(a) The governing entity of a professional nursing education program, not including a diploma program, must be accredited by an agency recognized by the THECB or hold a certificate of authority from the THECB under provisions leading to accreditation of the institution in due course.
(b) There shall be an organizational chart which demonstrates the relationship of the professional nursing education program to the governing entity and indicates lines of responsibility and authority.
(c) In colleges and universities, the professional nursing education program shall have comparable status with other academic units within the governing entity in such areas as budgetary authority, rank, promotion, tenure, leave, benefits, and professional development.
(d) Salaries shall be adequate to recruit, employ, and retain sufficient qualified nursing faculty members with graduate preparation and expertise necessary for students to meet program goals.
(e) The governing entity shall provide financial support and resources needed to operate a professional nursing education program which meets the requirements of the Board and fosters achievement of program goals. The financial resources shall support adequate educational facilities, equipment, and qualified administrative and instructional personnel.
(f) Each professional nursing education program shall be administered by a qualified individual who is accountable for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the professional nursing education program. The dean or director shall:
  (1) hold an unencumbered current license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Texas;
  (2) hold a master's degree or a doctoral degree in nursing;
  (3) hold a doctoral degree, if administering a baccalaureate or master's degree program;
  (4) have a minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a professional nursing education program;
  (5) have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in administration within a professional nursing education program; and
  (6) not carry a teaching load of more than three (3) clock hours per week if required to teach.
(g) In a fully approved professional nursing education program, other qualifications may be considered if there is supporting evidence that the candidate has sufficient competencies to fulfill the responsibilities.
(h) When the dean/director of the program changes, the dean/director shall submit to the Board office written notification of the change indicating the final date of employment.
  (1) A new Dean/Director/Coordinator Qualification Form shall be submitted to the Board office by the governing entity for approval prior to the appointment of a new dean/director or interim dean/director in an existing program or a new professional nursing education program according to Board Education Guideline 3.3.1 available at https://www.bon.texas.gov.
  (2) A curriculum vitae and all official transcripts for the proposed new dean/director shall be submitted with the new Dean/Director/Coordinator Qualification Form according to Board Education Guideline 3.3.1 available at https://www.bon.texas.gov.
  (3) If an interim dean/director is appointed to fill the position, this appointment shall not exceed one (1) year.
(i) A newly appointed dean/director or interim dean/director of a professional nursing education program shall attend a scheduled new dean/director orientation workshop provided by the Board related to education rules and the role and responsibilities of newly appointed deans/directors within one (1) year of his/her hire date in that role.
(j) The dean/director shall have the authority to direct the professional nursing education program in all its phases, including approval of teaching staff, selection of appropriate clinical sites, admission, progression, probation, dismissal of students, and enforcement of student policies. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  (1) providing evidence of faculty expertise and knowledge to teach curriculum content;
  (2) verifying students' completion of program requirements;
  (3) completing and submitting the Texas Board of Nursing Affidavit of Graduation; and
  (4) completing and submitting the NEPIS and CANEP by the required dates.
(k) The dean or director of the nursing program shall notify Board Staff immediately when there is a change in the name of the professional nursing education program or the governing entity, or when there are changes in the contact information.

Source Note: The provisions of this §215.6 adopted to be effective January 9, 2005, 29 TexReg 12190; amended to be effective August 11, 2005, 30 TexReg 4480; amended to be effective January 10, 2008, 33 TexReg 183; amended to be effective October 19, 2008, 33 TexReg 8509; amended to be effective October 23, 2012, 37 TexReg 8304; amended to be effective August 9, 2018, 43 TexReg 5074; amended to be effective November 30, 2023, 48 TexReg 6907