1. (a) New Programs.

   1. (1) Proposal to develop an advanced educational program

      1. (A) A college or university regionally accredited by a Board recognized approval/accrediting body is eligible to submit a proposal to develop an advanced educational program. Notice of intent to establish an advanced educational program shall be submitted in writing well in advance of the anticipated start of the program. This process may take 12 to 18 months to complete.

      2. (B) The proposal shall be completed under the direction/consultation of a registered nurse who:

         1. (i) Holds a minimum of a master's degree in nursing or the equivalent thereof as determined by the Board,
         2. (ii) Is authorized to practice as an advanced practice nurse in an advanced role and specialty appropriate to the type of program being proposed, and
         3. (iii) Has teaching and administrative experience related to the type of program being proposed.
      3. (C) The proposal shall include information outlined in Board guidelines.
      4. (D) The proposal shall include documentation of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval, as applicable.
      5. (E) The proposal will be considered by the Board following a public hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The Board may approve, defer action on, or deny the proposal.

   2. (2) Application for Initial Accreditation

      1. (A) Initial accreditation must be granted prior to admission of students.
      2. (B) Following approval to develop an advanced educational program, the director and faculty shall develop the application for initial accreditation.
      3. (C) The director and faculty shall plan the program of learning.
      4. (D) The application shall include information outlined in Board guidelines.
      5. (E) The Board shall review the application and supporting evidence at a regularly scheduled meeting. If the program is based upon educational principles acceptable to the Board and is in compliance with the Board's requirements as specified in this subsection, initial accreditation may be granted.
      6. (F) Survey visits shall be conducted, as necessary, by Board staff until full accreditation is granted.

2. (b) Transfer of Administrative Control by Governing Institutions

   1. (1) A governing institution of an advanced educational program that has full accreditation status may request permission from the Board to transfer administrative control of the program or any portion thereof.

      1. (A) A governing institution that proposes to transfer administrative control of an advanced educational program or any portion thereof to another governing institution accredited by a Board recognized approval/accrediting body shall submit:

         1. (i) Notice of intent to transfer administrative control in writing to the Board twelve months prior to the anticipated date of transfer, and
         2. (ii) A written plan for closure of the nursing program as required by subsection (c) of this section if the entire program is to be transferred.

      2. (B) The governing institution that will assume responsibility for the program shall submit a Proposal to Assume Administrative Control to the Board six months prior to a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

         1. (i) The proposal shall be completed under the direction/ consultation of a registered nurse who holds a minimum of a master's degree in nursing, is authorized to practice as an advanced practice nurse in a related advanced role and specialty of the type of program being proposed, and who has teaching and administrative experience related to the type of program being proposed.
         2. (ii) The proposal shall include information outlined in Board approved guidelines.
         3. (iii) The proposal shall include documentation of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval, as applicable.
         4. (iv) The proposal will be considered by the Board at a regularly scheduled meeting.
         5. (v) The Board may approve, may defer action, or may deny further consideration of the proposal.

   2. (2) Accreditation Status of Transferred Program(s)

      1. (A) If the governing institution that is assuming administrative control previously has been responsible for an accredited program and does not intend to change the program of study, then the program shall maintain its accreditation status.
      2. (B) If the governing institution that is assuming administrative control previously has been responsible for an accredited program and intends to alter the program of study, then that governing institution shall submit a proposal to change the program of study in accordance with §219.9 of this chapter.
      3. (C) If the governing institution that is assuming administrative control has not previously been responsible for an accredited program, then that governing institution shall submit an application for initial accreditation in accordance with subsection (a)(2) of this section.

3. (c) Closing a Program or Portion Thereof.

   1. (1) When the decision to close a program or portion thereof has been made, the director must notify the Board and submit a written plan for closure that includes the following:

      1. (A) Reason for closing the program or portion thereof;
      2. (B) Date of intended closing;
      3. (C) Academic provisions for students;
      4. (D) Provisions made for access to and safe storage of vital school records, including transcripts of all graduates; and
      5. (E) Methods to be used to maintain requirements and standards until the program or portion thereof closes.
   2. (2) The program or portion thereof shall continue within standards until all classes that are enrolled at the time of the decision to close have graduated. In the event this is not possible, a plan must be developed whereby students may transfer to other accredited programs.

Source Note:The provisions of this §219.3 adopted to be effective September 13, 2001, 26 TexReg 6889.