The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Accredited advanced practice nursing program--An advanced educational program for registered nurses which has been accredited by the board or which has the accreditation of a national organization recognized by the board which prepares nurses to function as advanced practice nurses.
2. (2) Advanced practice nurse--A registered professional nurse, currently licensed in the State of Texas, who is prepared for advanced practice nursing by virtue of knowledge and skills obtained in an advanced educational program of study acceptable to the board. The advanced practice nurse is prepared to practice in an expanded role to provide health care to individuals, families, and/or groups in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, homes, hospitals, institutions, offices, industry, schools, community agencies, public and private clinics, and private practice. The advanced practice nurse acts independently and/or in collaboration with other health care professionals in the delivery of health care services.
3. (3) Advanced practice nursing program--A post-basic nursing educational program whose purpose it is to prepare advanced practice nurses eligible to be recognized by the board as advanced practice nurse.
4. (4) Board--The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.
5. (5) Clinical learning experiences--Planned learning experiences which involve direct contact with patients/clients under guidance of faculty.
6. (6) Controlling institution--A college or university responsible for the administration and operation of the program.
7. (7) Cooperating agency--Agencies outside the institution which are utilized in providing learning experiences for the students.
8. (8) Didactic learning experiences--Any planned learned activities which take place in the classroom, learning resource center, skills laboratory, or similar settings under the guidance of faculty.
9. (9) Director--A registered nurse responsible for the administration of the advanced practice nursing program and who meets the requirements as stated in §219.6(b) of this title (relating to Faculty Qualifications).
10. (10) Preceptorship--That portion of the program consisting of clinical experiences under the auspices of qualified preceptors for the purpose of correlating theory to advanced practice nursing and for the purpose of attaining specific learning objectives. The setting shall provide an environment which permits observation and active participation in the delivery of health care.
11. (11) Qualified preceptor--An advanced practice nurse currently recognized by the board who is practicing in an advanced nursing role, or a currently licensed, practicing physician or other health care professional acceptable to the board who is committed to the concept of the advanced practice nurse. The functions of the preceptor include supervision, teaching, and evaluation of student's performance in the clinical setting.
12. (12) Shall and must--Mandatory requirements.
13. (13) Should--A recommendation.

Source Note:The provisions of this §219.1 adopted to be effective August 24, 1989, 14 TexReg 3987; amended to be effective July 9, 1996, 21 TexReg 5556.