Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. All programs not previously approved by
the board are required to be approved by the board under the procedures
prescribed in this section. Feasibility studies, proposals, and initial
approvals shall be considered during a regularly scheduled board meeting.
(1) Programs which were previously approved
and have been closed for more than six months shall follow the requirements for
establishing a new program.
(2)
Programs offering clinical experience or field experiences in the state of more
than one semester shall apply for program approval by the board for clinical
placement. Programs approved by another state board of nursing must meet the
minimum standards set forth in 16.12.3.12 NMAC.
B. Any institution considering the
establishment of a pre-licensure nursing education program shall submit, a
letter of intent, the resume and transcripts of the nursing program
administrator, complete application form and feasibility study, at least 12
months in advance of the proposed opening date. The application, feasibility
study and program proposal shall be prepared by a qualified nurse educator.
(1) The letter of intent shall state the
parent institution's intention of opening a nursing program and verify approval
of the proposed program by the highest governing body of the
institution.
(2) The completed
application shall include attached evidence of national or regional
accreditation of the parent institution.
(3) The feasibility study shall contain the
following:
(a) rationale for the establishment
of the nursing program;
(b)
documentation of the need/demand for a new nursing program;
(c) nursing manpower needs in the state and
region;
(d) impact on other nursing
education programs in the state;
(e) definition of the target region from
which the student population will be drawn;
(f) availability of the proposed number of
faculty and director; and
(g)
proposed clinical facilities detailing accessibility and documenting the plan
for clinical facility use to provide educationally sound experiences. The
effect on other nursing programs utilizing the facility must also be
documented.
(h) any correspondence
with a state board of nursing related to program approval status.
C. The feasibility study
must be approved by the board before the proposal is submitted.
D. The proposal shall be submitted at least
six months prior to the proposed opening date. The board of nursing shall
approve the proposal upon submission of evidence that verifies the following:
(1) compliance with "minimum standards for
nursing programs;"
(2)
documentation of the parent institution to support the program in relation to:
(a) plans for providing adequate support
services including library audio/visual resources; classrooms, laboratory,
offices, secretaries, and counseling; and
(b) evidence of financial resources for
planning, implementing and continuing the program.
(3) tentative timetable for planning and
implementing the entire program;
(4) appointment of a qualified nurse
director, as specified in the "minimum standards for nursing programs," to be
active full-time in the position six months prior to the starting
date;
(5) evidence of a sufficient
number of qualified faculty, as specified in "minimum standards for
nursing programs"; faculty shall be active in their positions no later
than two months before the start of the first class.
E. Requirements for approval:
(1) Following approval of the proposal,
arrangements will be made for the initial approval visit for the purpose of
verifying compliance with the minimum standards for nursing programs. A written
report of the visit will be submitted to the board and to the
institution.
(2) The board shall
advise the institution, in writing, regarding the approval/disapproval of the
feasibility study, proposal, initial approval status, and may include specific
requirements that must be met during the approval period.
(3) The board of nursing may deny approval to
a program that does not meet the "minimum standards for nursing
programs."
