(a) Program director.

1. (1) The program director shall:

   1. (A) Have a current unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in Arkansas; and
   2. (B) Be employed full time.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The practical nursing program director shall have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing.
   2. (B) Directors appointed prior to January 1, 2004, shall be exempt for the duration of their current position.
3. (3) The baccalaureate, diploma, or associate degree program director shall have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing.

4. (4) The master’s degree program director shall:

   1. (A) Have a graduate degree with a major in nursing; and
   2. (B) Be doctorally prepared.
5. (5) The program director shall have previous experience in clinical nursing practice and/or education.

6. (6)

   1. (A) The program director’s primary responsibility and authority shall be to administer the nursing program.
   2. (B) The program director shall be accountable for program:

(i) Administration;

1. (ii) Planning;

   1. (iii) Implementation; and

      1. (iv) Evaluation.
   2. (C) Adequate time shall be allowed for relevant administrative duties and responsibilities.
2. (7) The program director shall verify the applicant has completed the program.

(b) Faculty and assistant clinical instructors.

1. (1) Faculty shall hold a current unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in Arkansas.
2. (2) Faculty shall have had at least two (2) years’ previous experience in clinical nursing at or above the education program level.
3. (3) Faculty teaching in a master’s, baccalaureate, diploma, associate degree, or practical nurse program shall have a degree or diploma above the type of education program offered.
4. (4) Nurses serving as assistant clinical instructors in a master’s, baccalaureate, diploma, associate degree, or practical nurse program shall have a degree or diploma at or above the type of education program offered.

5. (5) Assistant clinical instructors shall:

   1. (A) Be under the direction of faculty;
   2. (B) Hold a current unencumbered license to practice in Arkansas; and
   3. (C) Have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the clinical area.
6. (6) All faculty shall maintain education and clinical competencies in areas of instructional responsibilities.
7. (7) Non-nurse faculty shall meet the requirements of the parent institution.
8. (8) Faculty shall be organized with written policies, procedures, and, if appropriate, standing committees.
9. (9) Nursing faculty policies shall be consistent with parent institutional policies.
10. (10) Program specific policies shall be developed by nursing faculty.
11. (11) A planned program specific orientation for new faculty shall be in writing and implemented.

12. (12)

    1. (A) Consideration shall be given to safety, patient acuity, and the clinical area in determining the necessary faculty-to-student ratio for clinical experiences.

    2. (B) The faculty-to-student ratio in clinical experiences shall be:

       1. (i) In the acute care setting where students are providing direct patient care the ratio is one (1) faculty member to eight (8) students (1:8);
       2. (ii) In the nonacute care setting where students are providing direct patient care the ratio is one (1) faculty member to ten (10) students (1:10); and
       3. (iii) In the community setting where the students have indirect or direct patient care with a community partner the ratio is one (1) faculty member to fifteen (15) students (1:15).
13. (13) The minimum number of faculty shall be one (1) full-time member in addition to the director.

14. (14)

    1. (A) Faculty meetings shall be regularly scheduled and held.
    2. (B) Minutes shall be maintained in writing.

15. (15) Faculty members shall participate in program activities as per policies and procedures.

    1. (c) Support staff. There shall be secretarial designated support staff sufficient to meet the needs of the program.