Qualification of course sponsors

A. To be eligible for accreditation, all MCLE course sponsors shall have been engaged in approved CLE activities during the two years immediately preceding any application for accreditation and shall have sponsored at least five separate courses that would qualify for course approval under these rules. B. A qualifying sponsor shall apply to the MCLE Commission for approval of an individual MCLE activity that meets the standards set forth in these rules. C. A qualifying sponsor may apply to the MCLE Commission for accreditation as a preapproved sponsor. Such accreditation shall constitute prior approval of all MCLE activities to be offered by that sponsor, provided the sponsor and the activity meet the standards set forth in these rules. D. The MCLE Commission shall promulgate regulations to establish the procedures by which sponsors are accredited; for imposing sanctions, including amendment, revocation, or suspension of accreditation; and to establish additional minimum standards for sponsors and activities as may be deemed necessary from time to time. A sponsor's status shall be subject to ongoing review by the MCLE Commission. [Adopted 4-26-2012, eff. 1-1-2013; Amended eff. 2-10-2018.] 4.1. Applications for status as a preapproved sponsor shall be accompanied by a REGULATIONS fee of $350.00. 4.2. Sponsors other than preapproved sponsors shall submit a fee of $50.00 with each application for accreditation of an MCLE activity. 4.3. An attorney may submit an application for accreditation of an MCLE activity for which accreditation was not sought by the sponsor. Such an application shall be accompanied by a fee of $25.00. 4.4. Sponsors of approved MCLE activities shall refrain from advertising or encouraging the use of their products or services during the activity. Sponsors shall seek participants' opinions regarding their adherence to this policy. Failure to adhere to this policy shall be ground for withdrawal of accreditation of the MCLE activity. 4.5. Program sponsors may advertise in their informational brochures and program materials that the activity has been accredited by the MCLE Commission. 4.6. At the conclusion of an approved activity, each participating attorney shall complete an evaluation questionnaire addressing the quality, effectiveness, and usefulness of the particular activity. If requested, copies of the questionnaires shall be forwarded to the MCLE Commission. Sponsors shall maintain the questionnaires for a period of 90 days following a program. [Amended 9-20-2018.] Note from the reporter of decisions: The order amending the Alabama State Bar Rules for Mandatory Continuing Legal Education is published in that volume of Alabama Reporter that contains Alabama cases from 84 So. 3d. Note from the reporter of decisions: The order amending Regulation 2.7 and Regulation 4.1 and adopting Regulation 3.9 effective September 20, 2018, is published in that volume of Alabama Reporter that contains Alabama cases from ___ So. 3d.