21 NCAC 36 .0309             PROCESS FOR PROGRAM CLOSURE

(a)  A program is deemed closed when the program has not enrolled students for a period of two consecutive years since the last graduating class or student enrollment has not occurred for a two consecutive year period.

(b)  When the controlling institution makes the decision to close a nursing program, the Administration of the institution shall submit a written plan for the discontinuation of the program to the Board and shall include:

(1)           the reasons for program closure;

(2)           the date of intended closure;

(3)           a plan for students to complete this or another approved program;

(4)           a plan detailing the arrangement for secure storage and access to academic records and transcripts for all students and graduates; and

(5)           the communication methods to all current and former students the intent to close.

(c)  When the controlling institution makes the decision to close a nursing program, the institution may not apply to establish a nursing program until at least 12 calendar months from the date of official notification to the Board in writing that the plan for closure has been fully implemented.

(d)  When the Board closes a nursing program based on noncompliance with the rules and requirements in this Section, the Board shall give written notice of closure by certified mail to the program specifying the areas in which there is evidence of noncompliance and the opportunity for the program to request a hearing contesting the involuntary program closure pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 150B, Article 3A.

(e)  If the program does not contest the involuntary closure by the Board, the program director shall, within 30 days, develop and submit a plan for discontinuation of the program for Board approval consistent with Paragraph (b) of this Rule. The plan shall address transfer of students to approved programs. Involuntary program closure shall occur within six months from the date of notification of closure by the Board.

(f)  When the Board closes a program, the controlling institution may not apply to establish a nursing program until at least 24 calendar months from the date of official notification of program closure by the Board.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-171.38; 90-171.39; 90-171.40;

Eff. June 1, 1992;

Amended Eff. December 1, 2016; December 1, 2005;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2019;

Amended Eff. March 1, 2024.