ANCC 2013 Standards
Delaware Nurses Association
Approved Provider Application
2015
The Provider Unit must be administratively and operationally responsible for coordinating all
aspects of the continuing education activities provided by the organization. A Provider Unit is
defined structurally and operationally as the members of an organization who support the
delivery of continuing nursing education (CNE) activities.
Edibility
To be eligible to apply as a Provider Unit, the organization must
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be operational for a minimum of six months
be administratively and operationally responsible for coordinating the entire process of
planning, implementing, and delivering CNE
not be a commercial interest. A commercial interest organization is defined as either
producing, marketing, reselling or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by
or used on patients or an entity that is owned or controlled by an entity that produces,
markets, resells, or distributes healthcare goods or services consumed by or used on
patients. Exceptions are made for nonprofit or government organizations and nonhealthcare related companies.
market the majority (>50%) of their CNE activities to nurses in the local geographic
region. If marketing >50% of their CNE activities to nurses in multiple regions, or in
states other than those within or contiguous to a single region, they may not be an
Approved Provider and must apply to ANCC as an Accredited Provider through the
accreditation process (based on the DHHS regions: http://www.hhs.gov/about/regions)
Applicants must disclose any previous denials, suspensions, and/or revocations received from
other ANCC Accredited Approver Units and/or accrediting/approving organizations.
Initial Applicants
Initial applicants that are applying for approval as a Provider Unit must meet the eligibility
requirements and submit three separate educational activities that have been approved by the
Delaware Nurses Association Continuing Education Committee. The DNA approved programs
must include:
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Direct involvement of a Nurse Planner
Adheres to the DNA/ANCC-COA criteria
Programs that were at least 60 minutes in length
Programs that are not co-provided
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Provider Unit Operations
The Provider Unit may be a single-focused organization devoted to offering CNE or a multifocused organization. A multi-focused organization exists for other purposes in addition to
providing CNE.
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state nurses association
college or university
healthcare facility
health related organization
multidisciplinary educational group
professional nursing education group
The Provider Unit of a multi-focused organization must be a distinct and separately identified
within the larger unit. It is the responsibility of the Primary Nurse Planner and the Nurse
Planners of the Provider Unit to:
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assess learners’ needs and plan, implement, and evaluate CNE activities according to
current ANCC standards;
develop individual education activities and award contact hours to nurses for use in
fulfilling their own goals for professional development, licensure and certification;
ensure that each educational activity is led by a Nurse Planner in collaboration with at
least one other planner;
adhere to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations that affect the
Provider Unit’s ability to meet the ANCC standards.
Further, it is the responsibility of the Provider Unit to ensure that contact hours are not awarded
for CNE that do not have direct involvement of a Nurse Planner or act as an Approver of CNE.
Continuing nursing education may be co-provided.
Provider Units have the obligation to comply with any and all request by the Delaware Nurses
Association to complete quality assurance surveys and all other requests as they relate to the
Provider Unit.
Provider Unit Obligation to Notify
Provider Units must notify the Delaware Nurses Association in writing within 7 days regarding
any changes to the Approved Provider organization, including but not limited to:
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significant changes or events that impair the organization from meeting or continue to
meet DNA/ANCC-COA requirements
change in status that make the Provider Unit ineligible as an Approved Provider
Notification must be received in writing by DNA with 30 days for the following:
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changes that alter the information provided in the application including address or name
change
change in Primary Nurse Planner or suspension, lapse, revocation or termination of the
Primary Nurse Planner’s RN license
change in Nurse Planners or suspension, lapse, revocation or termination of the Primary
Nurse Planner’s RN license
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ANCC 2013 Standards
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change in ownership
Primary Nurse Planner: A currently licensed RN with a baccalaureate degree or higher in
nursing who is designated as the Primary Nurse Planner and serves as the liaison between
Provider Unit and the Delaware Nurses Association Continuing Education Committee. The
Primary Nurse Planner is responsible for adhering to DNA/ANCC-COA criteria in the provision
of continuing nursing education and must have education or experience in the field of education
or adult learning.
The Primary Nurse Planner must demonstrate competency in performing successfully at the
expected level. S/he may work for the Provider Unit as a staff member, consultant or volunteer.
Responsibilities of the Primary Nurse Planner include:
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orientation of all Nurse Planners and key personnel in the organization of the
DNA/ANCC-COA criteria
ensure that all Nurse Planners hold a current RN license with a baccalaureate degree or
higher in nursing
ensure that each CNE activity has a qualified Nurse Planner who is an active participant
in the planning, implementation, and evaluation process
The Primary Nurse Planner demonstrates commitment to ensuring the learning needs of
registered nurses are met by the evaluating Approved Provider Unit goals in response to data
that may include but is not limited to aggregate individual educational activity evaluation results,
stakeholder feedback and learner/customer feedback.
Nurse Planner: A currently licensed RN with a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing who
is actively involved in all aspects of planning, implementation and evaluation of each CNE
activity. The Nurse Planner is responsible for ensuring that appropriate educational design
principles are consistent with current ANCC standards.
Key Personnel: Individuals who contribute to the overall functioning of the Provider Unit in a
substantive, measurable way, without regard to pay or employment status.
General Policies
Application Deadlines
Once eligibility criteria are met, initial application for Provider approval may be submitted at any
time. Allow eight (8) weeks for review.
Renewal application for Provider status must be submitted eight (8) weeks prior to the expiration
of the current approval. If approval expires, the Provider Unit may not award contact hours
through the DNA system.
Application Fee
The initial fee for Provider Approval is $1200. Thereafter for years two and three, the annual fee
is $1000.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Late fee: Fee is doubled for renewal applications received after the eight (8) weeks before
expiration of the current approval. Late applications will only be accepted if two Nurse Peer
Reviewers are available.
Approval Period
The approval period for an Approved Provider is three (3) years.
Interim Approvals
If a Provider applicant would like to continue to offer approved continuing nursing education
while the Provider application is being reviewed, individual continuing nursing education
applications must be submitted to DNA following the outlined criteria and fee schedule for
individual educational activity applications.
Withdrawal of Application
Applicants may withdraw from the approval process at any time. The applicant must notify the
DNA Continuing Education Committee in writing of the decision to withdraw the application. One
complete application and all correspondence will be maintained on file in the DNA office for six
years. If the review process has not begun, the application fee, minus a $25 administrative fee
will be refunded to the applicant. Once the application has started in the review process the
application fee is non-refundable.
Review Process
1. Applications are mailed to two volunteer Nurse Peer Reviewers within one week of receipt.
The Nurse Peer Reviewers critique the application to ensure compliance with ANCC
standards. The primary reviewer will communicate directly with the designated primary
contact for clarification of the application or to request additional information/corrections.
2. Upon final approval, a formal approval letter will be sent electronically to the designated
primary contact. The letter will include the approval expiration date and DNA approval code
number to be included on all marketing materials and certificates.
3. If the application has been denied, the Continuing Education Committee Chair/Co-Chair or
designee will communicate with the designated primary contact. The communication will
state the specific deficiencies.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Review Actions
The DNA Continuing Education Committee may take the following actions upon completion of
its review:
 Approval: Application met the criteria and is granted approval for the specified length of
time
 Deferred: Applicant has missing materials and is granted a specified time to submit
items before determination of a final review action.
 Denial: Applicant did not meet approval criteria
Applicants may not use the DNA approval statement on certificates until approval
has been granted.
Appeals Process
If the applicant is denied approval, the applicant may appeal the decision in writing. The
applicant must submit a written request for appeal to the DNA Continuing Education Committee
within thirty (30) days of receipt of the denial letter.
An Appeals Committee will be appointed by the Chair or Co-Chairs of the Continuing Education
Committee. The Appeals Committee will consist of DNA Nurse Peer Reviewers who have not
reviewed the application. The Appeals Committee will review the application and notify the
applicant of the decision in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal request.
If the applicant is not satisfied with the decision of the Appeals Committee, a written appeal may
be submitted to the DNA Executive Committee (or the designees) within thirty (30) days of its
notification from the CE Appeals Committee. Any member of the Executive Committee who is
also a member of the DNA Continuing Education Committee or who has a conflict of interest will
be replaced by another member of the DNA Board of Directors.
Upon receipt of a request for a second level appeal, the DNA Executive Committee schedules a
meeting within thirty (30) days and notifies the applicant and the Continuing Education
Committee in writing. The CE Committee Chair or Co-Chairs and the applicant may be present
at this appeal meeting. No additional materials may be submitted. A decision is rendered by the
DNA Executive Committee and sent to the Continuing Education Committee and the applicant
in writing, no later than fifteen (15) days following the meeting. This decision is final.
In the event that the applicant chooses to have legal representation at any stage of the appeal,
DNA must be notified of this intent in writing prior to the meeting.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Revocation of Approval
Approval may be revoked as a result of any one of the following:
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Failure to remain in compliance with ANCC and DNA criteria and policies.
Investigation and verification of written complaints or charges by consumers or others.
Refusal to comply with requests for data or an investigation by the Continuing Education
Committee.
 Refusal to comply with quality assurance of continuing nursing education activities.
 Misrepresentation.
Revocation is effective on the date the letter of notification is received by the organization. All
statements regarding approval status must be removed from publications, certificates, and
publicity upon receipt of notification of revocation of status.
Submission for Renewal
Providers must submit new applications that adhere to the current criteria, along with the
appropriate fee.
Use of ANCC Commission on Accreditation Criteria and Evidence
Criteria and required evidence outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC)
Commission on Accreditation and the Delaware Nurses Association must be used by all
Providers of continuing nursing education to achieve approval. To be accepted for review, all
applications must be submitted on the DNA Continuing Education Committee forms and
completed as described in this manual.
Recognition of Accreditation
Approved Providers must identify the source of their approval on all appropriate communication
and marketing materials (for example, brochures, advertising, and certificates).
Approved Providers must use the following statement on all communications, marketing
materials, certificates, and other documents:
(Name of Approved Provider) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by
Delaware Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing
Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
The approval statement must stand alone and without additional wording. In other words, the
statement must start and end on a line separate from other text. Applicants may not use the
DNA approval statement on certificates and marketing materials until approval has been
granted.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Provider Status Application Process
1. Meet the eligibility requirements
2. Review Provider Unit eligibility criteria, rules, and guidelines and determine if organization
can be approved as a provider of continuing nursing education by the Delaware Nurses
Association Continuing Education Committee
3. Complete application form with required evidence
4. Include application fee
First time Provider Unit: Submit a composite list of the educational activities approved by the
DNA within the past 24 months.
Include on the list:
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Title of activity
Date of presentation
Number of contact hours awarded
Assigned DNA code number
Summary of evaluation data
Summary of how evaluation data was used
Renewal of a Provider Unit:
Submit a composite list of the educational activities offered as an approved Provider Unit during
the past three years. Include on the list:
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Title of activity
Date of presentation
Number of contact hours awarded
Submit complete files for 3 programs offered as an approved Provider Unit. These files must
represent each type of continuing nursing education activity provided by the Provider Unit
(provider-paced or learner-paced). These files must include:
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Checklist used by organization to monitor adherence to DNA/ANCC criteria
Copies of materials maintained in files
Summary of evaluation data
Summary of how data was used to make changes
Copy of certificate awarded to participants
Submit three complete typed copies of the Provider Unit application, required evidence, and
application fee. Each copy should have its pages clearly numbered. The entire application
should be bound or held together to facilitate review. Do not use heavy binders.
OR
Submit three CDs in Microsoft Word Format (.doc) or pdf format (Vista format documents and
.docx are not accepted) and the application fee. Each CD must be clearly labeled.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Approved Provider Organizational Overview (OO)
To complete the form, click in the highlighted areas. Only the highlighted areas allow for insertion of
information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
The Organizational Overview (OO) is an essential component of the application process that
provides a context for understanding the approved Provider Unit/organization. As applicant,
your organization must submit the following documents and/or narratives:
Structural Capacity
OO1. Demographics
Submit a description of the features of the approved Provider Unit, including but not limited to
scope of services, size, geographic range, target audience(s), content areas, and the types of
educational activities offered.
Description:
If the approved Provider Unit is part of a multi-focused organization, describe the relationship of
these scope dimensions to the total organization.
Description:
OO2. Lines of Authority and Administrative Support
Submit a list including names and credentials, positions, and titles of the Primary Nurse Planner,
other Nurse Planner(s) (if any), and all key personnel in the approved Provider Unit.
List:
Submit position descriptions of the Primary Nurse Planner, Nurse Planners (if any), and Key
Personnel in the Approved Provider Unit.
Position Descriptions:
Primary Nurse Planner:
Nurse Planner(s):
Other Key Personnel:
Submit a chart depicting the structure of the approved Provider Unit, including the Primary
Nurse Planner, other Nurse Planner(s) (if any), and all Key Personnel (include in appendix).
Chart Attached
If part of a larger organization, submit an organizational chart, flowchart, or similar image that
depicts the organizational structure and the approved Provider Unit’s location within the
organization (include in appendix).
Chart Attached
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Educational Design Process
To complete the form, click in the highlighted areas. Only the highlighted areas allow for insertion of
information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
OO3. Data Collection and Reporting
Approved Provider organizations report data, at a minimum, annually to the Delaware Nurses
Association:
Submit a complete list of all CNE offerings provided in the past 12 months. Include activity
dates; titles; target audience; total number of participants; number of contact hours offered for
each activity; joint provider status; and any sponsorship or commercial support, including
monetary or in-kind amount.
List Attached
New applicants: Submit a list of the CNE offerings provided within the past 24 months. See the
Application Manual for Approval as an Approved Provider, “Operation as a Provider Unit” for additional
requirements.
Quality Outcomes
To complete the form, click in the highlighted areas. Only the highlighted areas allow for insertion of
information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
OO4. Evidence
List Approved Provider Unit’s strategic goals with respect to CNE for the past 12 months.
List:
List the quality outcome measures the Approved Provider collects, monitors, and evaluates
specific to the Approved Provider Unit.
List:
List the quality outcome measures the Approved Provider collects, monitors, and evaluates
specific to Nursing Professional Development. (Refer to Application Manual for Approval as an
Approved Provider, “Goals and Quality Outcomes”.)
List:
Note: New applicants should develop and submit with their self-study a list of strategic goals for the initial
2 years after achieving Approved Provider status and a list of quality outcome measures that will be
collected, monitored, and evaluated.
Approved Provider Criterion 1: Structural Capacity (SC)
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information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
The capacity of an Approved Provider is demonstrated by commitment, identification of and
responsiveness to learner needs, continual engagement in improving outcomes, accountability,
leadership, and resources. Applicants will write narrative statements that address each of the
criteria under Commitment, Accountability, Leadership, and Resources to illustrate how
structural capacity is operationalized.
Each narrative must include a specific example that illustrates how the criterion is
operationalized within the Provider Unit.
Commitment. The Primary Nurse Planner demonstrates commitment to ensuring RNs’ learning
needs are met by evaluating Approved Provider Unit goals in response to data that may include
but is not limited to aggregate individual educational activity evaluation results, stakeholder
feedback (staff, volunteers), and learner/customer feedback.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
SC1. The Primary Nurse Planner’s commitment to learner needs, including how Approved
Provider Unit processes are revised based on data.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Note: Complete SC2 only if the Provider Unit is part of a larger organization.
SC2. How the organization’s leadership is committed to supporting the goals of the
Approved Provider Unit.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Accountability. The Primary Nurse Planner is accountable for ensuring that all Nurse Planners
and key personnel in the Approved Provider Unit adhere to the ANCC accreditation criteria.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
SC3. How the Primary Nurse Planner ensures that all Nurse Planners and key personnel of the
Approved Provider Unit maintain adherence to the ANCC accreditation criteria.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
SC4. How the Primary Nurse Planner is accountable for resolving issues
related to providing CNE.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Leadership. The Primary Nurse Planner demonstrates leadership of the Approved Provider
Unit through direction and guidance given to individuals involved in the process of assessing,
planning, implementing, and evaluating CNE activities in adherence with ANCC accreditation
criteria.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
SC5. How the Primary Nurse Planner ensures that every Nurse Planner maintains accreditation
standards and guides the Planning Committee or team for an
individual educational activity.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
SC6. How the Nurse Peer Review Leader of the Accredited Approver Unit is used as a resource
by the Primary Nurse Planner and/or other Nurse Planner(s) in the Approved Provider Unit.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Resources. The Primary Nurse Planner advocates for and utilizes available human, material,
and financial resources to ensure that the Approved Provider Unit achieves its goal of meeting
identified quality outcome measures.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate:
SC7. How the Primary Nurse Planner advocates for resources to ensure that the Approved
Provider Unit achieves its goals related to quality outcome measures.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Approved Provider Criterion 2: Educational Design Process (EDP)
To complete the form, click in the highlighted areas. Only the highlighted areas allow for insertion of
information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
The Approved Provider Unit has a clearly defined process for assessing needs as the basis for
planning, implementing, and evaluating CNE. CNE activities are designed, planned,
implemented, and evaluated in accordance with adult learning principles, professional education
standards, and ethics.
Each narrative must include a specific example that illustrates how the criterion
is operationalized within the Provider Unit.
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Examples for the narrative component of the provider application (EDP 1-13) may be chosen
from but are not limited to those contained in the three activity files. Evidence must demonstrate
how the Approved Provider Unit complies with each criterion.
Assessment of Learning Needs. CNE activities are developed in response to, and with
consideration for, the unique educational needs of the target audience.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
EDP1. The Nurse Planner’s methods of assessing the current learning needs of
the target audience.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP2. How the Nurse Planner uses data collected to develop an educational activity that
addresses the identified gap in knowledge, skills, and/or practices.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Planning. Planning for each educational activity must include one Nurse Planner and one other
planner. One of the planners must have appropriate subject matter expertise for the educational
activity.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
EDP3. The process used to select a planning team/committee for an educational activity,
including why an individual member was chosen.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP 4. The process used to identify all actual and potential conflicts of interest for all members
of the Planning Committee, presenters, authors, and content reviewers.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP5. The process for resolution of an actual or potential conflict of interest and
the outcome achieved.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
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ANCC 2013 Standards
EDP6. The process utilized during the planning phase of the educational activity to determine
how participants will successfully complete the learning activity.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Design Principles. The educational design process incorporates measurable educational
objectives, best-available evidence, and appropriate teaching methods.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
EDP7. How measurable educational objectives are developed that address the change in
nursing practice or nursing professional development.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP8. How the content of the educational activity is selected based on best-available current
evidence (e.g., clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed journals, experts in the field).
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP9. How content integrity is maintained for CNE activities, including what precautions are
taken to prevent bias and how those precautions are implemented.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Note: If the applicant or approved provider organization never accepts commercial
support/sponsorship, do not provide a narrative for EDP10, and proceed to EDP11.
EDP10. In the presence of commercial support/sponsorship, how additional precautions are
taken to maintain content integrity for CNE activities, including what precautions are taken to
prevent bias and how those precautions are implemented.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP11. How teaching methods were chosen that are appropriate to achieve the purpose and
objectives of the CNE activity.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Achievement of Objectives. A clearly defined method that includes learner input is used to
evaluate the effectiveness of each educational activity. Results from the activity evaluation are
used to guide future activities.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
EDP12. How summative evaluation data for an educational activity were used to
guide future activities.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
EDP13. How evaluation data were collected to measure change in nursing practice
or nursing professional development.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Approved Provider Criterion 3: Quality Outcomes (QO)
To complete the form, click in the highlighted areas. Only the highlighted areas allow for insertion of
information and expand to allocate space for text. If attaching information, write ‘attached’ in the
highlighted area.
The Approved Provider Unit engages in an ongoing evaluation process to analyze its overall
effectiveness in fulfilling its goals and operational requirements to provide quality CNE.
Approved Provider Unit Evaluation Process. The Approved Provider Unit must evaluate the
effectiveness of its overall functioning as an Approved Provider Unit.
Each narrative must include a specific example that illustrates how
the criterion is operationalized within the Provider Unit.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
QO1. The process utilized for evaluating effectiveness of the Approved Provider Unit in
delivering quality CNE.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
QO2. How the evaluation process for the Approved Provider Unit resulted in the development or
improvement of an identified quality outcome measure.
(Refer to identified quality outcomes list in OO4.)
Process Description:
Specific Example:
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ANCC 2013 Standards
Approved Provider Unit Evaluation Participants. The Approved Provider Unit shall include a
variety of stakeholders, comprising those with a vested interest in Approved Provider Unit
outcomes, in the evaluation process.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
QO3. Why the Approved Provider Unit selects specific stakeholders to participate
in the evaluation process.
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Approved Provider Unit Quality Outcome Measures. The Approved Provider Unit must
demonstrate quality improvement efforts including strategies for working on targeted goals,
evaluating progress toward goals, and revising or establishing new goals.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
QO4. How input from stakeholders resulted in development of or an improvement in quality
outcome measures for the Approved Provider Unit.
(Refer to identified quality outcomes list in OO4.)
Process Description:
Specific Example:
Value/Benefit to Nursing Professional Development. The Approved Provider Unit shall
evaluate data to determine how the approved Provider Unit, through the learning activities it has
provided, has influenced the professional development of its nurse learners.
Describe and, using an example, demonstrate the following:
QO5. How, over the past 12 months, the Approved Provider Unit has enhanced nursing
professional development. (Refer to identified quality outcomes list in OO4.)
Process Description:
Specific Example:
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