S.C. Code Regs. § § 91-5

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 91-5 - Procedure for Survey and Initial Approval of Nursing Programs

A. A parent institution seeking to establish a nursing program in South Carolina preparing students for initial licensure shall:

1. Request consultation from the Board regarding the Nursing Education Standards required by state law to establish and maintain a nursing program.

2. Submit to the Board for approval a current feasibility study. This study shall be signed by the responsible administrative officers of the parent institution and submitted to the Board at least eighteen months in advance of the proposed opening date. The feasibility study shall include the following:

(a) Purpose for establishing the program.

(b) Type of educational program to be established.

(c) Relationship to the parent institution, including an organizational chart.

(d) Written evidence of support by the governing body of the parent institution for the program.

(e) Projected number of students for enrollment.

(f) Proposed timeline for program implementation.

(g) Information regarding proposed clinical facilities for student experiences, including letters of support from all major facilities expected to be used for full program implementation.

(h) Availability of the general education component of the curriculum or letter of agreement from another institution.

(i) A plan with a specified time frame for attainment of:

(1) qualified faculty as specified in the regulations;

(2) adequate financial resources;

(3) adequate physical resources to house the program; and

(4) support services available from the institution.

3. If the Board determines that a program is approved for development, the parent institution shall employ a nurse administrator and nurse faculty member(s) who meet the qualifications as established by the Board. The administrator and faculty member(s) will develop and submit a self evaluation report documenting evidence of compliance with the Nursing Education Standards set forth in R.91-11 or R.91-12 as applicable to the Board at least nine months in advance of the proposed opening date, to also include:

(a) mission statement;

(b) a projected five year budget which gives evidence of sufficient financial resources to permit the planning, implementation and continuation of the program, including faculty positions;

(c) curriculum vitae for the nurse administrator and the nurse faculty member(s) and consultants assisting with program development;

(d) evidence of a qualified faculty pool, recruitment plan, projected dates of appointment and a timeline for increases in faculty commensurate with student enrollment;

(e) evidence of availability of academic facilities to meet the purpose of the program as outlined in 91-11 E. or 91-12 E. as applicable:

(f) supplemental information as requested by the Board needed for clarification.

B. A survey team shall be appointed to review the submitted documentation as outlined in A3 above and conduct a site visit of the proposed nursing education program. The survey team shall prepare a written report with recommendations to the Board.

C. Following Board review of the self-evaluation and the recommendations of the site team, the Board may grant initial approval, deny initial approval or defer action for a maximum of six months.

D. When Board action is deferred, the institution will be notified of the reason(s) for deferral. The institution must submit to the Board documented evidence of compliance with the standards cited. If the institution does not comply within six months, the Board shall deny the initial approval.

E. When initial approval is denied, the institution will be notified of the reason(s) for denial. The institution may request a hearing before the Board and the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act shall apply.

F. Following initial approval, biennial reports shall be submitted by the nursing program to the Board.

G. A nursing program must make application for full approval within six months following the taking of the NCLEX by the first graduating class. A survey shall be conducted and a written report prepared for the Board to determine the approval status of the program.

S.C. Code Regs. § 91-5

Added by State Register Volume 31, Issue No. 5, eff May 25, 2007.