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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
12/12/2024

Part IV. Continued Approval of Nursing Education Programs

18VAC90-27-210. Passage rate on national examination.

A. For the purpose of continued approval by the board, a nursing education program shall maintain a passage rate for first-time test takers on the NCLEX that is not less than 80%, calculated on the cumulative results of the past four quarters of all graduates in each calendar year regardless of where the graduate is seeking licensure.

B. If an approved program falls below 80% for one year, it shall submit a plan of correction to the board. If an approved program falls below 80% for two consecutive years, the board shall place the program on conditional approval with terms and conditions, require the program to submit a plan of correction, and conduct a site visit. Prior to the conduct of such a visit, the program shall submit the fee for a site visit for the NCLEX passage rate as required by 18VAC90-27-20. If a program falls below 80% for three consecutive years, the board may withdraw program approval.

C. For the purpose of program evaluation, the board may provide to the program the NCLEX examination results of its graduates. However, further release of such information by the program shall not be authorized without written authorization from the candidate.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 10, eff. February 24, 2017.

18VAC90-27-220. Maintaining an approved nursing education program.

A. The program director of each nursing education program shall submit an annual report to the board.

B. Prior to February 7, 2021, each registered nursing education program shall be reevaluated as follows:

1. Every registered nursing education program that has not achieved accreditation as defined in 18VAC90-27-10 shall be reevaluated at least every five years by submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report based on Parts II (18VAC90-27-30 et seq.) and III (18VAC90-27-150 et seq.) of this chapter and a survey visit by a representative or representatives of the board on dates mutually acceptable to the institution and the board.

2. A registered nursing education program that has maintained accreditation as defined in 18VAC90-27-10 shall be reevaluated at least every 10 years by submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report as provided by the board. As evidence of compliance with specific requirements of this chapter, the board may accept the most recent study report, site visit report, and final decision letter from the accrediting body. The board may require additional information or a site visit to ensure compliance with requirements of this chapter. If accreditation has been withdrawn or a program has been placed on probation by the accrediting body, the board may require a survey visit. If a program fails to submit the documentation required in this subdivision, the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection shall apply.

After February 7, 2021, each registered nursing education program shall have accreditation or candidacy status and shall be reevaluated at least every 10 years by submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report as provided by the board. As evidence of compliance with specific requirements of this chapter, the board may accept the most recent study report, site visit report, and final decision letter from the accrediting body. The board may require additional information or a site visit to ensure compliance with requirements of this chapter. If a program has been placed on probation by the accrediting body, the board may require a survey visit. If a program fails to submit the documentation required in this subdivision, the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection shall apply.

C. Each practical nursing education program shall be reevaluated as follows:

1. Every practical nursing education program that has not achieved accreditation as defined in 18VAC90-27-10 shall be reevaluated at least every five years by submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report based on Parts II (18VAC90-27-30 et seq.) and III (18VAC90-27-150 et seq.) of this chapter and a survey visit by a representative or representatives of the board on dates mutually acceptable to the institution and the board.

2. A practical nursing education program that has maintained accreditation as defined in 18VAC90-27-10 shall be reevaluated at least every 10 years by submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report as provided by the board. As evidence of compliance with specific requirements of this chapter, the board may accept the most recent study report, site visit report, and final decision letter from the accrediting body. The board may require additional information or a site visit to ensure compliance with requirements of this chapter. If accreditation has been withdrawn or a program has been placed on probation by the accrediting body, the board may require a survey visit. If a program fails to submit the documentation required in this subdivision, the requirements of subdivision 1 of this subsection shall apply.

D. Interim site or survey visits shall be made to the institution by board representatives at any time within the initial approval period or full approval period as deemed necessary by the board. Prior to the conduct of such a visit, the program shall submit the fee for a survey visit as required by 18VAC90-27-20.

E. Failure to submit the required fee for a survey or site visit may subject an education program to board action or withdrawal of board approval.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3005 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 10, eff. February 24, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 10, eff. February 7, 2018.

18VAC90-27-230. Continuing and withdrawal of full approval.

A. The board shall receive and review the self-evaluation and survey reports required in 18VAC90-27-220 B or C or complaints relating to program compliance. Following review, the board may continue the program on full approval so long as it remains in compliance with all requirements in Parts II (18VAC90-27-30 et seq.), III (18VAC90-27-150 et seq.), and IV (18VAC90-27-210 et seq.) of this chapter.

B. If the board determines that a program is not maintaining the requirements of Parts II, III, and IV of this chapter or for causes enumerated in 18VAC90-27-140, the board may:

1. Place the program on conditional approval with terms and conditions to be met within the timeframe specified by the board; or

2. Withdraw program approval.

C. If the board either places a program on conditional approval with terms and conditions to be met within a timeframe specified by the board or withdraws approval, the following shall apply:

1. No further action will be required of the board unless the program requests an informal conference pursuant to §§ 2.2-4019 and 54.1-109 of the Code of Virginia.

2. If withdrawal or continued program approval with terms and conditions is recommended following the informal conference, the recommendation shall be presented to the board or a panel thereof for review and action.

3. If the recommendation of the informal conference committee is accepted by the board or a panel thereof, the decision shall be reflected in a board order and no further action by the board is required unless the program requests a formal hearing within 30 days from entry of the order in accordance with § 2.2-4020 of the Code of Virginia.

4. If the decision of the board or a panel thereof following a formal hearing is to withdraw approval or continue on conditional approval with terms or conditions, the program shall be advised of the right to appeal the decision to the appropriate circuit court in accordance with § 2.2-4026 of the Code of Virginia and Part 2A of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

D. If a program approval is withdrawn, no additional students may be admitted into the program effective upon the date of entry of the board's final order to withdraw approval. Further, the program shall submit quarterly reports until the program is closed, and the program must comply with board requirements regarding closure of a program as stated in 18VAC90-27-240.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3005 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 10, eff. February 24, 2017; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 10, eff. February 7, 2018.

18VAC90-27-240. Closing of an approved nursing education program; custody of records.

A. When the governing institution anticipates the closing of a nursing education program, the governing institution shall notify the board in writing, stating the reason, plan, and date of intended closing.

The governing institution shall assist in the transfer of students to other approved programs with the following conditions:

1. The program shall continue to meet the standards required for approval until all students are transferred and shall submit a quarterly report to the board regarding progress toward closure.

2. The program shall provide to the board a list of the names of students who have been transferred to approved programs, and the date on which the last student was transferred.

3. The date on which the last student was transferred shall be the closing date of the program.

B. When the board denies or withdraws approval of a program, the governing institution shall comply with the following procedures:

1. The program shall be closed according to a timeframe established by the board.

2. The program shall provide to the board a list of the names of students who have transferred to approved programs and the date on which the last student was transferred shall be submitted to the board by the governing institution.

3. The program shall provide quarterly reports to the board regarding progress toward closure.

C. Provision shall be made for custody of records as follows:

1. If the governing institution continues to function, it shall assume responsibility for the records of the students and the graduates. The governing institution shall inform the board of the arrangements made to safeguard the records.

2. If the governing institution ceases to exist, the academic transcript of each student and graduate shall be transferred by the institution to the board for safekeeping.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 10, eff. February 24, 2017.

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