SECTION 485:10-5-4.1. Clinical learning experiences

(a)   An adequate amount and variety of clinical learning experience to prepare students for practice at the appropriate educational level shall be planned by the faculty to meet program outcomes.

(b)   Clinical facilities utilized shall provide a safe environment for students' learning experiences and shall provide the type of experiences needed to meet the objectives of the rotation.

(c)   Written criteria for the selection of clinical facilities shall be utilized by the faculty, and the faculty shall evaluate the quality of the learning experiences provided by the facility on a regular basis.

(d)   Written agreements with cooperating agencies shall be mutually developed and maintained, annually reviewed, shall specify the respective responsibilities, include provisions for continuing use by currently enrolled students, and include provisions for termination of agreement.

(e)   Clinical facilities shall be acceptable to the Board for students' clinical learning and shall be approved by accreditation, evaluation or licensing bodies as appropriate.

(f)   The maximum ratio of faculty to students in clinical areas involving direct care of patients or clients shall be defensible in light of safety, learning objectives, students' level, patient acuity and program outcomes.

(g)   Clinical preceptors may be used for supervision of students in community health, leadership/management, independent study, elective courses, home health and selected hospitals and long-term care facility experiences consistent with Board policy. Consistent with Board policy, preceptors, when utilized, are academically qualified, oriented, mentored and monitored, and have clearly documented roles and responsibilities.

(h)   Clinical skills laboratory experiences, which may include simulated patient care experiences, shall be developed, implemented, and evaluated by the faculty to facilitate student preparation for clinical learning experiences.

(i)   Nursing education programs on full approval status with 300 total program clinical hours may substitute up to 30% of Simulated Patient Care Experiences (SPCE) for clinical hours for each clinical course. Programs not on full approval status must obtain Board approval to substitute SPCE for clinical course hours.

[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 1461, eff 7-1-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 1439, eff 7-1-07; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1026, eff 8-25-16; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 768, eff 8-25-17]