(a) Applications will be approved based on the patient safety pilot program's ability to meet the purpose of the rules. Selection criteria shall be based on:
  (1) Program quality as determined by the Board;
  (2) Description of the pilot program, including the body of knowledge that has influenced the development of the proposed program and the financial support for the proposed program;
  (3) Methodology of the pilot program, including research objectives and qualitative and/or quantitative metrics used to evaluate the program;
  (4) Efficacy/effect on the public and patient safety, including identification of vulnerabilities to the public created by the proposed program, appropriate measures taken to address such vulnerabilities, and the measures taken to adequately protect the public from an impaired or unsafe nurse;
  (5) Pilot program outcomes, including how the success of the program will improve nursing practice and enhance public safety;
  (6) Program innovation; and
  (7) Other factors including financial ability to perform the patient safety pilot program, State and regional needs and priorities, ability to continue the patient safety pilot program after the initial application period, past performance of the applicant, and other related factors as determined by the Board.
(b) Program Length Programs shall have a defined length, not to exceed two years. Programs may be extended upon approval of a written application submitted to the Board.

Source Note: The provisions of this §226.3 adopted to be effective December 29, 2003, 28 TexReg 11587