Section R4-19-203. Administrator; Qualifications and Duties

A.      The nursing program administrator shall hold a current Ari- zona registered nurse license in good standing or multi-state privilege to practice in Arizona under A.R.S., Title 32, Chapter 15 and:

1.        For registered nursing programs:

a.         A graduate degree with a major in nursing;

b.        A minimum of three years work experience as a reg- istered nurse providing direct patient care; and

c.         If appointed to the position of nursing program administrator on or after the effective date of these rules, have a minimum of one academic year full- time experience teaching in or administering a nurs- ing education program leading to licensure; or

d.        If lacking the requirements of subsection (A)(1)(c), the parent institution may appoint an individual to the position of “Interim Program Administrator” under the following conditions:

i.         The individual is subject to termination based on performance and any factors determined by the institution;

ii.        A direct supervisor evaluates performance peri- odically over the next 12 months to ensure institutional and  program goals  are being addressed; and

iii.      If evaluations are satisfactory, the individual may be appointed to permanent status after 12 months in the interim position.

2.        For practical nursing programs:

a.         If appointed prior to the effective date of these rules, a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing; and

b.        If appointed on or after the effective date of these rules, the requirements of subsection (A)(1).

B.       The administrator shall have comparable status with other pro- gram administrators in the parent institution and shall report directly to an academic officer of the institution.

C.      The administrator shall have the authority to direct the pro- gram in all its phases, including:

1.        Administering the nursing education program;

2.        Directing activities related to academic policies, person- nel policies, curriculum, resources, facilities, services, and program evaluation;

3.        Preparing and administering the budget;

4.        Recommending candidates for faculty appointment, retention, and promotion;

5.        In addition to any other evaluation used by the parent institution, ensuring that nursing program faculty mem- bers are evaluated at a minimum:

a.         Annually in the first year of employment and every three years thereafter;

b.        Upon receipt of information that a faculty member, in conjunction with performance of their duties, may be engaged in intentional, negligent or other behav- ior that either is or might be:

i.         Below the standards of the program or the par- ent institution,

ii.        Inconsistent  with  nursing  professional   stan- dards, or

iii.      Potentially or actually harmful to a patient.

c.         By the nurse administrator or a nurse educator desig- nated by the nurse administrator, and

d.        In the areas of teaching ability and application of nursing knowledge and skills relative to the teaching assignment.

6.        Together with faculty develop, enforce and evaluate equivalent student and faculty policies necessary for safe patient care and to meet clinical agency requirements regarding:

a.         Physical and mental health,

b.        Criminal background checks,

c.         Substance use screens,

d.        Functional abilities, and

e.         Supervision of clinical activities.

7.        Participating in activities that contribute to the gover- nance of the parent institution;

8.        Together with faculty develop, enforce and evaluate both student and faculty policies regarding minimal requisite nursing skills and knowledge necessary to provide safe patient care for the type of unit and patient assignment; and

9.        Enforcing consistent application of all nursing program policies.

D.      The administrator of the nursing program shall not carry a teaching load of more than three clock hours per week if required to teach.

E.       The administrator may have administrative responsibilities other than the nursing program, provided that a nursing pro- gram faculty member is designated to assist with program management and the administrator is able to fulfill the duties of this Article.

Historical Note

Former Section I, Part III; Former Section R4-19-13 repealed, new Section R4-19-13 adopted effective Febru- ary 20, 1980 (Supp. 80-1). Former Section R4-19-13

repealed, new Section R4-19-13 adopted effective July 16, 1984 (Supp. 84-4). Former Section R4-19-13 renum- bered as Section R4-19-203 (Supp. 86-1). Section repealed; new Section adopted effective July 19, 1995 (Supp. 95-3). Amended by final rulemaking at 7 A.A.R.

5349, effective November 8, 2001 (Supp. 01-4).

Amended by final rulemaking at 11 A.A.R. 451, effective March 7, 2005 (05-1). Amended by final rulemaking at

19 A.A.R. 1419, effective July 6, 2013 (Supp. 13-2).