(a) The definitions set forth in subsections b through j inclusive shall govern the interpretation of this article.

(b) “Contact Hour” means the actual time a licensee participates in continuing education offered by an approved provider, utilizing the following conversion standards:

(c) “Accredited Academic Institution” means an academic institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or an accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Post Secondary Education.

(d) “Accrediting Agency” means an organization approved by the Department pursuant to Section 1038.5 which evaluates and grants approval to providers of continuing education who comply with the standards of that agency, and who are other than those identified in (c) above.

(e) “Approved Provider” means an accredited academic institution or any person or entity offering continuing education who has been approved by an accrediting agency.

(f) “Licensee” means those persons other than clinical laboratory technologist trainees licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with section 1200) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.

(g) “Quarter Unit” and “Semester Unit” means the hours of instruction offered by an accredited academic institution which are credited by that institution as a quarter unit and semester unit respectively.

(h) “Active Status” means a current license in good standing which authorizes the licensee to perform the functions described in this chapter.

(i) “Inactive Status” means a license which is not in good standing because the holder has not completed the continuing education requirements of this article or has voluntarily requested that the license be made inactive.

(j) “Continuing Education Program” means a presentation given by an approved provider at a scheduled time or times which conforms to the requirements of section 1038.6.