Connecticut § 20-90a - Pilot program offering licensed practical nursing education and training. Application process. Review and consideration by board.

§ 20-90a. Pilot program offering licensed practical nursing education and training. Application process. Review and consideration by board.

Sec. 20-90a. Pilot program offering licensed practical nursing education and training. Application process. Review and consideration by board. (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, a public or independent institution of higher education that (1) is accredited as a degree-granting institution in good standing by a regional accrediting association recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and maintains such accreditation status; and (2) offers, or is seeking state approval to offer, a nursing program pursuant to section 10a-34, may apply to the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing to establish a pilot program that offers licensed practical nursing education and training on or before January 30, 2024. As used in this subsection, “public institution of higher education” and “independent institution of higher education” have the same meanings as described in section 10a-173.

(b) An institution of higher education that applies to the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing to establish a pilot program pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall provide to said board the following information, in writing, not later than sixty days prior to the date on which it seeks to establish the pilot program:

(1) Identifying information regarding the pilot program, including, but not limited to, the name of the program, address where such program will be administered, responsible party for the program and contact information for the program;

(2) A description of the pilot program, including accreditation status, any clinical partner and anticipated enrollment by academic term;

(3) An identification of resources that support the program;

(4) Graduation rates and National Council Licensure Examination licensure and certification pass rates for the past three years for any existing nursing programs offered by the institution of higher education;

(5) A plan for employing qualified faculty and administrators and clinical experiences; and

(6) Other information as requested by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing.

(c) The Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing shall review and consider an application made by an institution of higher education described in subsection (a) of this section to establish a pilot program pursuant to said subsection if the institution of higher education provides the information required pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. The Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing may hold a public hearing on such application.

(d) The pilot program established pursuant to this section shall comply with the relevant provisions of this chapter and sections 20-90-45 to 20-90-59, inclusive, of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10a-34, if such pilot program complies with such provisions for not less than two years, and provides evidence that the program is meeting its educational outcomes, as defined in section 20-90-47 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, such pilot program shall be deemed fully approved by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing.

(P.A. 23-97, S. 22.)

History: P.A. 23-97 effective June 28, 2023.