Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 410 - RULES OF GEORGIA BOARD OF NURSING
Chapter 410-8 - REGISTERED NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Rule 410-8-.03 - Organization and Administration

(1) The nursing education program must be an integral part of a parent institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(2) The relationship of the nursing unit as a program, department, division, school, or college to the parent institution must be delineated on a current organizational chart in accordance with the structural or functional plan of the parent institution.

(3) The nurse administrator shall assume authority and responsibility for the administration, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing education program. This will include oversight of and budgeting for the program, selection and evaluation of qualified faculty, and evaluation of program outcomes. A percentage of time for, and description of, administrative responsibilities and must be identified. The Board must be notified within 30 days of a change in the nurse administrator.

(4) The minimum length of a nursing education program shall be six (6) academic quarters or four (4) academic semesters, each of which shall include nursing courses with learning activities in classes, simulated settings, and practice settings.

(5) If a nursing education program has an accelerated option for students who have earned a baccalaureate or higher degree in another discipline, or a bridge program for healthcare professionals, the minimum length of study as identified in Rule 410-8-.03(4) may be shortened as approved by the Board. The course of study must be comparable to that required for prelicensure students graduating from the same nursing education program. Healthcare professional means a licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medical corpsman, or respiratory therapist.

(6) Adequate financial resources shall be provided for the effective operation of the nursing education program and the professional development of faculty.

(7) A faculty/student ratio of at least one (1) full-time nursing faculty member for each twenty-five (25) students enrolled in the nursing education program (including audited courses) shall be maintained.

(8) The nursing education program shall have a plan for continuous quality assessment and improvement which includes, but is not limited to: organization and administration; curriculum; faculty; students; performance of students and graduates; and educational facilities and resources.

(9) Implementation of the plan for continuous quality assessment and improvement, findings, and relevant actions and/or decisions shall be documented.

(10) All information, course materials, and documentation pertaining to the nursing education program shall be accurate and current.