NLNAC Endorses the Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

May 12, 2003

As you may know, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) recently asked both nursing accrediting agencies to adopt The Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs, prepared by the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education (The Criteria). In February, the NLNAC Commissioners voted to affirm endorsement of The Criteria.

This letter is to inform you that your advanced practice nursing options can and will continue to be accredited by NLNAC. If your Master's degree program is accredited by NLNAC all advanced practice options, whether nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, are included in the accreditation.

If you offer a nurse practitioner option accredited by NLNAC, please be aware that:

NLNAC will continue to accredit your Master's degree program including any advanced practice options, whether nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

If your program is accredited by NLNAC your nurse practitioner options will continue to be recognized as accredited or approved.

If your Master's degree program follows The Criteria for your nurse practitioner option, you address The Criteria in your self study document, and program evaluators also review evidence of compliance with The Criteria as part of the site visit. We continue to include an advanced practice nurse as part of the evaluation team for your Master's program if it includes preparation for advanced practice.

NLNAC recently met with representatives from NONPF to discuss how the NLNAC accreditation process already addresses quality in nurse practitioner options, and how we can move forward to assure that all nurse practitioner students continue to be prepared not only for certification, but also to provide patient care of the highest quality.

We will continue to work with you, your faculty, and representatives from NONPF and other advanced practice nursing organizations so that together we can prepare your students for their role as advanced practice nurses.

http://www.nlnac.org/About%20NLNAC/NONPF.htm