5601 INITIAL APPROVAL

5601.1 A person or entity seeking initial approval of a nursing education program shall submit to the Board the following information:

1. (a) A statement of intent to establish a pre-licensure nursing education program or advanced practice nursing education program, including name of owners and organization;
2. (b) A proposal which includes the following information:
3. (1) Documentation of the present and future need for the program and the need for entry-level nurses in the District, including identification of potential students and employment opportunities for graduates;
4. (2) The rationale for establishment of the program;
5. (3) The potential impact on other nursing education programs in the area (e.g. clinical placements, faculty, and students);
6. (4) The organizational structure of the educational institution documenting the relationship of the program within the institution;
7. (5) The licensure status of the controlling educational institution including accreditation status by regional or national accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education;
8. (6) The purpose, mission, and level of the program;
9. (7) The availability of qualified administrators and faculty pursuant to the qualifications established under this chapter;
10. (8) Hiring procedures for ensuring administrators and faculty will meet the requirements of this chapter;
11. (9) Budgeted faculty positions;
12. (10) The source and description of adequate clinical resources for the anticipated student population and program level along with an attached Board of Nursing clinical verification form; Business, Occupations, and Professionals

(11) Documentation of the campus lab space and equipment, and an indication of the maximum number of students permitted in the lab in one session;

(12) Documentation of adequate academic facility and staff to support the program;

(13) Evidence of financial resources adequate for the planning, implementation, and continuation of the program;

(14) The anticipated student population;

(15) The tentative time schedule for planning and initiating the program;

(16) Admission criteria and procedures;

(17) Graduation criteria and procedures;

(18) A curriculum plan including framework, program objectives, and list of all courses; and

(19) A systematic plan for evaluation of the program.

(c) Submit a non-refundable application fee of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

5601.2 If the Board approves the proposal, the Board shall request the following information from the applicant:

(a) A curriculum vita for the appointed nurse administrator and program coordinator for programs as applicable;

(b) A curriculum vita for each faculty member who meets the regulatory requirements and the intent of the program;

(c) A curriculum plan including conceptual framework, program objectives, list of courses, syllabus for each nursing course which includes a course description, course or clinical objectives, prerequisites, course outline, and grading criteria; and

(d) A Student Handbook that includes nursing student policies for admission, progression, retention and graduation.

5601.3 The Board shall conduct a site visit or if applicable, a joint site visit conducted by the Board and the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission.

5601.4 The Board shall grant initial approval to a newly established program upon receipt of evidence that the standards and requirements of this chapter are being met.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 7190 (July 23, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 54 DCR 2116 (March 9, 2007); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 62 DCR 16319 (December 25, 2015).