
Rule 375-5-6-.02 Definitions
(2) The following words and phrases, whenever used in this Chapter, shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, unless otherwise defined in the rule of which they are part.
(a) "Accredited college or university" means a postsecondary educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the United States Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, or the successor agency thereof.
(b) "Applicant" means any person who has made application to become a certified DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program Owner, Director, or Instructor, but has not been certified.
(d) "Cancellation" means the annulment or termination of a Certification by formal action of the Department because of some error or defect in the Certification, or because the certificate holder was not entitled to or is no longer entitled to such Certification. The cancellation of a Certification is without prejudice, and an application for a new Certification may be made at any time after such cancellation.
(f) "Department" means the Department of Driver Services.
(g) "Director" means any person designated in writing by the Program Owner(s) and certified by the Department to manage and control the overall operation of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program, including managing the day-to-day operations, supervising all employees and instructors, establishing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with same, overseeing and ensuring compliance with program requirements, and ensuring compliance with all other legal requirements. Each program must have at least one designated director. The director may be an owner or a person designated by the owner(s).
(h) "Intervention Component" means the therapeutic education about alcohol and drug use and driving, and peer group counseling concerning alcohol and drug use given by a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program over a period of at least twenty (20) hours utilizing a methodology and curriculum approved by the Department.
Rule 375-5-6-.03 Exclusions
Rule 375-5-6-.04 Qualifications of Program Owners
(a) Clear criminal record. Each Applicant for Program Owner shall be subject to a fingerprint-based check of his or her criminal history, as designated by the Department. No person with a conviction of a felony or any other crime involving violence or a crime of moral turpitude or a pattern of misdemeanors that evidences a disregard for the law, shall be certified by the Department as a Program Owner, unless he or she has received a pardon and can produce evidence of same. For the purposes of this chapter, a plea of nolo contendere and "first offender" sentences imposed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, et seq., shall be considered a conviction. For the purposes of this chapter, a conviction for which a person has been free from custody and free from supervision for at least ten (10) years shall not be considered, unless the conviction is for an offense which is a dangerous sexual offense, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12, or the criminal offense was committed against a victim who was a minor at the time of the offense, which offense shall result in the applicant's permanent disqualification from eligibility.
(b) Safe driving record. Each Applicant for Program Owner shall possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Applicant for Program Owner shall be subject to a check of his or her driving history. No Person whose driver's license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked as the result of any conviction or combination of convictions during the five (5) year period of immediately preceding application for Certification shall be certified by the Department as a Program Owner.
(a) Continued clear criminal record. Each Program Owner shall maintain a criminal record free of felony or misdemeanor convictions or pleas. In addition, each Owner certified by the Department shall notify the Department if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of, any felony or misdemeanor within five (5) business days immediately following such event. Further, each Program Owner certified by the Department shall, within 5 business days immediately thereafter, report to the Department any arrests, which, if convicted thereof, would have excluded him or her from becoming initially certified as a Program Owner pursuant to 375-5-6-.04 (1)(a). The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Owner Certification upon receipt of notice of a conviction or arrest.
(b) Continued safe driving record. Each Program Owner shall continue to maintain a safe driving record during his or her period of Certification by the Department. Each Program Owner shall continue to possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Program Owner shall notify the Department, within five (5) business days immediately thereafter, if his or her driver's license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, or revoked in any jurisdiction, including the State of Georgia, for any reason. The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Owner's Certification upon receipt of such notice of conviction.
Rule 375-5-6-.05 Qualifications of Program Directors
(a) Clear criminal record. Each Applicant for Program Director shall be subject to a fingerprint-based check of his or her criminal history, as designated by the Department. No person with a conviction of a felony or any other crime involving violence or a crime of moral turpitude or a pattern of misdemeanors that evidences a disregard for the law, shall be certified by the Department as a Program Director, unless he or she has received a pardon and can produce evidence of same. For the purposes of this chapter, a plea of nolo contendere and "first offender" sentences imposed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, et seq., shall be considered a conviction. For the purposes of this chapter, a conviction for which a person has been free from custody and free from supervision for at least ten (10) years shall not be considered, unless the conviction is for an offense which is a dangerous sexual offense, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12, or the criminal offense was committed against a victim who was a minor at the time of the offense, which offense shall result in the applicant's permanent disqualification from eligibility.
(b) Safe driving record. Each Applicant for Program Director shall possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Applicant for Program Director shall be subject to a check of his or her driving history. No Person whose driver's license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked as the result of any conviction or combination of convictions during the five (5) year period of immediately preceding application for Certification shall be certified by the Department as a Program Director.
(c) Academic and work experience. Applicants for Program Director must be qualified by having the following academic and/or work experience requirements:
(a) Continued clear criminal record. Each Program Director shall maintain a criminal record free of felony or misdemeanor convictions or pleas. In addition, each Director certified by the Department shall notify the Department if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of, any felony or misdemeanor within five (5) business days immediately following such event. Further, each Program Director certified by the Department shall, within 5 business days immediately thereafter, report to the Department any arrests, which, if convicted thereof, would have excluded him or her from becoming initially certified as a Program Director pursuant to 375-5-6-.05 (1)(a). The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Director Certification upon receipt of notice of a conviction or arrest.
(b) Continued safe driving record. Each Program Director shall continue to maintain a safe driving record during his or her period of Certification by the Department. Each Program Director shall continue to possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Program Director shall notify the Department, within five (5) business days immediately thereafter, if his or her driver's license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, or revoked in any jurisdiction, including the State of Georgia, for any reason. The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Director's Certification upon receipt of such notice.
(c) Continuing education. Each Program Director shall successfully complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education courses relevant to Program administration every four (4) years. A minimum of eight (8) hours shall be in Department-designated courses related to Program administration or Program components. Each Program Director shall complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of the required sixteen (16) hours of continuing education training biannually, and provide proof thereof to the Department on a biannual basis. The Department may cancel a Program Director's certification for failure to complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of continuing education training and to provide proof thereof to the Department biannually.
Rule 375-5-6-.06 Qualifications of Program Instructors
(1) Initial qualifications. To be certified by the Department, each Applicant for Program Instructor shall meet the following initial qualifications:
(a) Clear criminal record. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall be subject to a fingerprint-based check of his or her criminal history, as designated by the Department. No person with a conviction of a felony or any other crime involving violence or a crime of moral turpitude or a pattern of misdemeanors that evidences a disregard for the law, shall be certified by the Department as a Program Instructor, unless he or she has received a pardon and can produce evidence of same. For the purposes of this chapter, a plea of nolo contendere and "first offender" sentences imposed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, et seq., shall be considered a conviction. For the purposes of this chapter, a conviction for which a person has been free from custody and free from supervision for at least ten (10) years shall not be considered, unless the conviction is for an offense which is a dangerous sexual offense, as defined in O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12, or the criminal offense was committed against a victim who was a minor at the time of the offense, which offense shall result in the applicant's permanent disqualification from eligibility.
(b) Safe driving record. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall be subject to a check of his or her driving history. No Person whose driver's license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked as the result of any conviction or combination of convictions during the five (5) year period of immediately preceding application for Certification shall be certified by the Department as a Program Instructor.
(c) Academic and work experience qualifications. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall have the following documented academic and/prior work experience requirements:
1. An undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a human service related field; or
2. An undergraduate degree in any field of study from an accredited institution, and two years of work experience (20 hours per week or more) of teaching, counseling or training experience or three years part-time training experience; or
3. At least two years of full-time work experience as a licensed, certified, or credentialed substance abuse counselor with at least 6 months of experience in group counseling or group facilitation.
(d) Age. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
(e) Freedom from substance abuse and illicit drug use. Each Applicant for Program Instructor shall certify to the Department that he or she refrains from, and will continue to refrain from, abusing alcoholic beverages or controlled substances and from using illicit drugs.
(2) Ongoing qualifications. Each Instructor certified by the Department shall possess the following qualifications, on an ongoing basis:
(a) Continued clear criminal record. Each Program Instructor shall maintain a criminal record free of felony or misdemeanor convictions or pleas. In addition, each Instructor certified by the Department shall notify the Department if he or she pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is convicted of, any felony or misdemeanor within five (5) business days immediately following such event. Further, each Program Instructor certified by the Department shall, within five (5) business days immediately thereafter, report to the Department any arrests, which, if convicted thereof, would have excluded him or her from becoming initially certified as a Program Instructor pursuant to 375-5-6-.06 (1)(a). The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Instructor Certification upon receipt of notice of a conviction or arrest.
(b) Continued safe driving record. Each Program Instructor shall continue to maintain a safe driving record during his or her period of Certification by the Department. Each Program Instructor shall continue to possess a valid driver's license from the state of his or her legal residence, unless he or she has a medical condition that makes him or her ineligible for a driver's license. Each Program Instructor shall notify the Department, within five (5) business days immediately thereafter, if his or her driver's license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, or revoked in any jurisdiction, including the State of Georgia, for any reason. The Department may suspend, revoke, or cancel any Program Instructor's Certification upon receipt of such notice.
(c) Continuing education. Each Program Instructor shall complete a minimum of thirty-two (32) hours of continuing education in alcohol and drug training or group facilitation training sponsored or approved by the Department every four (4) years; of which, a minimum of sixteen (16) hours shall be in Department-designated refresher courses specific to Program components. Each Program Instructor shall complete a minimum of sixteen (16) of the required thirty-two (32) hours of continuing education training biannually, and provide proof thereof to the Department on a biannual basis. The Department may cancel a Program Instructor's certification for failure to complete a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of continuing education training and to provide proof thereof to the Department biannually.
Rule 375-5-6-.07 Program Owner Application, Certification, and Recertification Requirements
(1) Certification required. No Person may operate a Program without first being certified by the Department.
(2) Management and control by Owners, partners, or stockholders. Only certified Owners, partners, and stockholders are authorized to exercise management and control over Program operations.
(3) Application for Program Certification requirements.
(a) All applications for Program Owner shall be submitted on forms prepared by the Department, following the procedure prescribed by the Department.
(b) All applications for Program Owner shall include all information and fees; and shall be truthful, accurate and complete.
(c) All Applicants for Program Owner shall submit to the Department the following materials, in addition to the completed Program application:
1. A Consent for Background Investigation Form with notarized signatures from each Program Owner, partner, or stockholder;
2. Either a copy of the Program's Certificate of Incorporation from the State of Georgia Secretary of State's Office, or proof that the Program's adopted business name has been filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the program is located, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 10-1-490;
3. A copy of the Program's Business License;
4. Proof of a continuous Surety Bond in the principal sum of $10,000 per Program location from a company authorized to conduct business in the State of Georgia indicating the Georgia Department of Driver Services as obligee. Where multiple Programs are owned by one entity, a single surety bond for all locations may be submitted reflecting an aggregate amount of $10,000 per Program location;
5. A fire code inspection report from a local, municipal, or state fire marshal showing no violations for each Program location and dated within 90-days of filing the Program application;
6. A copy of the Program's standard business hours and days of operation;
7. A draft of the student Assessment Component contract, complete with the Program's name, address, and telephone number;
8. A draft of the Student Intervention Component contract complete with Program's name, address, and telephone number;
9. A notarized letter appointing one or more individuals as Program Director;
10. A signed and notarized confidentiality statement from each Owner, partner, or stockholder certifying that he or she will hold the identity of Student and Program records confidential.
(d) After receipt of a completed application evidencing that all Program Owners, partners, and stockholders have met the qualifications requirements set forth in Ga. Admin. Comp. Ch. 375-5-6-.04, and provided all other Program requirements have been met, the Department, or an authorized representative thereof, shall conduct an on-site inspection of the Program location to determine the Program's compliance with location and facilities requirements. If the Program demonstrates compliance with Program requirements, the Department shall certify the Program. For Programs certified as of the effective date of this regulation, the Department shall set the expiration date of their Certifications and notify them thereof.
(e) The Department may require any Applicant for Program Owner Certification to submit additional information or verification that is reasonably related to making a determination regarding initial Program Certification.
(4) Program Owner Recertification requirements.
(a) Once certified, a Program Owner shall remain certified for a period of four (4) years, or as long as the Program Owner remains in compliance with Program Requirements.
(b) Program Owners certified as of the effective date of this regulation, shall come into compliance with this regulation by July 1, 2010.
(c) Applications for Program Owner recertification shall be submitted to the Department no more than 90 days, and no less than 30 days, prior to the expiration date of the existing Certification.
(d) Any Program Owner whose Certification has expired shall not conduct business until a completed recertification application has been submitted to and approved by the Department. If a Program Owner's Certification has expired, and remained expired for a period of more than one (1) year, a new application is required and the Certification process, as outlined in this chapter and 375-5-6-.04, shall be followed.
(e) The Department may require any Program Owner that is applying for recertification to submit additional information or verification that is reasonably related to making a determination regarding recertification.
(5) Non-transferability of Certification. The Certification of a Program is not transferable. A Program must apply for Certification at least sixty (60) days prior to any change in Program ownership. All new Program Owners, partners, and stockholders shall meet the requirements set forth in Ga. Admin. Comp. Ch. 375-5-6-.04. The Program shall return the old Program certificate to the Department prior to receiving a new certificate. If the change in Program ownership is the result of death of a Program Owner, the Program may continue to operate for a period of sixty (60) days pending completion of the new Program application.
(6) Validity of Program Certification. In the event the Program Owner ceases to be actively engaged in the operation of a Program, the Program Owner shall immediately notify the Department and return his or her Certification to the Department. A Program Owner ceases to be actively engaged in the operation of a Program when he or she fails to conduct a class for a period of one (1) year.
(7) If, within six (6) months of the time that a person applies for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as a program owner, he or she has undergone a background investigation for issuance or renewal of his or her certification for another program regulated by the Department, he or she shall not be required to submit new fingerprints, and the Department shall utilize the criminal history information obtained from that investigation in considering the person's eligibility for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as a program owner.
Rule 375-5-6-.08 Program Director Application, Certification, and Recertification Requirements
4. Proof that he or she successfully observed the 20-hour Intervention component. The Department may waive this requirement if the Applicant is certified as a Program Instructor;
5. A notarized letter of appointment from a Program Owner;
6. A notarized confidentiality statement affirming that he or she will hold the identity of Student and Program records confidential; and
(d) The Department may require any Applicant applying for Program Director Certification to submit additional information or verification that is reasonably related to making a determination regarding Certification;
(e) After receipt of a completed application evidencing that the Applicant for Program Director has met the qualifications requirements set forth in Ga. Admin. Comp. Ch. 375-5-6-.05, and provided all other Program requirements have been met, the Department shall issue a Certification for Program Director.
(d) Any Program Director whose Certification has expired shall not direct until a completed recertification application has been submitted to and approved by the Department. If a Program Director's Certification has expired, and remained expired for a period of more than one (1) year, a new application is required and the Certification process, as outlined in this chapter and 375-5-6-.05, shall be followed.
(5) If, within six (6) months of the time that a person applies for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as a program director, he or she has undergone a background investigation for issuance or renewal of his or her certification for another program regulated by the Department, he or she shall not be required to submit new fingerprints, and the Department shall utilize the criminal history information obtained from that investigation in considering the person's eligibility for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as a program director.
Rule 375-5-6-.09 Program Instructor Application, Certification, and Recertification Requirements
5. A notarized confidentiality statement certifying that he or she will hold the identity of Students and Program records confidential;
(b) Applications for Program Instructor recertification shall be submitted to the Department no more than 90 days, and no less than 30 days, prior to the expiration date of the existing Certification. In order to be recertified, a Program Instructor shall provide proof to the Department that he or she has instructed at least four (4) classes during his or her four (4) year period of Certification.
(c) No Program Instructor whose Certification has expired shall instruct until a completed recertification application has been submitted to and approved by the Department. If the Program Instructor Certification has expired and has remained expired for a period of more than one (1) year, a new application is required and the Certification process, as outlined by 375-5-6-.06, shall be followed.
(6) If, within six (6) months of the time that a person applies for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as an instructor, he or she has undergone a background investigation for issuance or renewal of his or her certification for another program regulated by the Department, he or she shall not be required to submit new fingerprints, and the Department shall utilize the criminal history information obtained from that investigation in considering the person's eligibility for issuance or renewal of his or her certification as an instructor.
Rule 375-5-6-.10 History of Compliance
(1) When any Person who is or ever has been certified by the Department within any regulated area applies for Certification as a Program Owner, Director, or Instructor, the Department may consider that Applicant's history of compliance when determining eligibility for Certification.
(2) When any Program Owner, Director, or Instructor applies to be recertified, the Department may consider that Program Owner, Director, or Instructor's history of compliance in determining eligibility for recertification.
(3) Cancellation, Suspension, or Revocation of Certification in another program area regulated by the Department may result in the Cancellation, Suspension, or Revocation of Certification granted in this Program.
Rule 375-5-6-.11 Program Employees
(1) Each Program employee, volunteer, agent, or representative who provides any Program service to Offenders or Students, has access to Program records, or who has telephone or face-to-face contact with Offenders or Students shall meet the following requirements:
(b) Sign a confidentiality statement provided by the Department agreeing to hold the identity of Students and Offenders and Student records confidential;
(c) Sign a statement provided by the Department affirming that he or she is not excluded by any of the provisions of 375-5-6-.03;
(d) Sign a statement cosigned by the Program Owner that the employee has received orientation on these rules and operations guidelines relevant to that employee's job duties; and
(e) Never have been found to have participated in the falsification of records, issuance of false or fraudulent certificates, or the theft of certificates from a certified Program.
(2) The Department may cancel, suspend, or revoke the Certification of any Program if it is determined that the Program or Program employees, volunteers, agents, or representatives have violated any provision of this chapter.
Rule 375-5-6-.12 General Program Owner Responsibilities
In addition to meeting all other Program requirements, every Program Owner is responsible for the following:
(a) Providing services for the Assessment and Intervention Components of the Program;
(b) The actions of all Program employees, volunteers, agents, representatives, and Instructors carried out within the scope of employment;
(c) Maintaining for every Director, Instructor, employee, volunteer, agent, or representative a personnel folder containing their job application, signed statements required by these rules, and, if applicable, a copy of each Instructor's current Certification;
(d) Ensuring that Students or Offenders know where and how to obtain information about local alcohol/drug treatment resources and self-help support groups;
(e) Ensuring Students or Offenders know where and how to obtain information about clinical evaluators certified by the DUI Intervention Program at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities;
(f) Training all Program employees, volunteers, agents, or representatives who have contact with Students or Offenders to provide accurate information regarding the Program and to maintain Student confidentiality;
(g) Participating in Program evaluations and research projects, as directed by the Department;
(h) Prohibiting the solicitation of Students or Offenders for insurance, legal services, bail bonds, specific clinical evaluators or treatment providers, ignition interlock providers, or any other product or service;
(i) Ensuring the quality of instruction and delivery of the Program in a professional manner conducive to learning;
(j) Ensuring that each Student receives a new and unused copy of the required student workbook; and,
(k) Ensuring that a certificate of completion is immediately issued to each Student who successfully completes all Program requirements.
Rule 375-5-6-.13 General Program Instructor Responsibilities
(f) Ensuring that classes sizes are in accordance with 375-5-6-.15 (4)(c);
(j) When more than one Intervention Component Session is conducted in a single day, providing for a minimum one (1) hour meal break between each Session. The minimum one (1) hour meal break shall be in addition to the required 20 hours of the Intervention Component;
(q) Ensuring that a certificate of completion is immediately issued to each Student who successfully completes all Program requirements;
(r) Utilizing an up-to-date Instructor's manual and audiovisuals prescribed by the Department during all class Sessions;
(v) Ensuring that no Student is subject to solicitation for any product or service during the Intervention Component; and
Rule 375-5-6-.14 Assessment Component
(a) All persons attending the Program shall be undergo an Assessment Component;
(f) Assessment Components shall only be administered at the Program's certified premises, in a manner that affords privacy to the individual being assessed, and that facilitates concentration and freedom from distractions;
Rule 375-5-6-.15 Intervention Component
(1) Programs shall only use the Intervention Component designated by the Department.
(2) An Intervention Component contract between the Program and Student or Offender must be executed before the Intervention Component can be administered.
(c) The Intervention Component shall have a minimum of five (5) paid contracts for Students planning to attend the scheduled course dates and can have no more than the maximum allowed by the Program's Certification, up to a maximum of forty (40) Students.
(d) Intervention Component courses may be instructed, canceled, or rescheduled at the discretion of the Owner if fewer than five (5) Students appear for the first Session.
(e) No Students from one Intervention Component course may be combined with Students from another Intervention Component course to complete Sessions of a course. However, a Student ·with an excused absence may attend an Intervention Component course other than the one he or she started for the purpose of completing missed Sessions. An absence is considered excused if the Student is called for military duty has a personal medical emergency or a medical emergency involving an immediate family member, or there is a death in the Student's immediate family. Other absences may be excused at the Program Owner's discretion.
Rule 375-5-6-.16 Program Records
(2) Required records. Each Program shall maintain and make available and accessible for inspection and copying by the Department the following records for the periods set forth below:
(a) Assessment Roster Files.
(b) Class Files.
1. Class Files shall be labeled with the class dates and maintained in chronological order by dates of the class.
2. Class Files shall contain the original class roll and Program copy of class roster.
3. In addition to the original class roll and class roster, class files shall contain the following records for each Student enrolled in any Program component: original assessment contract, assessment answer sheet, assessment results, assessment summary sheet, Student information sheet, original intervention contract, graded intervention post test, certificate of completion, and replacement certificates of completion, if applicable.
4. Class files, class rosters, and assessment results shall be maintained for a period of five (5) years.
6. The Intervention Component Instructor's name(s);
7. His or her certificate of completion number; and
(3) Submittal of Program records to the Department. Each Program shall submit the following records to the Department at the intervals set forth below.
(a) Intervention Component course rosters shall be forwarded to the Department within 15 days of class completion;
Rule 375-5-6-.17 Program Name
No Program may use the word "state" in any part of its name or suggest that it is owned, operated, or endorsed by the state. A Program may not use as its adopted business name "A DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program" or "Risk Reduction Program" or any other generic reference to the Program without additional modifiers in the name.
Rule 375-5-6-.18 Program Location and Facilities
(1) Programs shall only operate in locations that have been certified by the Department.
(2) Programs shall only hold Courses in classrooms that have been certified by the Department.
(3) No Program applying for Certification shall share the same entrance with, or be immediately adjacent to, a facility where alcoholic beverages are sold or distributed.
(4) No Program office or classroom shall be located within a retail business establishment or a private residence.
(5) Except as provided in subsection (17) below, Program offices and classrooms shall be located on the same premises.
(6) All Program facilities shall include the following:
(a) Clean working restrooms;
(b) Blinds, shades or curtains for windows or glass doors for Student privacy;
(c) Adequate lighting, heating and air conditioning;
(7) Programs shall maintain the following equipment in working order:
(a) A television or projector and projection screen that can be suitably viewed by all course participants;
(b) Media equipment and visual displays for presenting required portions of the curriculum that meets Department specifications;
(c) Secure file storage; and
(d) Other equipment as designated by the Department.
(8) Program offices cannot be open during class time, unless Program office activities can be conducted without disrupting a class.
(9) The full Program name and business hours shall be displayed and clearly visible from the outside of the premises.
(10) Program classrooms must have a minimum of 300 square feet of useable space. Program classrooms shall be certified to offer services at twenty (20) square feet per person, up to a maximum of forty (40) Students. Programs licensed prior to the enactment of the 300 square foot minimum may continue to utilize existing classrooms_that satisfied the prior requirement of 250 square feet. Such programs may not add new classrooms that are less than 300 square feet in size.
(11) The Program's Certification shall be displayed in a conspicuous location on the premises of the Program.
(12) Programs that are in compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the Department may apply to operate satellite locations.
(13) No satellite program shall operate without first being certified by the Department.
(14) Applications for satellite programs shall be submitted on forms prepared by the Department, following the procedure prescribed by the Department; shall include all information and fees; and shall be truthful, accurate, and complete.
(15) Satellite programs shall be located within fifty (50) miles of the Program that is operating the satellite program.
(16) Multiple satellite programs may operate in the same county.
(17) Satellite locations shall meet all location and facility requirements as outlined in these rules and regulations, except as follows:
(a) Student or Offender records may be maintained at the Program location;
(b) Programs may use the telephone number of the Program location; and,
(c) Programs may perform administrative duties at Program location.
Rule 375-5-6-.19 Program Hours of Operation
(1) Each Program shall maintain business hours of at least fifteen (15) hours per week.
(2) Each Program shall notify the Department of its business hours upon application for Certification.
(3) Each Program shall report any deviations from the Program's set bus iness to the Department, in writing, at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance, except in cases of emergency.
(4) Program staff shall be available during business hours to answer the telephone, furnish information about the Program's operation, verify services provided, and to produce records and documentation requested by the Department.
Rule 375-5-6-.20 Change of Program Location
(2) No change of Program location shall be approved by the Department without a site inspection of the new premises.
(3) No Program shall operate in any new location until Certification has been granted by the Department.
(4) At least thirty (30) days prior to a change in location approved by the Department, all Students who have been assessed within one year prior to the move who have not started or completed the Program shall be notified, in writing, of the Program relocation.
(5) If a Program relocates ten (10) or more miles from its original location, the Assessment components completed by Students within one (1) year prior to the move that have not started or completed the Program shall be transferred to another Program of the Student's choice at no charge. Students may cancel their Intervention component contracts with a Program that is relocating; and they shall receive a full refund upon such cancellation.
(6) Upon applying to the Department for a change of location, the Program shall post a notice of its request to move the Program. Such notice shall be clearly displayed at the Program location. The proposed new location shall be specified in the notice with complete address and mileage distance from the present location. The notice shall also inform Students of their right to transfer to another Program, and to cancel their Intervention component contract with the Program and receive a full refund.
(8) No Program relocation shall cause any Student to have Sessions of an intervention course in more than one location, except in cases of emergency. Programs shall report emergency relocations to the Department within five (5) business days.
Rule 375-5-6-.21 Program Closure
(1) Any Program that intends to permanently cease operations shall notify the Department, in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to such date. The notification to the Department shall include the Program's closing date.
(2) Any Program that intends to permanently cease operations shall post a notice of its intent to close in a conspicuous area at the Program location, at least thirty (30) days prior to such date. The notice shall include the Program's date of closure, as well as advise Students and Offenders that have completed an Assessment Component within the previous year, but have yet to begin the Intervention Component, of their right to cancel their Intervention component contract with the Program, receive a full refund, and have their Assessment Component results transferred to a different Program of their choice free of charge.
(3) Any Program that intends to permanently cease operations, within five (5) business days immediately following notification to the Department, shall notify all Students or Offenders who have completed an Assessment Component with their Program during the previous year, but have not started or completed the Intervention Component, of the closure, in writing. The notification to Students and Offenders shall include the Program's date of closure, as well as inform these Students and Offenders of their right to cancel their Intervention component contract with the Program, receive a full refund, and have their Assessment Component results transferred to another Program of their choice free of charge.
(4) Any Program that intends to cease operations shall provide written notice of its intent to close to all prospective Student or Offender prior to executing an Assessment Component or Intervention Component contract.
(5) Any Program that permanently ceases operations shall, within three (3) business days following the date of closure, relinquish the following materials to the Department:
(a) The official Program Certification;
(b) All unused certificates of completion and replacement certificates of completion;
(c) All Program Records, including assessment results, of Students who were assessed at the closed Program within the last year, but who did not complete the Intervention Component at that Program;
(d) A sample copy of the letter the above Students received notifying them of the closure of the Program;
(e) The Program card files or a printout of the computer card files for the past five calendar years; and
(f) Any other Program records designated by the Department.
(6) Programs may request to temporarily cease operations for a period of up to ninety (90) days.
(7) Programs that are approved by the Department to temporarily cease operations shall comply with all requirements outlined in this chapter.
(8) Programs shall be responsible for all costs associated with the shipment of materials to and from the Department during a period of temporary suspension.
Rule 375-5-6-.22 Student Contracts
(1) Each Program and Student or Offender shall enter into a written contract for both the Assessment Component and Intervention Component.
(2) The original Assessment Component and Intervention Component contracts shall be maintained by the Program for a period of five (5) years from the date of execution.
(3) All Assessment Component and Intervention Component contracts shall be pre-numbered, shall follow a format prescribed by the Department, and shall contain all information and provisions required by the Department.
(4) A copy of a completed Assessment Component and Intervention Component contract between the Program and Student or Offender shall be furnished to the Student or Offender prior to the delivery of any service.
Rule 375-5-6-.23 Certificates of Completion
(1) Certificates of completion shall be issued immediately to Students who successfully complete Program requirements, in the manner prescribed by the Department.
(2) Programs may request paper certificates of completion from the Department, in the manner prescribed by the Department.
(3) Paper certificates of completion sent to Programs shall be accompanied with a receipt, which must be signed by the Program Owner or Director and returned to the Department prior to additional paper certificates being issued.
(4) All paper certificates of completionshall bear the handwritten legal signature of the Instructor.
(5) All information contained on the paper certificate shall be complete and accurate.
(6) Each Program shall record the paper certificate number on the class roster in numerical order.
(7) Each Program shall record any voided paper certificates in numerical order, attach to the class roster, and forward to the Department within fifteen (15) business days immediately thereafter. Failure to forward a voided certificate to the Department in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph may result in an administrative fine, suspension of the Program's Certification, or both.
(8) No certificate of completion shall be issued to a Student prior to successful completion of the Intervention Component.
(9) Each Program shall maintain paper certificates in a secure location until they are issued to Students.
(10) Each Program must be able to, at all times, account for the number of paper certificates issued to it.
(11) Each Program shall notify the Department if any paper certificate is lost, stolen, or cannot be accounted for within 48 hours of discovery. Failure to report such an event to the Department within 48 hours of discovery may result in an administrative fine, Suspension, and/or Revocation of the Program's Certification.
(12) Replacement certificates of completion shall be made upon a form prescribed by the Department and titled "Replacement Certificate".
(13) Replacement certificates of completion shall be provided to a Student within five (5) business days of any such request.
(14) Programs shall verify their records to confirm that each Student has completed the Intervention Component prior to issuing a replacement certificate.
(15) Replacement certificates of completion shall only be signed by the Program Owner, Program Director, or the Instructor that taught the class.
(16) Programs may charge a fee of up to $20.00 for a replacement certificate.
(17) Fraudulent falsification or alteration of program records, including certificates of completion and replacement certificates, may result in Cancellation, Suspension, or Revocation of Program, Owner, or Instructor's Certification. Additionally, the Department may impose civil penalties and/or pursue criminal charges.
Rule 375-5-6-.24 Confidentiality of Records
All Program records that identify any Student or Offender by name or inference shall be maintained as confidential and shall not be released to any person, other than the Department, without the written consent of the Student/Offender or upon court order.
Rule 375-5-6-.25 Program Advertising and Solicitation
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) below, a Program must be certified by the Department in order to advertise in any manner.
(2) Program advertisement shall contain the Program's approved certified name and certification number.
(3) An Applicant for Program Owner, upon submitting a completed application to and obtaining written authorization from the Department, may advertise in accordance with this chapter if there is a reasonable expectation that the Program will be certified.
(4) No Program shall advertise in any manner that is false or misleading. No Program advertisement shall make any false or misleading claim, including but not limited to, statements suggesting or implying that the Program is affiliated with or endorsed by the Department or any other governmental entity, that reinstatement of a driver's license is guaranteed to Students or Offenders enrolling in a particular Program, or that free or reduced fees will be given to any Student or Offender;
(5) No Program shall use the logo of the Department, any logo or symbol of any other governmental entity, or the seal of the State of Georgia in any advertising or on any Program stationary or correspondence; and
(6) No Program Owner, Director, Instructor, employee, or agent shall directly or indirectly solicit business by personal solicitation on public property, by phone or by mail.
(7) Violations of this regulationmay result in the Revocation of Program Certification. Additionally, the Department may impose civil penalties and/or pursue criminal charges.
Rule 375-5-6-.26 Fees
(1) Fees charged to Students by Programs for any Program component shall be in strict accordance with O.C.G.A. § 40-5-83(e).
(2) An additional fee shall be set by the Department for required Student Program materials. This fee shall be charged by each Program and is not optional, unless specifically exempted by law.
(3) No Program Owner, Director, Instructor, employee, volunteer, agent, or representative may offer any Program component free of charge or charge a reduced or inflated fee for any Program component or required Student Program materials.
(4) Fees for the Assessment Component shall be paid prior to administering the Assessment Component; and fees for the Intervention Component shall be paid prior to the scheduled class beginning time.
(5) No Program Owner, Director, Instructor, employee, volunteer, agent, or representative shall withhold, or allow the withholding of a certificate of completion from any Student who successfully completes all Program requirements because of non-payment of course fees.
Rule 375-5-6-.27 Assessment Fees
Each Program shall remit the statutorily required portion of the assessment fees to the Department, in the manner prescribed by the Department, as required by law.
Rule 375-5-6-.28 Inspection, Investigations, and Program Monitoring
(1) The Department is authorized to inspect, monitor, and investigate Programs to determine compliance with the Rules and Regulations of the Department.
(2) Program Owners, Directors, Instructors, staff, employees, representatives, and any agents thereof, shall cooperate with any inspection or investigation by the Department and shall provide, without delay, any information reasonably requested by the Department.
(3) Programs shall be notified of deficiencies in writing and advised of the target deadline for remediation thereof.
Rule 375-5-6-.29 Enforcement of Program Requirements
(2) Choice of Revocation or Suspension. The Department, in its discretion, may choose whether to impose Suspension or Revocation against a Program or Instructor. In considering which to impose, the Department may consider the Program or Program Owner, Director, or Instructor's history of compliance; the seriousness of the violations; whether the Program or Program Owner, Director, or Instructor voluntarily reported to the Department problems giving rise to any violation; and whether the Program or Program Owner, Director, or Instructor exhibited good faith efforts to correct areas of noncompliance prior or subsequent to their discovery by the Department.
(4) Effectuation of Suspension or Revocation. Any Program whose Certification is canceled, suspended, or revoked by the Department shallreturn its Certification and unused certificates of completion to the Department within five (5) business immediately following such event.
Rule 375-5-6-.30 Alternative Resources for Background Investigations
Rule 375-5-6-.31 Pending Charges Against Owners and Instructors
(1) If at the time of application the applicant is charged with any offense that a conviction for which would result in said applicant's ineligibility for certification, consideration of the application shall be suspended until entry of a plea or verdict or dismissal of said charge.
(2) If after the issuance of a permit a person is charged any offense that a conviction for which would result in said applicant's ineligibility for certification, the permit may be suspended pending disposition of such charge. If the person is convicted of such charge, the permit shall be revoked.
Rule 375-5-6-.32 DUI Gratuities
(1) The following items are prohibited from being advertised or offered by an owner, agent, representative, instructor, or employee to any student or prospective student: legal tender, meals including beverages, gift cards, transportation, products or services for free or at a discounted price, or anything of monetary value not deemed to be a customer service exclusion. Customer service exclusions are limited to ink pens, pencils, water, coffee, candy, and Wi-Fi (wireless internet connection).
(2) A first violation shall result in an administrative fine of $300. A second or subsequent violation shall result in a 30-day suspension. A violation of 40-5-81(d) is a crime punishable as a misdemeanor. Each person convicted of a second offense shall have his or her certification revoked.