W. Va. Code R. § 10-1-4

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 10-1-4 - Establishing a New Program

4.1. An agency contemplating sponsoring a new program of practical nursing shall request from the board a copy of the manual entitled, "Manual of Recommendations and Requirements for Education and Licensure". Sponsoring agencies should consult with board staff throughout the planning process.

4.2. The following steps shall be included in planning a program of practical nursing.

4.2.1. Representatives of a sponsoring agency and the board shall hold a pre-planning conference to begin preliminary discussions about the roles and responsibilities of faculty and administration in practical nursing education.

4.2.2. Representatives of the board, the sponsoring agency, the clinical facilities, potential employers, resource people and interested citizens shall hold a community meeting to discuss:

4.2.2.a. Present and the future local need for additional licensed practical nurses;

4.2.2.b. The implications of the local expansion of existing health services;

4.2.2.c. LPN staffing patterns of local health care facilities;

4.2.2.d. The use of clinical facilities for student experience; and

4.2.2.e. The role and function of the licensed practical nurse in the local area where the program will be sponsored.

4.2.3. The sponsoring agency shall plan the meeting.

4.2.4. The sponsoring agency shall submit 10 copies of the application for a new program with resumes of the potential nurse coordinator and instructors to the board with the fee required in West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses Rule, Fees for Services Rendered by the Board, 10CSR4. Prior to or at the time of application the sponsoring agency shall submit:

4.2.4.a. Documentation of the local need for graduates of the program;

4.2.4.b. Verification that adequate clinical facilities are available for student experience;

4.2.4.c. The estimated number of students which will be admitted to the program annually initially and in the future;

4.2.4.d. A description of classroom and laboratory facilities; and

4.2.4.e. The basis for financial support during the planning phase and for initial and future classes.

4.2.5. The board may seek validation of the information and data submitted by the sponsoring agency from another source at its discretion.

4.2.6. The sponsoring agency shall submit this material no less than 6 weeks in advance of the board meeting during which the program is scheduled to be considered for temporary approval to proceed with the planning process.

4.2.7. The sponsoring agency shall employ a nurse coordinator after the board has granted temporary approval to plan a program of practical nursing.

4.2.8. The sponsoring agency shall submit a draft copy of the curriculum and supplementary materials to the board including:

4.2.8.a. The program philosophy;

4.2.8.b. The student terminal objectives;

4.2.8.c. The administrative structure of the sponsoring agency;

4.2.8.d. The functions and names of advisory committee members;

4.2.8.e. The faculties' qualifications and job descriptions;

4.2.8.f. The program and student policies;

4.2.8.g. The rotation schedule; and

4.2.8.h. The affiliation agreements between clinical facilities and the sponsoring agency.

4.2.9. The sponsoring agency may submit this material all at once or in sections as it is completed. A representative of the board shall review the materials and make recommendations for revision where necessary to meet board requirements.

4.2.10. Representatives of the board shall conduct an official visit to review the final draft of program materials and to survey clinical facilities planned for use by the program.

4.2.11. The sponsoring agency shall submit 10 copies of the curriculum and supplementary materials identified in paragraph 4.2.8. of this rule, with necessary revisions, to the board. The sponsoring agency shall submit the materials to the board office no less than 6 weeks in advance of the date scheduled by the board for consideration of the new program for tentative state accreditation.

4.2.12. The Executive Secretary of the board and/or a member of the board shall conduct a consultation visit to a program with tentative state accreditation when:

4.2.12.a. The program has been in operation 6 months;

4.2.12.b. The sponsoring agency or faculty of an accredited program requests a visit; or

4.2.12.c. The board determines the need for a visit.

W. Va. Code R. § 10-1-4