The Board may approve any registered nursing or licensed practical nursing education program at an institution in this State. The Board shall: Keep a list of institutions in this State that currently have an approved registered nursing or licensed practical nursing education program; Set standards for approval of education programs for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at institutions in this State; Determine the Maryland passing rate for the national nurse licensure examination each year; Evaluate the need for an education program for registered nurses or licensed practical nurses in the geographic area in which the program is proposed to be located; and Survey approved nursing education programs as it considers necessary.

Before an institution conducts a registered nursing or licensed practical nursing education program in this State, the institution shall obtain approval from: The Board by submitting evidence that it is prepared to: Carry out a program in registered nursing education or licensed practical nursing education; and Meet the standards established by the Board under this title; and The appropriate State education board.

The Board shall have its representatives survey: Each registered nursing and licensed practical nursing program when the program is first established in this State; and From time to time, each existing registered nursing and licensed practical nursing program in this State. The representatives who make the survey shall submit a written report to the Board.

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Board may remove an institution from its list of institutions that offer approved nursing education programs in this State if the institution violates the standards set under this title or by the Board. At least 30 days before the Board may issue a formal notice of violation to an institution, the Board shall notify the chief administrator of the institution and the chief administrator of the nursing education program of the institution that the Board is considering issuing a formal notice of violation. During the 30-day period provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Board shall provide the chief administrator of the institution and the chief administrator of the nursing education program an opportunity to meet with representatives of the Board. Any action taken under this section shall be in accordance with the hearing and administrative and judicial review provisions of §§ 8-316 and 8-317 of this title.