The Process of Program Approval Steps for Initial

The Process of Program Approval Steps for Initial and Continuing Approval

Required Materials • Guide to Approval • www. naacls. org

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this instructional unit and review of additional resources, the learner will be able to 1. List and briefly describe 4 general steps in the NAACLS approval process 2. List the documents that must be submitted to NAACLS before a program applying for initial approval can receive “Serious Applicant Status” 3. Name the step in the continuing approval process in which a program can submit a response with additional information to support approval 4. Identify the two levels of NAACLS review that occur after the program’s response to the Self-Study Review is submitted

Benefits of Program Approval 1. Publicly identifies programs that meet established standards of educational quality 2. Stimulates program improvement by involving faculty and staff in on-going self-evaluation, research, and planning 3. Promotes a better understanding of the goals of professional education 4. Provides reasonable assurance that program graduates meet minimum career-entry competencies 5. Assists specialized programs in achieving their objectives

Programs Approved by NAACLS • Phlebotomist (PBT) • Clinical Assistant (CA)

Steps in the Approval Process Program Self. Evaluation • Process of self-evaluation and analysis by the program Self-Study (Paper) Review by PARC Review by NAACLS BOD • Peer Review of Self-Study Report for completeness & compliance with Standards • Programs Approval Review Committee analyzes & makes recommendation • NAACLS Board of Directors awards approval

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming an Approved Program 1. The sponsoring institution and affiliates, clinical and/or academic, if any, must be accredited by recognized state, regional and/or national agencies 2. The institution must be legally authorized under applicable state law to provide postsecondary education

Initial Application Process • Letter of intent is sent to NAACLS by the sponsoring institution’s CEO • NAACLS sends application packet – Application for Initial Approval – Fact sheets for the Preliminary Report – Guide to Approval

Initial Application Process • Sponsoring institution submits – Application for Initial Accreditation – Initial Application Fee – Preliminary Report, with required documentation (3 copies)

The Preliminary Report • Completed fact sheets • The required criteria for a sponsoring institution • Current, annually reviewed, and signed affiliation agreements or memoranda of understanding • Clinical experience of at least 100 hours • Competencies that are cross-referenced to program objectives • A qualified program director • Program summary, included time required for completion, courses offered and award granted • Assurance of financial support • Instructional resources • Recruitment of students, processing of application and selection of students

Initial Application Process • NAACLS reviews the Preliminary Report within 1 month of receipt of program information and fees • If approved, the program is notified to begin the Self-Study process • If not approved, the program may submit additional documentation for another review, up to a total of 3 reviews • Program conducts Self-Study and submits 3 copies of the Self-Study Report to NAACLS

Initial Application Process • NAACLS grants “Serious Applicant Status” after the Self-Study Report is submitted • Students are treated as if from an approved program for certification exam eligibility

Initial Approval Process • Self-Study is reviewed by 2 members of PARC (Programs Approval Review Committee) • Program receives a copy of the Self-Study Review and responds within 1 month • Review by PARC full committee • Review by Board of Directors – BOD Quality Assurance Committee review – Final decision on approval by Board

Continuing Approval Application Process • NAACLS notifies the program 18 months before the end of the current approval period • Program submits the Application for Continuing Approval • Program conducts Self-Study and submits 3 copies of the Self-Study Report to NAACLS

Continuing Approval Process • The Self-Study is evaluated by 2 members of PARC • A copy of the Self-Study Review is sent to the program within 1 -4 months • The program submits a response to the Self. Study Review within one month

Continuing Approval Process • Review by PARC • Review by Board of Directors – BOD Quality Assurance Committee review – Final decision on accreditation by Board

Learning Assessment #1 1. The review committee for program approval is a. PARC b. DRC c. RCAP d. Board of Directors

Learning Assessment #2 2. Prior to reviewing the Preliminary Report, NAACLS must receive a. The Application for Initial Approval b. The Self-Study Report c. Three copies of the Preliminary Report d. All of the above e. a and c are true

Learning Assessment #3 3. In the steps to initial approval, a program has official “Serious Applicant Status” with NAACLS after the a. letter of Intent is received b. application fee is paid c. Preliminary Report has been reviewed and accepted d. Self-Study is received

Learning Assessment #4 4. A program may submit additional information and documentation during the approval process following the a. site visit b. receipt of the Self-Study Review report c. PARC review d. Board of Directors review