Delaware Administrative Code
Title 24 - Regulated Professions and Occupations
Department of State
Division of Professional Regulation
1900 - Board of Nursing
Section 1900-2.0 - Nursing Education Programs
Universal Citation: 24 DE Admin Code 1900-2.0
Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 9, March 1, 2025
2.1 Definitions
"Advanced assessment" means the taking by an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) of the history, physical and psychological assessment of a patient's signs, symptoms, pathophysiologic status and psychosocial variations in the determination of differential diagnoses and treatment.
"Board" means the Delaware Board of Nursing.
"Board Approved Nursing Education Program" as used in these regulations and Title 24, Chapter 19 means a nursing school in Delaware approved by the Board, any nursing school accredited by CCNE, ACEN, NLN CNEA, or a school outside of Delaware approved by its respective Board of Nursing and listed on that Board's website.
"Clinical learning experiences" means the planned, faculty-guided learning experiences that involve direct contact with patients.
"Competence" means the ability of the nurse to integrate knowledge, skills, judgment, and personal attributes to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and setting in accordance with the scope of nursing practice.
"Comprehensive nursing assessment" means collection, analysis and synthesis of data performed by an RN used to establish a health status baseline, plan care and address changes in a patient's condition.
"Conditional Approval" means the status granted to a program that is determined to be deficient in a specified area or areas. When this determination is made by the Board, written notice shall be sent to the program specifying the deficient areas, and the time limit within which the deficiencies are to be corrected. May apply to any program either holding "full" or "initial" approval and may also apply to Delaware Board-approved RN or LPN Refresher Programs.
"Debriefing" means an activity that follows a simulation experience, is led by a facilitator, encourages participant's reflective thinking, and provides feedback regarding the participant's performance.
"Focused nursing assessment" means recognizing patient characteristics by an LPN/VN that may affect the patient's health status, gathering and recording assessment data and demonstrating attentiveness by observing, monitoring, and reporting signs, symptoms, and changes in patient condition in an ongoing manner to the supervising registered nurse or physician.
"Full Approval" means the status granted to a program that meets the requirements of the Law and the Rules and Regulations of the Board. Continuation of full approval is contingent upon annual review of the program and continuing to meet the criteria.
"Initial Approval" means authorization to admit students and enter into contractual agreements for clinical facilities. It is granted only after an application has been submitted, reviewed and a survey visit made by the Board. No students shall be admitted to the program until the institution has received written notification that initial approval has been granted. Failure to comply will delay initial approval.
"National Accrediting Agency for Nursing Education" means a national accrediting agency for nursing education that is recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education.
"Nursing Education Program" is defined in 24 Del.C. Ch. 19.
"Patient-centered health care plan" means, in collaboration with patient, the identification of desired goals, strategies for meeting goals and processes for promoting, attaining and maintaining optimal patient health outcomes.
"Preceptor" means a nurse, who holds a BSN or higher degree, and a valid license to practice. Clinical preceptors shall have demonstrated competencies in the area of practice to which the student is assigned. Clinical preceptors may be used to accomplish faculty directed clinical learning experiences.
"Simulation" means a technique to replace or amplify real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner.
"Supervision" means provision of guidance or oversight by a qualified nurse for the accomplishment of a nursing task or activity with initial direction of the task or activity and periodic inspection of the actual act of accomplishing the task or activity.
2.2 Authority Designated to the Board of Nursing
In accordance with 24 Del.C. Ch. 19, the Board may:
2.2.1 Approve curricula and develop criteria
and standards for evaluating nursing education programs;
2.2.2 Provide for surveys of such programs at
such time as it may deem necessary;
2.2.3 Approve such program to meet the
requirements of the Chapter and of the Board; and
2.2.4 Deny or withdraw approval for nursing
education programs for failure to meet prescribed curriculum or other
standards. (Subsections 1906 (b), (c), (e)).
2.3 Purpose of Nursing Education Standards
The state requires that nursing education programs be approved in order to:
2.3.1 Ensure
that graduates of nursing education programs are prepared for safe and
effective nursing practice.
2.3.2
Provide for the criteria for the development, evaluation and improvement of new
and established nursing education programs.
2.3.3 Assure candidates are educationally
prepared for licensure and recognition at the appropriate
level.
2.4 Nursing Education Standards
All nursing education programs shall meet these standards:
* The purpose and outcomes of the nursing programs shall be consistent with the Nurse Practice Act and Board promulgated administrative rules, regulations and other relevant state statutes.
* The purpose and outcomes of the nursing program shall be consistent with generally accepted standards of nursing practice appropriate for graduates of the type of nursing program offered.
* The input of consumers shall be considered in developing and evaluating the purpose and outcomes of the program
* The nursing program shall implement a comprehensive, systematic plan for ongoing evaluation that is based on program outcomes and incorporates continuous improvement principles.
* The curriculum shall provide diverse didactic and clinical learning experiences consistent with program outcomes.
* Faculty and students shall participate in program planning, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.
* The nursing program administrator (Director) shall be a professionally and academically qualified Registered Nurse with institutional authority and administrative responsibility for the program. (Section 2.4.1.5 - Administrator Qualifications)
* Professionally, academically and clinically qualified nurse faculty shall be sufficient in number and expertise to accomplish program outcomes and quality improvement. (Section 2.4.1.6 - Faculty Qualifications)
* The fiscal, human, physical, clinical and technical learning resources shall be adequate to support program processes, security and outcomes.
* Program information communicated by the nursing program shall be accurate, complete, consistent and readily available.
* A systematic evaluation plan of the curriculum is in place.
* At a minimum, 35% of the total faculty (including all clinical adjunct, part-time, or other faculty) are employed at the institution as full-time faculty.
* The nursing program administrator shall be consistent in a nursing program, with no more than 3 nursing program administrators in 5 years.
2.4.1 Required Criteria for
Nursing Education Programs - The organization and administration of the nursing
education shall be consistent with the law governing the practice of nursing.
The nursing education program shall be an integral part of a governing
institution with appropriate accreditation. The following minimum criteria
serve to support the implementation of the Nursing Education Standards:
2.4.1.1 Annual Report
2.4.1.1.1 By December 1 of each year, a copy
of an annual report of the nursing education program shall be sent to the
Board, using the format supplied by the Board. The report will include
information from the previous academic year and is required of new programs as
well. This is a comprehensive education program self-evaluation and shall
include but not be limited to:
2.4.1.1.1.1
Students' achievement of program outcomes.
2.4.1.1.1.2 Evidence of adequate program
resources including fiscal, physical, human, clinical and technical learning
resources; and the availability of clinical sites and the viability of those
sites to meet the objectives of the program.
2.4.1.1.1.3 Multiple measures of program
outcomes for graduates. These may include but are not limited to NCLEX pass
rates, student and/or employer surveys, etc.
2.4.1.1.1.4 Evidence that accurate program
information for consumers is readily available.
2.4.1.1.1.5 The head of the academic
institution and the administration support program outcomes
2.4.1.1.1.6 Program administrator and program
faculty meet Board of Nursing qualifications and are sufficient to achieve
program outcomes.
2.4.1.1.1.7
Evidence that the academic institution assures security of student
information.
2.4.1.2 School Records
2.4.1.2.1 A nursing education program shall
maintain a system of records which shall contain all data relating to approval
by any agency or body. The data shall include, but not be limited to, course
outlines, minutes of faculty and committee meetings, pertinent correspondence,
reports of standardized tests and survey reports. Such data shall be available
to the Board representatives during the course of a survey or site visit
subject to applicable provisions of state and federal law.
2.4.1.3 Student Records
2.4.1.3.1 The school shall maintain a record
for each student subject to applicable provisions of law, such records shall be
available to Board representatives during the course any survey or site
visit.
2.4.1.3.2 A final transcript
for each student shall be retained in the permanent records of the
school.
2.4.1.3.3 Provision shall
be made for the protection of records against loss, destruction and
unauthorized use.
2.4.1.4
School Bulletin or Catalogue
2.4.1.4.1 Current
information about the school shall be published periodically and distributed to
students, applicants for admission and to the Board. It should include a
general description of the program, philosophy and objectives of the
controlling institution and of the nursing programs, admission and graduation
requirements, fees, expenses, and financial aid, educational facilities, living
accommodations, student activities and services, curriculum plan, course
descriptions, process for addressing student complaints and/or grievances and
faculty staff roster.
2.4.1.5 Administrator and Faculty
Qualifications
2.4.1.5.1 Administrator
qualifications in a program preparing for LPN licensure shall include:
2.4.1.5.1.1 A current, active, unencumbered
Delaware RN license or compact (multi-state) license, and meet requirements in
the state where the program is approved or accredited.
2.4.1.5.1.2 A minimum of a master's degree in
nursing from a nationally accredited program.
2.4.1.5.1.3 Experience in nursing practice
and shall give evidence of ability in providing leadership.
2.4.1.5.1.4 Experience in nursing education
including teaching and learning principles for adult education and curriculum
development and administration.
2.4.1.5.2 Administrator qualifications in a
program preparing for RN licensure shall include:
2.4.1.5.2.1 A current, active, unencumbered
Delaware RN license or compact (multi-state) license, and meet requirements in
the state where the program is approved or accredited.
2.4.1.5.2.2 For a baccalaureate degree
program, the administrator shall hold an earned doctoral degree in nursing or
related field and a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited
program. For an associate degree or diploma program, the administrator shall
hold a minimum of a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited
program.
2.4.1.5.2.3 Experience in
nursing practice and shall give evidence of ability in providing
leadership.
2.4.1.5.2.4 Experience
in nursing education including teaching and learning principles for adult
education and curriculum development and administration.
2.4.1.5.3 The number of faculty members shall
be sufficient to prepare the students for licensure, to achieve the objectives
as stated in the school's application, and reasonably proportionate to:
2.4.1.5.3.1 Number of students
enrolled
2.4.1.5.3.2 Frequency of
admissions
2.4.1.5.3.3 Education
and experience of faculty members (current experience in all specialties must
be represented among the faculty and must correspond with the primary teaching
responsibilities assigned)
2.4.1.5.3.4 Number and location of clinical
facilities
2.4.1.5.3.5 Total
responsibilities of the faculty members
2.4.1.5.3.6 The faculty-to-student ratio
shall not exceed 1:8 for inpatient settings where faculty directly supervise
students during the delivery of patient care.
2.4.1.5.4 Qualifications and responsibilities
for faculty member positions shall be defined in writing.
2.4.1.5.5 Written personnel policies shall be
consistent with the policies of the sponsoring institution.
2.4.1.5.6 Faculty assignments shall allow
time for class and laboratory preparation, teaching, program evaluation,
improvement of teaching methods, guidance of the students, participation in
faculty organizations and committees, attendance at professional meetings, and
participation in continuing education activities.
2.4.1.5.7 Principal functions of the faculty
shall be to:
2.4.1.5.7.1 Develop the
philosophy and objectives of the nursing program
2.4.1.5.7.2 Develop, implement, evaluate and
revise the curriculum
2.4.1.5.7.3
Participate in the recruitment, admission and retention of students in the
nursing program
2.4.1.5.7.4
Establish criteria for promotion and completion of the program in
nursing
2.4.1.5.7.5 Evaluate
student achievement on the basis of established criteria
2.4.1.5.7.6 Recommend successful candidates
for degree, diploma and other forms of recognition
2.4.1.5.7.7 Participate in appropriate
activities of the controlling institution
2.4.1.5.8 The nursing faculty shall hold a
current, active, unencumbered Delaware RN license or compact (multi-state)
license and meet requirements in the state where the program is approved and/or
accredited.
2.4.1.5.9 Clinical
faculty shall hold a license or privilege to practice and meet requirements in
the state or jurisdiction of the students' clinical site.
2.4.1.5.10 Qualifications for nursing faculty
who teach in a program leading to licensure as an LPN:
2.4.1.5.10.1 Have a minimum of a
baccalaureate degree in nursing
2.4.1.5.10.2 Have current clinical
experience
2.4.1.5.10.3 Have
preparation in teaching and learning principles for adult education, including
curriculum development and implementation
2.4.1.5.10.4 Have current knowledge of
licensed practical nursing practice
2.4.1.5.11 Qualifications for nursing faculty
who teach in a program leading to licensure as a registered nurse:
2.4.1.5.11.1 Have a minimum of a master's
degree in nursing
2.4.1.5.11.2 Have
current clinical experience
2.4.1.5.11.3 Have preparation in teaching and
learning principles for adult education, including curriculum development and
implementation
2.4.1.5.12
Adjunct clinical faculty employed solely to supervise clinical nursing
experiences of students shall have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in
nursing with the majority holding a master's degree in nursing or actively
enrolled in a master's degree in nursing program.
2.4.1.5.13 Interdisciplinary faculty who
teach non-clinical nursing courses shall have advanced preparation appropriate
to those areas of content.
2.4.1.5.14 Clinical preceptors shall have
demonstrated competencies related to the area of assigned clinical teaching
responsibilities and will serve as a role model and educator for the student.
Clinical preceptors may be used to enhance faculty-directed clinical learning
experiences. Clinical preceptors must be licensed or privileged to practice as
a nurse at or above the level for which the student is preparing in the state
or jurisdiction where they are precepting students.
2.4.1.5.15 Organization
2.4.1.5.15.1 The nursing faculty shall attend
regular meetings of the faculty for the purpose of developing, implementing and
evaluating the nursing curriculum.
2.4.1.5.15.2 Committees shall be established
as needed to meet the responsibilities and accountabilities of the
department.
2.4.1.5.15.3 Written
rules or bylaws shall govern the conduct of nursing faculty meetings and
committees.
2.4.1.5.15.4 Minutes,
guided by an agenda, of faculty and committee meetings and will include:
conclusions made following discussions, recommendations and actions as well as
timeline for evaluation and follow-up.
2.4.1.5.15.5 Provisions shall be made for
nursing student membership and participation on faculty committees and in
committee meetings as appropriate.
2.4.1.5.15.6 Where nursing practice/education
(advisory) committees are established, their functions and relationship to the
board of control and to the program shall be clearly defined
2.4.1.5.15.7 Written rules shall govern the
activities of the nursing practice/education (advisory) committee and minutes
of the meetings shall be on file in the administrative office of the
program.
2.4.1.5.16
Online education program faculty teaching didactic content for a program with a
physical presence in Delaware should be licensed or privileged to practice as a
nurse at or above the level for which the student is preparing.
2.4.1.5.17 Online education program faculty
teaching in a DE clinical facility as a clinical instructor or preceptor must
be licensed or privileged to practice as a nurse at or above the level for
which the student is preparing.
2.4.1.6 Students
2.4.1.6.1 Students shall be provided the
opportunity to acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities for
safe and effective nursing practice, in theory and clinical experience with
faculty oversight.
2.4.1.6.2 All
policies relevant to applicants and students shall be available in
writing.
2.4.1.6.3 Students shall
be required to meet the health standards and criminal background checks as
required.
2.4.1.6.4 Students shall
receive faculty instruction, advisement and oversight.
2.4.1.6.5 Students shall be held accountable
for the integrity of their work.
2.4.1.6.6 Admission, Promotion and Graduation
2.4.1.6.6.1 Policies and procedures related
to the selection and admission of students are the responsibility of the
individual school.
2.4.1.6.6.2
Students shall be admitted on the basis of established criteria and without
discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, national
origin, or disability.
2.4.1.6.6.3
There shall be written policies for the admission and re-admission of
students.
2.4.1.6.6.4 Schools
granting advanced standing after admission via challenge examinations, College
Level Examination Program, teacher made tests or any other method shall have
written criteria for granting course credit. Course credits attained through
one of these mechanisms or transferred in from another institution shall not
represent more than fifty (50) percent of the credits required for
graduation.
2.4.1.6.6.5 The
policies for promotion, retention and graduation shall be published in the
school catalogue or in other appropriate documents that are available to
students.
2.4.1.6.6.6 All
candidates in a program that requires applicants to be registered nurses must
be licensed in Delaware or hold a current, valid compact (multi-state) license
if any clinical experiences occur in the State.
2.4.1.7 Curriculum
2.4.1.7.1 The curriculum of the nursing
education program shall enable the student to develop the nursing knowledge,
skills and abilities necessary for the level, scope and standards of competent
nursing practice expected at the level of licensure. The curriculum will be
revised as necessary to maintain a program that reflects advances in health
care and its delivery.
2.4.1.7.2
LPN and RN programs shall provide for concurrent or correlated theory and
clinical practice in the physical or mental health care of individuals of all
ages the nursing care of mothers and newborns, children, adults, the aged,
individuals with mental health problems, and individuals in diverse settings,
not necessarily in separate courses.
2.4.1.7.3 Clinical experiences shall include
preventive aspects of illness, nursing care of persons with acute and chronic
illnesses, and rehabilitative care. Opportunities shall be provided for the
student to participate in patient teaching in a variety of settings with
individuals, families, and groups.
2.4.1.7.4 A minimum of 200 hours of clinical
experience is required for LPN students and a minimum of 400 hours of clinical
experience is required for RN students. LPN clinical does not equate to RN
clinical and may not be substituted or included for RN clinical in an
educational program nor as RN clinical practice to meet the practice hour
requirement for relicensure. Simulation - high fidelity or standardized patient
- clinical scenarios may be substituted for traditional clinical experiences
but must not exceed 50% of the program's clinical hours per course.
2.4.1.7.4.1 The program shall have an
organizing framework that provides adequate fiscal, human, and material
resources to support the simulation activities.
2.4.1.7.4.2 Simulation activities shall be
managed by an individual who is academically and experientially qualified. The
individual shall demonstrate continued expertise and competence in the use of
simulation while managing the program.
2.4.1.7.4.3 There shall be a budget that will
sustain the simulation activities and training of the faculty.
2.4.1.7.4.4 The program shall have
appropriate facilities for conducting simulation. This shall include
educational and technological resources and equipment to meet the intended
objectives of the simulation.
2.4.1.7.4.5 Both didactic and clinical
faculty involved in simulations shall have training in the use of simulation,
and shall engage in on-going professional development in the use of
simulation.
2.4.1.7.4.6 The program
shall demonstrate that the simulation activities are linked to programmatic
outcomes.
2.4.1.7.4.7 The program
shall have written policies and procedures on short-term and long-term plans
for integrating simulation into the curriculum; method of debriefing each
simulated activity; and a plan for orienting faculty to simulation.
2.4.1.7.4.8 The program shall develop
criteria to evaluate the simulation activities. Students shall evaluate the
simulation experience on an ongoing basis.
2.4.1.7.4.9 The program shall include
information about its use of simulation in its annual report to the Board of
Nursing.
2.4.1.7.5 The
curriculum, as defined by nursing education, professional and practice
standards, shall include:
2.4.1.7.5.1
Experiences that promote the development and subsequent demonstration of
evidence-based clinical judgment, skill in clinical management, and the
professional commitment to collaborate in continuously improving the quality
and safety of the healthcare system for patients.
2.4.1.7.5.2 Evidence-based learning
experiences and methods of instruction, including distance education methods,
consistent with the written curriculum plan.
2.4.1.7.5.3 Coursework including, but not
limited to:
2.4.1.7.5.3.1 Content in the
biological, physical, social and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation
for safe and effective nursing practice;
2.4.1.7.5.3.2 Content regarding professional
responsibilities, legal and ethical issues, history and trends in nursing and
health care; and
2.4.1.7.5.3.3
Didactic content and supervised clinical experience in the prevention of
illness and the promotion, restoration and maintenance of health in patients
across the lifespan and from diverse cultural, ethnic, social and economic
backgrounds. Patient experiences will occur in a variety of clinical settings
and will include:
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.1 Integrating
patient safety principles throughout the didactic and clinical
coursework.
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.2
Implementing evidence-based practice to integrate best research with clinical
expertise and patient values for optimal care, including skills to identify and
apply best practices to nursing care.
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.3 Providing patient-centered,
culturally competent care that recognizes that the patient or designee is the
source of control and full partner in providing coordinated care by:
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.3.1 Respecting patient
differences, values, preferences and expressed needs.
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.3.2 Involving
patients/designees in decision-making and care management.
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.3.3 Coordinating and managing
patient care across settings.
2.4.1.7.5.3.3.3.4 Explaining appropriate and
accessible interventions to patients and populations that may positively affect
their ability to achieve healthy
lifestyles.
2.4.1.7.5.4 Collaborating with
interprofessional teams to foster open communication, mutual respect, and
shared decision-making in order to achieve quality patient care.
2.4.1.7.5.5 Participating in quality
improvement processes to monitor patient care outcomes, identify possibility of
hazards and errors, and collaborate in the development and testing of changes
that improve the quality and safety of health care systems.
2.4.1.7.5.6 Using information technology to
communicate, mitigate error and support decision making.
2.4.1.7.6 Faculty supervised clinical
practice shall include development of skills in direct patient care; making
clinical judgments; care and management of both individuals and groups of
patients across the lifespan; and delegation to and supervision of, as
appropriate to level of education, other health care providers.
2.4.1.7.6.1 Clinical experiences shall be
supervised by qualified faculty.
2.4.1.7.6.2 All student clinical experiences,
including those with preceptors, shall be directed by nursing
faculty.
2.4.1.7.6.3 Measurement of
students' competencies shall focus on the students' demonstration of care
management and decision making skills when providing patient care in a variety
of clinical situations and care settings.
2.4.1.7.7 Delivery of instruction by distance
education methods must be consistent with the program curriculum plan and
enable students to meet the goals, competencies and outcomes of the educational
program and standards of the BON.
2.4.1.8 Evaluation
2.4.1.8.1 Evaluation as a basis for
curriculum revision and change in practices is a continuous process and an
inherent responsibility of the faculty. The degree to which the faculty
accomplishes its objectives shall be determined through evaluation of
curriculum content, teaching methodologies, clinical and other learning
experiences, student progress, success of graduates on the licensing
examination, promotion, retention and degree of nursing competence of the
graduate.
2.4.1.9
Education Facilities
2.4.1.9.1 Classrooms,
laboratories, and conference rooms shall be adequate in number, size and type
for the number of students and educational purposes for which the rooms are
used.
2.4.1.9.2 Offices
2.4.1.9.2.1 Offices shall be available and
adequate in size, number and type to provide faculty with opportunities for
uninterrupted work and privacy for conferences with students.
2.4.1.9.2.2 Space for clerical staff,
records, files and other equipment shall be adequate for the needs of the
program.
2.4.1.9.3
Learning Resources
2.4.1.9.3.1 Learning
resources must be recent, pertinent and sufficient to meet the learning needs
of students and faculty.
2.4.1.9.3.1.1
Provisions shall be made for regular additions to and deletions from the
resource collection.
2.4.1.9.3.1.2
Learning facilities and policies shall be conducive to effective
use.
2.4.1.9.4
Clinical Facilities
2.4.1.9.4.1 The clinical
facility to which the student is assigned for clinical practice is considered
an integral part of the nursing program.
2.4.1.9.4.1.1 Clinical facilities shall be
selected by the faculty to provide learning experiences essential to achieve
the stated purposes of the program and the stated objectives for each clinical
course. They may include, but are not limited to:
2.4.1.9.4.1.1.1 Inpatient facilities such as
acute care hospitals, specialized hospitals, long term and extended care
facilities.
2.4.1.9.4.1.1.2
Outpatient facilities such as hospital based clinics, community health centers,
mental health clinics and physician offices.
2.4.1.9.4.1.1.3 Other community based
opportunities such as home health, hospices, health maintenance organizations,
day care centers, schools/school systems, senior centers and correctional
facilities.
2.4.1.9.4.1.2
The following criteria for clinical facility use must be met:
2.4.1.9.4.1.2.1 There shall be an environment
in which effective learning can take place and in which the student is
recognized as a learner.
2.4.1.9.4.1.2.2 There shall be an adequate
number of qualified professional and other nursing personnel not including the
student, to ensure safe care of the patient.
2.4.1.9.4.1.2.3 There shall be a sufficient
number and variety of patients to provide adequate learning
experiences.
2.4.1.9.4.1.3 Hospital facilities shall be
accredited by the Joint Commission or the American Osteopathic Association.
Other facilities such as specialized hospitals, long term and extended care
facilities and community health agencies shall be licensed or accredited by the
appropriate approving authority.
2.4.1.9.4.1.4 Facilities used for clinical
experience shall be approved by the Board prior to the assignment of students.
Approval shall be based on information provided by the school on forms
furnished by the Board. A visit by Board representatives to the clinical site
may be scheduled.
2.4.1.9.4.1.5 Use
of clinical facilities in another state or jurisdiction requires written
notification to that jurisdiction's Board of Nursing. Likewise, out of state
schools requesting use of clinical facilities in Delaware will notify the Board
prior to utilization.
2.4.1.9.4.1.5.1 Out of
state programs must submit, prior to utilization of a Delaware clinical
facility: proof of program approval by a respective State Board of Nursing or
accreditation of the program by a nationally recognized accrediting body;
copies of written agreements with every clinical agency being utilized; program
requirements for clinical faculty or preceptors, if used; name of
faculty/preceptor and sites where assigned; copy of current Delaware or compact
(multi-state) licensure for faculty/preceptor.
2.4.1.9.4.1.6 Written agreements between the
school and agencies involved shall:
2.4.1.9.4.1.6.1 Ensure that the faculty is
ultimately responsible for the students' learning experiences.
2.4.1.9.4.1.6.2 Provide for continuous
planning for students in cooperation with appropriate nursing staff of the
agency.
2.4.1.9.4.1.6.3 Provide
adequate space for the number of students and faculty to conduct educational
conferences.
2.4.1.9.4.1.7 Observational experiences shall
be planned in cooperation with the agency to meet the stated
objectives.
2.4.1.10 Services
2.4.1.10.1 There shall be written policies
for student welfare as related to health, counseling and guidance, financial
aid, and residence life, if offered.
2.4.1.10.2 There shall be well-defined
written policies governing payment and refund of tuition and other
fees.
2.4.2
Purpose of New Nursing Education Program Approval. The State requires that new
nursing education programs be approved in order to: promote the safe practice
of nursing by implementing standards for individuals seeking licensure as
registered nurses and licensed practical nurses; grant legal recognition to
nursing education programs that the board determines have met the standards;
assure graduates that they meet the education and legal requirements for the
level of licensure for which they are preparing and to facilitate their
endorsement to other states and countries; assure continuous evaluation and
improvement of nursing education programs; provide the public and prospective
students with a list of nursing programs that meets the standards established
by the Board.
2.5 Procedure for Establishing (New) Nursing Education Programs
2.5.1 Phase I
Application to the Board
2.5.1.1 An administrative officer of the
institution shall complete the appropriate application form supplied by the
Board and forward both one hardcopy and an electronic file copy in a format
specified by the Board to the Executive Director of the Board prior to planned
enrollment of students.
2.5.1.2 The
proposed program shall provide the following information to the Board at the
time of application:
2.5.1.2.1 Results of a
needs assessment, including identification of potential students and employment
opportunities for program graduates.
2.5.1.2.2 Identification of sufficient
financial and other resources
2.5.1.2.3 Governing institution approval and
support
2.5.1.2.4 Evidence of
community support
2.5.1.2.5 Type of
educational program proposed
2.5.1.2.6 Clinical opportunities and
availability of resources
2.5.1.2.7
Availability of qualified faculty
2.5.1.2.8 A pool of available
students
2.5.1.2.9 A proposed
timeline for initiating and expanding the program
2.5.1.2.10 Evidence that the proposed nursing
program meets state requirements, and regional or national accreditation by an
accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2.5.1.2.11 Evidence the proposed nursing
program is actively seeking accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education
recognized national nursing accrediting agency.
2.5.1.3 The Board shall review the
application and determine whether it is complete and meets the criteria
established in the current application guidelines to move to Phase II. No
applicant program may proceed into Phase II until the Board has determined that
the applicant program has met all the requirements of Phase
I.
2.5.2 Phase II
Approval for Admission of Students
2.5.2.1 The institution shall notify the
Board of the appointment of a qualified nurse as director of the program at
least five (5) months in advance of the anticipated enrollment of students in
nursing courses.
2.5.2.2 The
program director shall be responsible for planning the program and providing:
2.5.2.2.1 Overview of total curriculum:
2.5.2.2.1.1 Content
2.5.2.2.1.2 Schedule (course
sequence)
2.5.2.2.1.3 Course
descriptions
2.5.2.2.1.4 Contracts
for clinical sites
2.5.2.2.1.5
Program evaluation plan
2.5.2.2.1.6
Board of Nursing consultation
2.5.2.2.1.7 Course syllabi for first year
with identified timeline for submission of syllabi for next
years
2.5.2.2.2 Student
policies for admission, progression, retention and
graduation
2.5.2.3 The
institution shall appoint other qualified nurse faculty members in advance of
enrollment of students in nurse courses to participate in determining the
theoretical framework and in developing the curriculum plan and course
content.
2.5.2.4 The program shall
be developed according to criteria in accordance with subsection 2.4 of this
regulation. An applicant program must demonstrate compliance with subsection
2.4 before it may proceed into Phase III.
2.5.2.5 The Board shall review information
from the Phase I and Phase II application forms and materials and conduct a
site visit. At least one of the visitors shall be the nurse educator member of
the Board.
2.5.2.5.1 Alternatively, the
institution desiring to establish a nursing education program may elect to have
a site visit made by Board members and a nursing education consultant, the
latter with special expertise in the same type of nursing education as the
proposed program. The consultant shall be from a list of qualified persons
approved by the Board. Costs associated with the visit of the consultant shall
be borne by the nursing education program requesting the
same.
2.5.2.6 The purpose
of the site visit is to validate the information recorded on the
application.
2.5.2.7 The site visit
team shall make a written report to the Board.
2.5.2.8 The Board shall review the
application and supporting information at the regularly scheduled meeting and
determine if the program is prepared to admit students. If it is so determined,
initial approval will be granted.
2.5.2.9 The Board shall notify the
institution in writing when it has been determined that all requirements of
Phase I and Phase II have been met.
2.5.2.10 When the Board determines that an
applicant program has met the requirements of Phase I and Phase II, the board
shall grant the program initial approval and the applicant program may begin to
admit students.
2.5.2.11 The Board
shall deny initial approval if it determines that a proposed nursing education
program is unable to meet the standards for nursing
education.
2.5.3 Phase
III
Full Approval
2.5.3.1 Following initial approval, the
director of the program shall submit a copy of a progress report to the Board
at least every six months (December and June). This shall be a general report
of progress to date to include the number of students enrolled, attrition rate,
faculty credentials, curriculum design, and use of clinical facilities and
shall address status and progress on any deficiencies noted as a result of any
site visits or documentation previously submitted to the Board resulting in any
requirements placed on the program by the Board. After the admission of
students, these reports shall continue to be submitted at six month intervals
until discontinued by the Board.
2.5.3.2 Following the graduation of the first
class
2.5.3.2.1 The nurse faculty shall
prepare and submit a copy of the program's evaluation plan and data to the
Board for review.
2.5.3.2.2 The
Board will complete a program site visit concurrent with graduation of the
first class or their eligibility for NCLEX and prepare a site visit report that
verifies the degree to which the program is in compliance with the Board of
Education standards found in subsection 2.4 of this regulation.
2.5.3.2.3 The Board will review the
information and consider full approval of the program if it finds significant
compliance with subsection 2.4 and a satisfactory site visit
report.
2.5.3.3 The
Board's decision regarding approval status shall be sent in writing to the
appropriate administrative officers and to the director of the nursing
education program. New programs will have two years from the first graduating
class to obtain national accreditation.
2.5.4 Denial or Withdrawal of Initial
Approval
2.5.4.1 Conditions that may result
in denial of initial approval.
2.5.4.1.1
Failure to meet nursing education standards.
2.5.4.1.2 Failure to meet the requirements of
Phase I or Phase II within one year of the initial application
date.
2.5.4.2 Conditions
that may result in withdrawal of initial approval.
2.5.4.2.1 Initial or subsequent graduating
class within the first three (3) years of operation with a NCLEX pass rate of
less than 60%.
2.5.4.2.2 Conclusion
of three (3) consecutive years of operation with only initial approval and a
NCLEX pass rate of less than 80% for each year.
2.5.4.2.3 Failure to remain in compliance
with the Section
2.0 of this regulation as evidenced by
continued communications from the Board to the Program Director.
2.5.4.2.4 Failure to graduate the initial
class of students within the stated timeframe of the curriculum.
2.5.4.2.5 Removal of approval from the body
granting the authority to confer a degree, diploma or certificate of
completion.
2.5.4.2.6 Failure to
correct identified deficiencies within the time specified.
2.5.4.2.7 Failure to obtain national program
accreditation.
2.5.4.3
Procedure for denial or withdrawal of initial approval
2.5.4.3.1 If the Board determines that any
approved nursing education program is not maintaining the standards required by
this chapter the Board shall give written notice thereof, specifying the
deficiency and the time within which the same shall be corrected to the
program.
2.5.4.3.2 The Board shall
withdraw such program's approval if it fails to correct the specified
deficiency within the time specified.
2.5.4.3.3 Such nursing education program may
request, upon written application, a hearing on the Board's proposal to
withdraw.
2.5.4.3.4 The Board may
extend the period for correcting specified deficiency upon good cause being
shown.
2.5.5
Procedure for Continuing Full Approval
2.5.5.1 Each nursing education program shall
be accredited by a Board-approved national accrediting agency for nursing
education and must submit a copy of the self-study document and the letter of
notification of accreditation status following the
accreditation/re-accreditation visit. This is contingent on the program
remaining accredited and sharing copies of all correspondence related to
compliance with the national accrediting agency's recommendations. Extraneous
material will be disseminated to Board Members at the discretion of the
Executive Director in consultation with the Board President.
2.5.5.2 Interim (site) visits may be made at
any time either by request or as deemed necessary by the Board, with advance
notice. At least one of the visitors shall be a nurse educator who has
curriculum expertise at the level of the program being reviewed.
2.5.5.3 The Board shall monitor and analyze
various sources of information regarding program performance, including but not
limited to: Periodic site visits and or reports; accreditation visits and
reports; results of ongoing program evaluations; other sources of information
regarding achievement of program outcomes such as student retention and
attrition, faculty turnover, complaints regarding program, and trend data
regarding NCLEX performance.
2.5.5.4 Continuing approval will be granted
upon the Board's verification that the program is in compliance with the
Board's Nursing Education Standards in subsection 2.4.
2.5.6 Procedure for Annual Review of Nursing
Education Programs
2.5.6.1 The Practice and
Education Committee of the Board shall review the annual and self-evaluation
reports of the programs. They will compile a summary with recommendations to
report to the Board of Nursing.
2.5.6.2 Following review of the reports from
the programs, written notification of the action taken at the regularly
scheduled board meeting, including any recommendations, shall be sent to the
appropriate administrative officers of the school. This will include
notification of either continuing full approval or conditional approval
(probation). This could include notification of the Board's intention to
conduct a site visit.
2.5.7 Site Visits
2.5.7.1 For any site visit, the Board
President shall designate the Board members who are to make the site visits and
the chair person of the site visit team. At least one member of each team shall
be a nurse educator who has curriculum expertise at the level of the program
being reviewed.
2.5.7.2 The site
visit may be made by Board members and an optional nursing education
consultant, the latter with special expertise at the same level of nursing
education as the program. The consultant shall be selected from a list of
qualified persons submitted by the nursing program and approved by the Board.
Costs associated with the hiring of the consultant shall be borne by the
program.
2.5.7.3 The Board will
indicate in advance any clinical areas they wish to visit.
2.5.7.4 The school shall schedule separate
interviews for the visitors with:
2.5.7.4.1
The nurse administrator of the program
2.5.7.4.2 The faculty
2.5.7.4.3 Representative students from each
level
2.5.7.4.4 Others as deemed
appropriate by the school or the Board.
2.5.7.4.5 The school shall have records
available for visitor review, including:
2.5.7.4.5.1 Committee minutes
2.5.7.4.5.2 Course Materials
2.5.7.4.5.3 Evaluation data regarding the
entire program
2.5.7.4.5.4 Other
materials as specified by the site visit
team
2.5.8 Conditional Approval/Probation
2.5.8.1 Deficiencies sufficient to warrant a
determination of conditional approval/probation may include one or more of the
following:
2.5.8.1.1 Failure to adhere to the
school's stated philosophy and curriculum objectives.
2.5.8.1.2 Repeated violations of stated
academic and/or admission policies.
2.5.8.1.3 Failure to maintain a faculty and
administration of adequate size and qualifications.
2.5.8.1.4 Use of students for nursing
services or other purposes that is not primarily educational.
2.5.8.1.5 Failure to admit and retain
students and hire and promote faculty and other personnel without
discrimination as to age, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, national
origin, or disability.
2.5.8.1.6
Failure to attain an eighty percent (80%) pass rate on the licensure
examination for first time candidates in any three consecutive academic
years.
2.5.8.2 Any other
deficiencies that, in the opinion of the Board, detrimentally affect the
education process and ability to meet any standard in subsection 2.4 of this
regulation.
2.5.8.3 Upon written
notification of conditional approval/probation, the program director shall
submit an action plan no less than two (2) weeks preceding the Board meeting
designated in the notification.
2.5.8.3.1 The
action plan shall include identification of the:
2.5.8.3.1.1 Deficiency
2.5.8.3.1.2 Proposed corrective
action
2.5.8.3.1.3 Objective
(measurable) measures of success
2.5.8.3.1.4 Projected timeline to remediate
the deficiency
2.5.8.3.2
The action plan will be presented by the school's program director at a
regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. The program director will receive
notification of the date for the presentation in writing.
2.5.8.3.3 The Board may approve the plan as
submitted, recommend revisions, or reject the plan. If revisions are required
or the plan is rejected, the revised or re-written plan shall be submitted
within thirty (30) calendar days of the written notification of the Board's
decision. Additional presentations before the Board may be required.
2.5.8.3.4 Program progress reports during the
term of conditional approval shall be submitted as specified by the Board and
are in addition to any other reporting requirement specified in this
Section.
2.5.8.3.5 Prior to the
expiration of the conditional approval period, the Board may ask the program
director to meet with the Board during a regularly scheduled Board meeting to
review the status of the plan relative to remediation of the
deficiencies.
2.5.8.3.6 A program
becomes eligible to have the conditional approval removed when the Board is
satisfied that the stated deficiencies have been corrected.
2.5.8.3.6.1 If satisfactory remediation has
not occurred in the stated timeline, the Board may move to propose the
withdrawal of the program's approval.
2.5.9 Withdrawal of Approval
2.5.9.1 The Board may withdraw approval if it
determines that a nursing education program fails substantially to meet the
standards for nursing education and fails to correct the identified
deficiencies within the time specified.
2.5.9.1.1 Failure to correct deficiencies
under conditional approval is grounds for withdrawal of approval.
2.5.9.1.2 The Board shall grant a hearing to
such program that make a written application and the Board shall extend the
period for correcting specified deficiency upon good cause being
shown.
2.5.9.2 Any
program that has its approval withdrawn by the Board must comply with the
regulations governing closure of a nursing program.
2.5.10 Closure of a Nursing Program
2.5.10.1 The controlling institution shall:
2.5.10.1.1 Submit written notification to the
Board of its intent to close the nursing program.
2.5.10.1.2 Provide for the completion of the
nursing program for all students currently enrolled.
2.5.10.1.2.1 Provisions shall be made for
maintenance of the standards for nursing education during the transition to
closure.
2.5.10.1.3
Safeguard the quality of the educational program for these remaining
students.
2.5.10.1.4 Provide for
the permanent retention of records of students and graduates.
2.5.10.1.5 Notify the Board in writing as to
the location of records and where requests for records may be sent.
2.5.10.1.6 Develop and submit an acceptable
plan to the Board for students to complete the program.
2.5.10.1.7 Provide written confirmation to
the Board when the plan has been fully implemented and all students have
completed or transferred to another program.
2.5.11 Program Changes for Programs with Full
Approval
2.5.11.1 Program changes requiring
Board of Nursing prior approval:
2.5.11.1.1
Changes in the philosophy or objectives of the program
2.5.11.1.2 Changes in the overall curriculum
plan including conversion to online or simulation clinical learning experiences
2.5.11.1.2.1 Online and distance learning
programs must provide the same types of resources and students must be taught
by qualified faculty, both in didactic and clinical experiences as defined in
this Section.
2.5.11.1.3
Changes in the administrative leadership, including program director, or
sponsorship of the program.
2.5.11.2 Procedure for approval of program
changes:
2.5.11.2.1 Changes will not be made
without review and approval of the Board prior to the changes.
2.5.11.2.2 The program director of the
nursing education program shall submit to the Board a written plan outlining
the changes proposed that includes:
2.5.11.2.2.1 Description of the
change
2.5.11.2.2.2 Rationale for
the change
2.5.11.2.2.3
Relationship of the proposed change to the present program
2.5.11.2.3 A copy of the written plan and
request shall be submitted to the Board at least one (1) month prior to the
Board meeting at which time the request will be reviewed and acted
upon.
2.5.11.2.4 A written decision
of the Board will be sent to the program
director.
2.6 Innovative Approaches in Prelicensure Nursing Education Programs--A nursing education program may apply to implement an innovative approach by complying with the provisions of this section. Nursing education programs approved to implement innovative approaches shall continue to provide quality nursing education that prepares graduates to practice safely, competently, and ethically.
2.6.1 The purposes of innovative approaches
must be to:
2.6.1.1 Foster innovative models
of nursing education to address the changing needs in health care;
and
2.6.1.2 Assure that innovative
approaches are conducted in a manner consistent with the Board's role of
protecting the public.
2.6.2 In order to be eligible, the nursing
education program must hold full Board approval without conditions, have no
substantiated complaints, or rule violations in the past 2 years.
2.6.3 All applications must include a
description of the innovation plan, with rationale. Applications will be
provided to the Practice & Education Committee for review.
2.6.4 Standards for Approval:
2.6.4.1 Eligibility criteria in subsection
2.6.2 are met;
2.4.6.2 The
innovative approach will not compromise the quality of education or safe
practice of students;
2.4.6.3
Resources are sufficient to support the innovative approach; and
2.4.6.4 Timeline provides for a sufficient
period to implement and evaluate the innovative approach.
2.6.5 Review of Application and BON Action
2.6.5.1 If the application meets the
standards, the Board may approve the application; as is or approve it with
modifications as agreed between the Board and the nursing education
program.
2.5.6.2 If the submitted
application does not meet the criteria in subsections 2.6.2 and 2.6.4, the
Board may deny approval or request additional information.
2.6.6 Requesting Continuation of the
Innovative Approach
2.6.6.1 If the innovative
approach has achieved the desired outcomes and the final evaluation has been
submitted, the program may request that the innovative approach be
continued.
2.6.6.2 The BON may
grant the request to continue approval if the innovative approach has achieved
desired outcomes, has not compromised public protection, and is consistent with
core nursing education criteria.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Delaware may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
