1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of this section, an applicant must complete an internship that meets the following requirements.

   1. (1) Before an applicant starts the internship, the applicant and the applicant's preceptor must complete a Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) internship application.
   2. (2) The internship must be in a nursing facility that has a minimum of 60 beds, unless HHSC grants an exception to the minimum bed requirement. HHSC may consider an exception to the 60-bed requirement on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, the facility with fewer than 60 beds must be located in a rural area and more than 50 miles away from a 60-bed facility. An applicant must submit to HHSC a written request to complete an internship in a facility with fewer than 60 beds. HHSC will notify the applicant of the status of the applicant's request.
   3. (3) A minimum of half of the internship hours must be during traditional business hours.
   4. (4) The administrator-in-training (AIT) can train no more than 40 hours a week.
   5. (5) If the internship is completed with a nursing facility administrator (NFA) not associated with a university as the preceptor, the AIT must complete a preceptor performance report. Additionally, the preceptor must complete an AIT final report. An AIT must complete an HHSC course in Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment.
   6. (6) If the internship is completed with an NFA associated with a university accredited by an agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as the preceptor, the AIT must submit an official transcript to HHSC.

2. (b) HHSC may accept an internship completed in another state if:

   1. (1) the internship is part of a National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards-accredited program; or
   2. (2) the internship is approved by the other state and a minimum of 1,000 hours or a minimum of 500 hours if the requirements listed in §555.12(a)(2) or (3) of this subchapter (relating to Licensure Requirements) are met. An applicant who has completed fewer than 1,000 hours of internship in another state that does not qualify for a 500-hour internship may complete the remaining hours under a preceptor.
3. (c) As a substitute to meeting the internship requirements described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section, an applicant may submit to HHSC proof of a health services executive (HSE) qualification and certify that the applicant has not had a license or HSE qualification revoked in any state.
4. (d) The AIT must submit proof of completion of the internship. HHSC will review the proof of completion and notify the applicant of the status of the applicant's request.

Source Note:The provisions of this §555.13 adopted to be effective November 14, 2021, 46 TexReg 7791.