1. (a) The governing institution shall be accredited by a Board recognized accrediting agency.
2. (b) There shall be an organizational chart which demonstrates the relationship of the professional nursing program to the governing institution, and indicates lines of responsibility and authority, and channels of communication.
3. (c) In colleges and universities, the program shall have comparable status with other academic units in such areas as rank, promotion, tenure, leave, benefits and professional development.
4. (d) Salaries shall be adequate to recruit, employ, and retain sufficient qualified faculty members with graduate preparation and expertise necessary for students to meet program goals.
5. (e) The governing institution shall provide financial support and resources needed to operate a program which meets the legal and educational requirements of the Board and fosters achievement of program goals. The financial resources shall support adequate educational facilities, equipment, and qualified administrative and instructional personnel.

6. (f) Each basic nursing program shall be administered by a qualified nurse faculty member who is accountable for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the professional nursing education program. The dean/director shall:

   1. (1) hold a current license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Texas;
   2. (2) hold a master's degree in nursing;
   3. (3) hold a doctoral degree, if administering a baccalaureate or master's degree program;
   4. (4) have a minimum of three years teaching experience in a professional nursing education program; and
   5. (5) have demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in administration within a professional nursing education program.

7. (g) When the director of the program changes, the director shall submit to the Board written notification of the change indicating the final date of employment.

   1. (1) A new director qualification form shall be submitted to the office by the governing institution for approval prior to appointing a new director for an existing program or a new nursing program.
   2. (2) A vitae and all official transcripts shall be submitted with the new director qualification form.
   3. (3) If an acting director is appointed to fill the position of the director, this appointment shall not exceed one year.
   4. (4) In a fully accredited professional nursing program, if the individual to be appointed as director does not meet the requirements for director as specified in subsection (f) of this section, the administration is permitted to petition for a waiver of the Board's requirements prior to the appointment of said individual.
8. (h) A newly appointed dean/director or acting dean/director of a professional nursing education program shall attend an orientation provided by the Board within one year of the appointment.

Source Note:The provisions of this §215.6 adopted to be effective August 17, 2003, 28 TexReg 6540.