1. (1) Except as provided in Subsections (2) and (3), to qualify as an approved education program for the purpose of qualifying graduates for licensure under this chapter, a nursing education program shall be accredited by an accrediting body for nursing education that is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

2. (2)

   1. (a) The division, in consultation with the board, may approve a nursing education program for up to five years, for the purpose of qualifying graduates for licensure under this chapter, if the program:

      1. (i) holds candidacy or is in the process of applying for candidacy for the accreditation described in Subsection (1);
      2. (ii) has been denied initial accreditation after holding candidacy for the accreditation described in Subsection (1); or
      3. (iii) is no longer accredited under Subsection (1); and
   2. (b) has not previously received a term of approval granted by the division.

3. (3)

   1. (a) For a nursing education program that has previously received a term of approval granted under Subsection (2), the division may reapprove the nursing education program for the purpose of qualifying graduates for licensure if:

      1. (i) the reapproval is for a period that does not exceed five years; and
      2. (ii) a minimum of 12 months has passed since the day on which the previous term of approval expired.
   2. (b) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the division, in consultation with the board, shall make rules to implement Subsection (3)(a).
4. (4) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and the provisions of this chapter, the division shall make rules defining the minimum standards for a medication aide certified training program to qualify a person for certification under this chapter as a medication aide certified.

Amended by Chapter 382, 2022 General Session