Section 1000-01-.05 - SCHOOLS - APPROVAL(1) Purpose of Approval. (a) To insure the safe practice of nursing by setting standards for schools preparing the practitioner.(b) To encourage study and self-evaluation within the educational units for the development and improvement of educational programs.(c) To assure maximum benefit for the students in courses supplied by all cooperating agencies.(d) To insure graduates of approved schools eligibility for admission to the licensing examination.(e) To provide a list of approved schools of nursing and thus assist students and counselors in the selection of schools which offer approved programs in nursing.(2) Policies for Approval. (a) Board approval of the initial development of the nursing program. 1. Letter of intention should be submitted to the Board describing the reasons for establishing the school and the predicted timetable of development.2. Qualifications of the Director should be submitted to the Board.(b) Board approval for the admission of students. 1. A statement describing the philosophy, objectives, nature of organization, and administration should be submitted to the Board.2. The statement should contain descriptions of the following, as well: (i) Student Body - Number to be admitted in first class; maximum number to be admitted, with a projected timetable; continuing source of qualified students desiring this type of program; admission policies; student services, i.e., health and medical counseling, cultural and recreational facilities.(ii) Faculty - Number to be employed; dates of appointment, plan for a faculty recruitment; qualifications of appointed members. The Board considers the following as minimum number of faculty: Director plus two additional persons for each year of the program. Existing conditions of the program may require additional personnel.(iii) Curriculum, educational and clinical facilities.(iv) Projected budget for a five (5) year period.(v) Plans for evaluation.(3) Application For Board Approval - An application form for initial approval should be filed with the Board. Application will be reviewed at a regular Board meeting, and institutions will be advised of the Board's actions.(4) Types of Approval. (a) Initial approval is granted a new school that has not been in operation long enough to graduate its first class but demonstrates its eligibility for full approval. Any agency or institution wishing to establish a school of nursing shall follow the Board policies for approval. This type of approval is essentially a tentative approval that is granted to a new school. The program is reviewed each year; and after the first students are graduated, the program is considered for full approval.(b) Full approval is granted a school that has met the requirements that are set forth by the Board and has demonstrated its ability to provide an educational program which meets the Board's standards. Full approval may be granted to any school of nursing, having an initial or conditional approval and thereafter for a period of two years, if, in the opinion of the Board, it meets the minimum requirements of the Board and has demonstrated that it is providing an adequate educational program.(c) Conditional approval is accorded a school which has failed to maintain minimum standards of the Board and has been notified that it must meet the Board's requirements within one (1) year from the date of notice. A school previously having initial or full approval may be granted conditional approval, if, in the opinion of the Board, it fails to meet the major educational criteria and/or curriculum standards. If within a period of one (1) year the school has not demonstrated evidence of meeting the major criteria and/or standards, conditional approval shall be withdrawn.(5) Renewal of Approval - Renewal is based on survey visits, conferences, and correspondence during the period and the annual report that is granted at the beginning of the calendar year. Any professional nursing school having a 15% or higher failure rate on State Board Test Pool Examination, shall receive a warning from the Board. If changes, correction and/or adjustment relative to faculty, facilities, student admission, curriculum content, and/or methods of teaching are not initiated within a specified time and such action approved by the Board, the school shall not admit a subsequent class.(6) Closing of a School of Nursing - When the controlling board of an institution contemplates the closing of an approved school of nursing, it shall notify the Board to this effect.(7) School Surveys - Schools of nursing shall be visited at least every five years by the Executive Director or authorized Board staff. Survey visits shall be conducted more frequently if: (a) There is a concern regarding the school's compliance with standards for nursing education programs;(b) The Director of the nursing program changes; or(c) A major curriculum change is proposed.
Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-01-.05
Original rule certified May 10, 1974. Amendment filed September 18, 1985; effective October 18, 1985.
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 63-736 (c),63-7-207, and 63-7-119.