1. (a) The controlling agency shall be licensed or accredited by a Board-recognized agency.
2. (b) There shall be an organizational chart indicating lines of authority between the vocational nursing education program and the controlling agency.
3. (c) The program shall have comparable status with other educational units within the institution (controlling agency).

4. (d) The controlling agency shall:

   1. (1) be responsible for satisfactory operation of the vocational nursing program;
   2. (2) meet rules and regulations as stated in this chapter;
   3. (3) provide the number of faculty necessary to meet minimum standards set by the Board and to insure a sound educational program;
   4. (4) provide for suitable classroom and clinical facilities;
   5. (5) provide secretarial assistance;
   6. (6) provide sufficient funds for operation and maintenance of the program to meet requirements set by the Board; and

   7. (7) select and appoint a qualified registered nurse director or coordinator for the program who meets the requirements of the Board. The director shall:

      1. (A) hold a current license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Texas;
      2. (B) have been actively employed in nursing for the past five years, preferably in supervision or teaching. If the director has not been actively employed in nursing for the past five years, the director's advanced preparation in nursing, nursing education, and nursing administration and prior relevant nursing employment may be taken into consideration by the Board staff in evaluating qualifications for the position;
      3. (C) have a degree or equivalent experience that will demonstrate competency and advanced preparation in nursing, education, and administration; and
      4. (D) have had five years of varied nursing experience since graduation from a professional nursing education program.

5. (e) When the director or coordinator of the program changes, the director or coordinator shall submit to the Board office written notification of the change indicating the final date of employment. The controlling agency shall ensure that:

   1. (1) a new director or coordinator qualification form is submitted to the Board office for approval prior to being hired at an existing program or a new program;
   2. (2) the director may have responsibilities other than the program provided that an assistant program coordinator/lead instructor is designated to assist with the program management;
   3. (3) a director with responsibilities other than the program shall not have major teaching responsibilities; and
   4. (4) written job descriptions exist which clearly delineate responsibilities of the director, coordinator and lead instructor, as appropriate.
6. (f) In a fully approved vocational nursing education program, if the individual to be appointed as director or coordinator does not meet the requirements for director or coordinator as specified in subsection (d)(7) of this section, the administration is permitted to petition for a waiver of the Board's requirements, according to Board guidelines, prior to the appointment of said individual.
7. (g) A newly appointed director or coordinator of a vocational nursing education program shall attend the next scheduled orientation provided by the Board staff.

8. (h) The director or coordinator shall have the authority to direct the program in all its phases, including approval of teaching staff, selection of appropriate clinical sites, admission, progression, probation, and dismissal of students. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

   1. (1) providing evidence of faculty expertise and knowledge to teach curriculum content;
   2. (2) acting as agent of the Board and issuing temporary permits to eligible graduates, upon completion of the program;
   3. (3) verifying student's completion of program requirements on the Affidavit of Graduation; and
   4. (4) completing and submitting the Annual Report to the Board office by the required date.

Source Note:The provisions of this §214.6 adopted to be effective February 13, 2005, 30 TexReg 545.