R156-31b-602. Requirements for Limited-time Approval of Non-accredited Nursing Education Programs

  (1)(a) Pursuant to Subsection 58-31b-601(2), a nursing education program may, prior to obtaining an accreditation described in Subsection 58-31b-601(1), qualify for a limited time as an approved education program if the program was granted limited-time approval on or before May 15, 2016 and had demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board that the program:

  (i) established a timeline which allows for the initial accreditation visit to occur before the first students graduate;

  (ii) understands the accreditation standards of its selected accrediting body as demonstrated in a written report which includes plans and processes consistent with the accrediting body for:

  (A) curricular organization and delivery method;

  (B) student learning outcomes;

  (C) student support;

  (D) program administration and organization;

  (E) learning environment and facilities;

  (F) clinical learning and placements; and

  (G) faculty and nurse administrator qualifications;

  (iii) clearly informs students and potential students about its accreditation status and the potential implications for future practice; and

  (2) The provider of a program with limited-time approval pursuant to this Subsection (1) and (2) shall, pursuant to this Subsection (3), disclose to each student who enrolls:

  (a) that program accreditation is pending;

  (b) that any education completed prior to the accrediting body's final determination will satisfy, at least in part, state requirements for prelicensing education; and

  (c) that, if the program fails to achieve accreditation on or before December 31, 2020, any student who has not yet graduated will not be made eligible for the NCLEX by the state of Utah.

  (3) The disclosure required by this Subsection (2) shall:

  (a) be signed by each student who enrolls with the provider; and

  (b) at a minimum, state the following: "The nursing program in which you are enrolling has not yet been accredited. The program is being reviewed by the (accrediting body). Any education you complete prior to December 31, 2020 or a final determination by the (accrediting body) will satisfy associated state requirements for licensure. If the (accrediting body) ultimately determines that the program does not qualify for accreditation, you will not be made eligible for the NCLEX by the state of Utah."

  (4) If an accredited program receives notice or determines that its accreditation status is in jeopardy, the institution offering the program shall:

  (a) immediately notify the Board of its accreditation status;

  (b) immediately and verifiably notify all enrolled students in writing of the program's accreditation status, including:

  (i) the estimated date on which the accrediting body will make its final determination as to the program's accreditation; and

  (ii) the potential impact of a program's accreditation status on the graduate's ability to secure licensure and employment or transfer academic credits to another institution in the future; and

  (c) attempt negotiations with other academic institutions to establish a transfer articulation agreement.

  (5) If a program with limited-time approval fails to achieve accreditation by December 31, 2020 or if a program loses its accreditation, the institution offering the program shall:

  (a) submit a written report to the Board within ten days of receiving formal notification from the accrediting body;

  (b) notify all matriculated and pre-enrollment nursing students about the program's accreditation status;

  (c) inform all nursing students who will graduate from a non-accredited program that they will not be eligible for initial licensure through Utah; and

  (d) submit a written plan to close the program and cease operations, if necessary.