(a) The advanced practice registered nursing education program shall operate within or be affiliated with a college or university authorized to award graduate degrees.
(b) The governing institution shall be regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(c) There shall be an organizational chart that demonstrates the relationship of the advanced practice registered nursing education program to the governing institution and indicates lines of responsibility and authority.
(d) In colleges and universities, the advanced practice registered nursing education program shall have comparable status with other academic units within the governing institution in such areas as budgetary authority, rank, promotion, tenure, leave, benefits, and professional development.
(e) 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.
(f) The governing institution shall provide financial support and resources needed to operate an advanced practice registered nursing education program that meets the legal and educational 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.
(g) Each advanced practice registered nursing education program shall be administered by a qualified individual who is accountable for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the advanced practice registered nursing education program. The dean or director shall:
(1) hold a current, valid, unencumbered license or privilege to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Texas;
(2) hold a minimum of a master's degree in nursing, doctoral-level preferred, or the equivalent thereof as determined by the Board;
(3) be authorized to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse in a role and population focus appropriate to the type of program;
(4) have a minimum of two (2) years teaching experience in a program appropriately related to the type of program being administered; and
(5) have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in administration within graduate level advanced practice registered nursing education programs.
(h) Sufficient time shall be provided for the dean/director to administer the program. The teaching load shall not negatively impact program administration responsibilities.
(i) When the dean/director of the advanced practice registered nursing education program changes, the dean/director shall submit to the Board written notification of the change indicating the final date in the position.
(1) A new Dean/Director/Coordinator Qualification Form shall be submitted to the Board office by the governing institution for approval prior to appointment of a new dean/director or interim dean/director in an existing program or a new Board-approved advanced practice registered nursing education program according to Board Education Guideline 3.4.1.a Approval Process for a New Dean/Director/Coordinator.
(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 3.4.1.a.
(j) The dean/director shall have the authority to direct the advanced practice registered 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; and
(3) completing and submitting the NEPIS 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 advanced practice registered nursing education program or the governing institution, or when there are changes in the contact information.
Source Note: The provisions of this §219.6 adopted to be effective September 13, 2001, 26 TexReg 6889; amended to be effective January 8, 2008, 33 TexReg 184; amended to be effective December 9, 2018, 43 TexReg 7894