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

1. (1) Accredited program--A program that has been determined to have met the standards set by the Board or by a national accrediting body recognized by the Board.
2. (2) Advanced educational program--A post-basic advanced practice nurse program at the certificate or master's degree level. Beginning January 1, 2003, a minimum of a graduate degree in the advanced practice role and specialty will be required for authorization as an advanced practice nurse.
3. (3) Advanced practice nurse--A registered nurse approved by the Board to practice as an advanced practice nurse based on completing an advanced educational program acceptable to the Board. The term includes a nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, nurse anesthetist, and a clinical nurse specialist. 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.
4. (4) Affiliating agency--Agencies outside the institution that are utilized in providing learning experiences for the students.
5. (5) Board--The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas
6. (6) Clinical learning experiences--Planned learning experiences that involve direct contact with patients under guidance of faculty.
7. (7) Diagnosis and management course--A course offering both didactic and clinical content in clinical decision-making and aspects of medical diagnosis and medical management of diseases and conditions. Supervised clinical practice must include the opportunity to provide pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of diseases and problems considered within the scope of practice of the advanced practice nurse's specialty and role.
8. (8) Didactic learning experiences--Any planned learning activities that 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 educational program and who meets the requirements as stated in §219.6(f) of this chapter (relating to Administration and Organization).
10. (10) Distance education--Instruction delivered by an accredited program by any means to any location(s) other than the main campus. Distance education may range from offering a single course or multiple courses to offering the entire program of study.
11. (11) Governing institution--A college or university responsible for the administration and operation of the program.
12. (12) Party state--Any state that has entered into the Nurse Licensure Compact.
13. (13) Practicum--The practicum is that portion of the program consisting of clinical experiences for the purpose of integrating theory with practice. The term includes, but is not limited to, preceptorship, residency and integration.

14. (14) Qualified preceptor--An advanced practice nurse, physician or other health care professional acceptable to the Board who meets the following requirements:

    1. (A) Holds an active, unencumbered license (where licensure is required),
    2. (B) Is in current practice in the advanced specialty area,
    3. (C) Is committed to the concept of the advanced practice nurse, and
    4. (D) Functions as a supervisor and teacher and evaluates the student's performance in the clinical setting.
15. (15) Shall and must--Mandatory requirements.
16. (16) Should--A recommendation
17. (17) Unencumbered license--A professional license that does not have stipulations against it.

Source Note:The provisions of this §219.2 adopted to be effective September 13, 2001, 26 TexReg 6889.