(a) “Continuing Education” means the variety of forms of learning experiences, including, but not limited to, lectures, conferences, academic studies, in service education, institutes, seminars, workshops, extension studies, and independent/home study programs undertaken by registered nurses for relicensure. These learning experiences are meant to enhance the knowledge of the registered nurse in the practice of nursing in direct and indirect patient care.

(b) “Course” means a systematic learning experience, at least one hour in length, which deals with and is designed for the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and information in direct and indirect patient care.

(c) “Content Relevant to the Practice of Nursing” means content related to the development and maintenance of current competency in the delivery of nursing care as specified in Section 1456.

(d) “Experimental medical procedure or treatment” means the management and care of a patient involving any of the following:

(e) “Independent/Home Study Courses” means continuing education courses offered for individual study by an approved provider.

(f) “Hour” means at least fifty (50) minutes of participation in an organized learning experience;

(g) “Approved Providers” means those individuals, partnerships, corporations, associations, organizations, organized health care systems, educational institutions, or governmental agencies offering continuing education as approved by the Board.

(h) “Implicit bias” means the attitudes or internalized stereotypes that affect our perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner. Implicit bias often contributes to unequal treatment of people based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and other characteristics.

(i) “Direct patient care” means the provision of health care services directly to individuals being treated for or suspected of having physical or mental illnesses. Direct patient care includes preventative care.