(a) All distance training providers shall meet these
minimum requirements. Training credit will not be recognized from
a distance training provider that has not been certified by the commission
unless the program has been deemed equivalent. The commission shall
take action on an application for certification of a distance training
provider within 30 days from receipt.
(b) Certified distance training providers shall conduct
all training in a controlled and safe manner so that trainees are
not subjected to unnecessary risks. Texas Government Code, §419.032(c)
provides that fire protection personnel must complete a commission
approved training course in fire suppression before being assigned
to fire suppression duties. Certified training facilities shall not
put trainees at risk by requiring or allowing a trainee to perform
the duties of fire protection personnel at actual uncontrolled emergency
situations such as, but not limited to, structure fires, aircraft
fires, wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, or dangerous
rescue situations.
(c) A certified distance training provider may transport
trainees to the site of an actual emergency for training purposes,
only if the following requirements are strictly adhered to:
(1) the trainees are kept in a group under the direct
supervision of qualified instructors to maintain accountability and
ensure their safety;
(2) the trainees are kept outside of the emergency
operations area; and
(3) the trainees' activities are restricted to observation
only and trainees are not allowed to participate in emergency operations.
(d) Certified distance training providers are subject
to inspection by the commission at any time during regular business
hours.
(e) In order to retain the certification as a certified
distance training provider, schools desiring to make substantial changes
in the facility or other conditions under which the school was approved
shall coordinate such plans with the commission.
(f) The commission shall be notified, in writing, within
14 days of any change from the original status under which the certification
was issued.
(g) The commission may revoke, suspend, probate, refuse
to renew, or otherwise limit the certification of a distance training
provider when the commission determines that the distance training
provider:
(1) fails to provide the quality of training and education
for which the provider was approved; or
(2) fails to comply with commission rules and/or these
minimum standards; or
(3) fails to submit required reports in a timely manner
or submits false reports to the commission; or
(4) fails to meet at least a 70% student pass rate
on the certification examination.
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