Statement of intent

The legislative assembly enacted legislation to permit the board to periodically review and approve nursing education programs. The purpose of the review is to ensure that graduates of nursing education programs are prepared to provide safe and effective nursing care. The nursing education program standards established by the board serve as a guide for the development of new nursing education programs and the closure of programs. The standards also foster the continued improvement of established nursing education programs to meet the changing needs of society and the development of the profession. The standards provide criteria for the evaluation of new and established nursing education programs. The graduate of a program approved by the board is eligible to apply for admission to the licensure examination for nurses.