The Director of Veterans’ Affairs may establish by rule a state certification program for veterans’ service officers appointed under ORS § 408.410 and other individuals providing similar services to ensure their competency. The program curriculum shall provide the training and education necessary to allow veterans’ service officers and other individuals to assist veterans, spouses and dependents of veterans or survivors of veterans in applying for all federal and state veterans’ benefits and aid to which veterans, spouses and dependents of veterans or survivors of veterans may be entitled and in appealing any denial of veterans’ benefits or aid. The curriculum shall include, but need not be limited to, training and education in the following areas:

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(1) Applicable federal, state and local laws providing benefits or aid for veterans, spouses and dependents of veterans or survivors of veterans and other benefits or aid for which veterans, spouses or dependents of veterans or survivors of veterans may be eligible;

(2) Skills necessary to provide quality representation and advocacy on behalf of veterans, spouses or dependents of veterans or survivors of veterans, including case preparation and handling of administrative hearings and appeals;

(3) Effective communication skills;

(4) Health care, human services and referral resources; and

(5) Claims management. [2005 c.836 § 3; 2007 c.357 § 3; 2009 c.759 § 2; 2015 c.531 § 3]