Program of orientation for new members and case hearing representatives; continuing education of members and case hearing representatives

1. The Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Department of Corrections shall establish a program of orientation that: (a) Each member of the Board shall attend upon appointment to a first term; and (b) Each person named by the Board to the list of persons eligible to serve as a case hearing representative pursuant to NRS 213.135 shall attend upon being named to the list. A person named to the list may not serve as a case hearing representative until the person completes the program of orientation. 2. The program of orientation must include a minimum of 40 hours of training. The information presented during the program of orientation must include, but is not limited to: (a) A historical perspective of parole, including the objectives of and reasons for using parole within the criminal justice system; (b) The role and function of the Board within the criminal justice system; (c) The responsibilities of members of the Board and case hearing representatives; (d) The goals and objectives of the Board; (e) The programs administered by the Board; (f) The policies and procedures of the Board; and (g) The laws and regulations governing parole, including the standards for granting, denying, revoking and continuing parole. 3. The Chair of the Board shall develop a written plan for the continuing education of members of the Board and case hearing representatives. The plan must require that: (a) Each member of the Board shall attend not less than 16 hours of courses for continuing education during each year of the member’s term. (b) Each case hearing representative shall attend not less than 16 hours of courses for continuing education during each year that the representative is on the list of persons eligible to serve as a case hearing representative. 4. A member of the Board or a case hearing representative may meet the requirement for continuing education by successfully completing courses in any combination of the following subjects: (a) The role and function of the Board within the criminal justice system; (b) Changes in the law, including judicial decisions affecting parole; (c) Developing skills in communicating, making decisions and solving problems; (d) The interpretation and use of research, data and reports; (e) Correctional policies and programs, including programs for the treatment of prisoners and parolees; (f) Alternative punishments for disobedience; (g) The selection of prisoners for parole; (h) The supervision of parolees; (i) The designation of and programs for repeating or professional offenders; (j) Problems related to gangs; (k) Alcohol and other substance use disorders; (l) The human immunodeficiency virus; (m) Domestic violence; and (n) Mental illness and intellectual disabilities. 5. The Board shall, within the limits of legislative appropriations, pay the expenses of members of the Board and case hearing representatives attending courses for continuing education.