(a) Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

(1) Quality of the pilot program;

(2) Description of the pilot program, including the rationale for the pilot program and the financial support for the program;

(3) Methodological design of the pilot program;

(4) Pilot program outcomes, including how the success of the program will improve nursing education and enhance nursing practice and how it will be measured;

(5) Pilot program innovation;

(6) Timeline for pilot program;

(7) Controls to maintain quality education and ensure delivery of safe and competent nursing care: (A) Methods shall be incorporated into the pilot program to ensure that students in the pilot program receive an equivalent, quality education as students in standard program(s) (comparative group); (B) Ongoing evaluation shall be implemented to determine the students' progress in the pilot program; and (C) If evidence indicates that students in pilot program are not meeting objectives, a plan for corrective measures to re-mediate must be in place; and

(8) Other relevant factors, including financial ability to implement the pilot program; state and regional needs and priorities; applicant's ability to continue the pilot program on a long-term basis; and the past performance of the applicant, if applicable.

(b) Pilot programs must have a defined length, not to exceed two years. The length of an approved pilot program may be extended upon applicant request and approval by the Board.

Source Note: The provisions of this §227.3 adopted to be effective April 22, 2014, 39 TexReg 3230