POLICY AND PRECEDENT #99-02 (as amended 8 November 1999)
MEMORANDUM FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
SUBJECT: Composition and Functions of the Graduate School of Nursing Accreditation Committee
A. PURPOSE: This Instruction sets forth the authority, composition, functions and responsibilities of the Accreditation Committee of the Graduate School of Nursing (GSN).
B. REFERENCES: GSN P&PS 93-03, Importance of Accreditation to the GSN, as amended 16 December 1997 (Superceded)
Accreditation Guidelines of the several agencies/organizations that accredit the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and the GSN.
Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA). The agency that accredits the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), the accrediting body of the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the accrediting body of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
Commission on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), the accrediting body of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). This is a programmatic accreditation of the Nurse Anesthesia program.
C. APPLICABILITY: This Instruction applies to the faculty and staff of the GSN.
D. POLICY:
1. The importance of accreditation to the Graduate School of Nursing (GSN) cannot be overstated. Nothing can be more detrimental to our students than a GSN program or the GSN itself failing to achieve and maintain accreditation. Thus, every decision and every activity must have accreditation as a consideration. This will ensure the best education for all students and the professional growth of all faculty.
2. The GSN will participate with USUHS staff in the accreditation of the University by the MSA by appointing a GSN Point of Contact, normally from the membership of the Accreditation Committee, to work with the USUHS Accreditation Committee and providing such materials and support as requested.
3. The GSN will seek accreditation from agencies approved by the Department of Education and/or recognized by the national nursing community as appropriate accrediting bodies. These currently include:
a. The NLN Accrediting Commission
b. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
c. Commission on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
4. In order to retain these accreditations, as well as to obtain any accreditation deemed appropriate in the future, a standing Accreditation Committee is appointed that will be responsible with the Department Chairs for the management of the accreditation process. The Program Administrative Specialist (Department of Nursing Research) is responsible for the administrative aspects of the accreditation process and will assist the accreditation committee chair.
5. The Dean and the Chair, Department of Nurse Anesthesia, are responsible for the accreditation of the Nurse Anesthesia Program rather than the Accreditation Committee. The Dean will be kept fully informed of the status of preparation for all COA accreditations. The Chair, Department of Nurse Anesthesia may seek assistance and advice from the Accreditation Committee as deemed necessary.
E. RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Dean:
a. The Dean is responsible for development and administration of policy and procedures concerning all accreditations.
b. The Dean will consult with the Accreditation Committee throughout any given accreditation process and act on the recommendations of the Committee. Likewise, with the Chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia on COA accreditation.
2. Accreditation Committee: The Accreditation Committee shall:
a. Work closely with the GSN department chairs/program directors in the accreditation process.
b. Assist any program director who has a "program" accreditation rather than a School accreditation. Currently, the COA accreditation of the Nurse Anesthesia program is the only program accreditation within the GSN.
c. Assess the requirements of each accreditation agency and recommend corrective action, as required, to the Dean.
d. Develop, review, and recommend to the Dean policies and procedures for enhancing the accreditation process.
e. Prepare such materials as necessary for accreditation, e.g. self-studies.
f. Manage the on-site survey visit, with the Committee Chair having primary responsibility.
3. Department Chairs: GSN Department Chairs shall:
a. Be responsible for any "program" accreditation process to include the development of materials and management of the on-site survey visit.
b. Provide faculty and staff support required for the accreditation process over and above those individuals on the Accreditation Committee. c. Keep the Accreditation Committee informed on changes in programs, i.e. major changes in curriculum, number of students, new programs, etc.
4. Faculty: GSN faculty shall:
a. Assist the Accreditation Committee in any way requested.
b. Maintain credentials, continuing education, and all required documentation in an acceptable status.
F. ORGANIZATION:
1. Membership: The committee shall consist of seven (7) GSN faculty members and staff (including a representative from the DoD/VA Distance Learning Program), appointed by the Dean with consideration given to recommendations from the Faculty Council. Ex-Officio members include the Chair of the Department of Nursing Research (Committee Chair), the Associate Dean, the Executive Assistant to the Dean, the GSN Program Administration Specialist, and one student from each program (non-voting). The Dean shall appoint two other faculty members from the GSN departments.
2. Terms of Members:
a. All faculty members appointed by the Dean shall have three year terms beginning on 1 August. The terms will normally be staggered so that there will be a mix of new and continuing members in order to provide continuity to the committee.
b. The student representatives shall have a one year term beginning in August.
c. Appointed members may be reappointed but shall not serve more than two successive terms.
3. Subcommittees:
a. On behalf of the Accreditation Committee, the Chair shall appoint subcommittees on an Ad Hoc basis as needed to accomplish specific requirements deemed necessary by the Accreditation Committee.
b. Subcommittees shall include one or more members of the Accreditation Committee and other members from the faculty, student body, or administration as needed to accomplish the assigned tasks.
G. COMMUNICATION: Minutes of the Accreditation Committee shall be distributed to all members of the Accreditation Committee, the Dean, Department Chairs, and Program Directors.
H. EFFECTIVE DATE: This policy is effective immediately and will be reviewed annually.
Contacts
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814