PURPOSE: This rule establishes the procedures for discontinuing and reopening Veteran’s Bridge Programs of Practical Nursing. (1) Program Discontinuation.

1. (A) A plan for closure shall be submitted to the board, at least six (6) months and, preferably, one (1) year prior to closing the program and shall include:

   1. 1. Closing date; and
   2. 2. Plans for completion of program for

currently enrolled students.

1. (B) The plan for closure shall be approved by the board prior to implementation.
2. (C) Date of completion on the diploma/certificate shall be on or before the official closing date of the program.
3. (D) An annual report shall be submitted to the board as long as there are students in the program.
4. (E) Classroom and clinical instruction approved by the board shall be provided until the designated date of closing. The sponsoring institution shall be responsible for providing a complete educational program for the currently enrolled students or shall provide a mechanism for transfer.

5. (F) Records for all graduates and for all students who attended the program of practical nursing shall be filed in the manner used by the institution conducting the program.

   1. 1. Transcripts of all courses attempted

or completed by each student attending the program shall be maintained by the designated custodian. Provisions for obtaining copies of transcripts shall be maintained.

1. 2. If the program closes but the spon-

soring institution continues, that institution shall assume the responsibility for the records and notify the board, in writing, of the location of the storage of the records.

1. 3. If both the program of practical nurs-

ing and the sponsoring institution close, the transcripts shall be given permanent custodial care and the board shall be notified in writing of the name and address of the custodian.

1. (G) A program closure summary indicating compliance with the requirements of this rule shall be submitted to the board no later than thirty (30) days after the actual date for program closure.

1. (2) Program Reopening. The procedure for reopening a program is the same as for initial approval in 20 CSR 2200-8.010(4)(A). An accredited institution of education that has lost the board’s approval of a nursing program due to deficiencies identified by the board may not propose to the board for establishment of a new nursing program for a minimum of one (1) calendar year from the time of the actual date for program closure.

AUTHORITY: sections 324.007 and 335.036, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed April 14, 2017, effective Oct. 30, 2017. Amended: Filed Feb. 2, 2018, effective Aug. 30, 2018.

*Original authority: 324.007, RSMo 2013 and 335.036, RSMo 1975, amended 1981, 1985, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2011.