Section 172-97-019 - APPROVAL OF NEW PRELICENSURE EDUCATION PROGRAMS An institution seeking Board approval to conduct a new prelicensure program in registered or practical nursing must submit an application provided by the Department at least 1 year prior to the anticipated opening of the new program. The application must include the following:
(A) Results of a needs assessment, including identification of potential and available students and employment opportunities for program graduates;(B) Identification of sufficient financial and other resources;(C) Governing institution approval and support;(D) A description of the readiness that has been identified of the community to support the proposed program;(E) Type of educational program proposed;(F) Evidence of the institution meeting state requirements, and regional or national accreditation by an accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;(G) Evidence of the nursing program actively seeking accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education recognized national nursing accrediting agency;(H) A description of the provision for educational facilities including classroom, laboratories, library, conference rooms and offices;(I) A description of the provision for clinical opportunities and available resources;(J) A description of the availability of qualified faculty;(K) A description of the general education and nursing content of the curriculum including proposed course descriptions;(L) Proposed timeline for initiating and expanding the program;(M) If the controlling institution is a private organization, a copy of its articles of incorporation and of the resolution of its governing body authorizing it to establish a program of registered or practical nursing must be attached;(N) If the controlling institution is a public body, a copy of its statutory authority to establish a program of registered or practical nursing must be attached, along with a copy of the resolution of its governing body authorizing it to establish a program of registered or practical nursing must be attached; and(O) The application must be signed by the head of the governing body of the controlling institution making the application. 019.01EMPLOYMENT OF DIRECTOR AND FACULTY. The applying institution must employ a director at least 12 months prior to the anticipated opening of the program. Sufficient, qualified faculty must be in place 6 months prior to the beginning of any course for the purpose of course development.019.02INITIAL APPROVAL FOR ADMISSION OF STUDENTS. The proposed program must provide the Board with verification that the following program components and processes have been completed: (1) Overview of the total curriculum;(3) Schedule, including course sequence;(5) Contracts for clinical sites;(6) Program evaluation plan;(7) Course syllabi for first year with identified timeline for submission of syllabi for subsequent years; and(8) Establishment of student policies for admission, progression, retention and graduation. 019.02(A)INITIAL APPROVAL. When the Board determines that all components and processes are complete and in place, the Board will authorize the program to admit students. The Board may or may not require a site visit to make this determination.019.02(B)DENIAL. The Board will deny initial approval if it determines that a proposed nursing education program is unable to meet the standards for nursing education.019.03FULL PROGRAM APPROVAL. The Board may request periodic reports from a new program regarding initial program operations before granting full program approval. The Board will fully approve the program upon: (A) Successful completion of a Board survey visit of the program concurrent with graduation of first class eligibility for the National Council Licensure Examination;(B) Submission of the nursing program's ongoing systematic evaluation plan;(C) Satisfactory completion of survey report that verifies that the program is in compliance with the Board's Nursing Education Standards in 172 NAC 97-004; and(D) Accreditation approval or application status update.019.04CONTINUING APPROVAL. Approval is continued for those programs which continue to meet the requirements of the Board as determined by survey visits, annual reports, and such reports as may be required by the Board. Approval may be continued with or without Board recommendations or suggestions.019.04(A)ONGOING EVALUATION. Nursing education programs will be reevaluated every 4 to 5 years with a site visit, upon request of the nursing education program, or at the discretion of the Board, to ensure continuing compliance with the regulations.019.04(B)ANNUAL REPORT. Programs must submit an annual report.172 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 97, § 019
Amended effective 8/10/2021