(a) Step 1 - Submit New Program Proposal. - (i) Timeframe. At least fifteen (15) months prior to admitting students, the parent institution shall submit to the Board a statement of intent to establish a program and a proposal.
- (ii) Statement of Intent. The statement of intent shall address:
- (A) Rationale for the establishment of the program including documentation of the present and future need for the program in Wyoming;
- (B) Employment opportunities for program graduates; and
- (C) Potential effects on other programs in Wyoming.
- (iii) Proposal. The proposal shall address how the program will comply with the standards of nursing education identified in Section 3. At a minimum, the proposal shall include:
- (A) Purpose, mission, and level of the proposed program;
- (B) Evidence of parent institution and other pertinent governing bodies approval and support;
- (C) Accreditation status of the parent institution;
- (D) Organizational structure of the educational institution documenting the relationship of the program within the parent institution;
- (E) Evidence of financial resources adequate for the planning, implementation, and continuation of the program including budgeted faculty and support positions;
- (F) Documentation of adequate academic facilities and staff to support the program;
- (G) Source and description of adequate clinical resources for the level of program;
- (H) Availability of qualified administrator and faculty;
- (J) Evidence of community support;
- (K) Anticipated student population; and
- (L) Proposed time line for planning and initiating the program.
- (iv) Board Action. After review of the initial proposal, the Board may grant or deny permission to proceed to submit an application for provisional approval.
(b) Step 2 - Preparation for Submission of the Application for Provisional Approval. - (i) Timeline. Between fifteen (15) and twelve (12) months prior to admitting students, the parent institution shall prepare for submission of the application for provisional approval.
- (ii) Preparation. The parent institution shall:
- (A) Appoint/hire an administrator;
- (B) Develop a written proposed program plan in accordance with the standards of nursing education and the programmatic standards identified in Sections 3 and 4. In addition, the proposed program plan shall include:
- (II) Schedule (course sequence);
- (III) Course descriptions;
- (IV) Contracts for clinical sites;
- (V) Self-study evaluation; and
- (C) Establish student policies for admission, progression, retention, and graduation; and
- (D) Request that the Board conduct a site-visit.
(c) Step 3 - Submit Application for Provisional Approval. - (i) Timeline. At least twelve (12) months prior to admitting students, the parent institution shall submit a provisional application which demonstrates that the requirements in subsection (b) are met.
- (ii) Committee Review. After reviewing the application for provisional approval, the Committee may recommend that the Board grant or deny provisional approval. If the Committee recommends denial, the parent institution may request in writing a hearing within 180 days.
- (iii) Board Action. After review of the application for provisional approval, the Board may grant or deny provisional approval. Provisional approval shall be valid for twenty-four (24) months following graduation of the first cohort.
(d) Step 4 - Preparation for Admission of Students. - (i) Timeline. Between twelve (12) months and six (6) months prior to admitting students, the parent institution shall prepare for the admission of students.
- (ii) Preparation. The parent institution shall hire sufficient faculty and notify the Committee of those appointments.
- (iii) Committee Review. After verifying all components and processes are complete and in place, the Committee shall notify the program that it may admit students.
(e) Step 5 - Program Reporting Obligations Following Admission of Students. After admission of students, the program shall submit quarterly narrative progress reports to the Board or as requested until graduation of the first cohort.
(f) Step 6 - Submit Application for Initial Full Approval. - (i) Timeline. Within eighteen (18) months after graduation of the first cohort, the program shall submit an application for initial full approval which includes a self-study evaluation and participate in a site-visit to be conducted by the Board.
- (ii) Committee Review. After reviewing the application for initial full approval, the Committee may recommend that the Board grant or deny initial full approval. If the Committee recommends denial, the program may request in writing a hearing within 180 days.
- (iii) Board Action. After review of the application for initial full approval, the Board may grant or deny initial full approval.