(a) An Administrator-in-Training Program (AIT Program) shall be developed by the NHAP, in consultation with representatives from the long-term care industry and advocacy groups. The AIT Program shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following areas of instruction:

(1) Orientation.

(2) Administration and business office.

(3) State and federal regulations governing long-term care facilities.

(4) Residents’ rights and abuse prevention.

(5) Staffing requirements and workforce retention.

(6) Nursing services.

(7) Resident activities.

(8) Resident care.

(9) Social services.

(10) Dietary management.

(11) Environmental care, including housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance.

(12) Financial management.

(13) General management.

(14) Government regulations.

(15) Legal management.

(16) Personnel management and training.

(17) Consultants and contracts.

(18) Medical records.

(19) Public relations and marketing.

(b) A person who seeks to satisfy requirements for admission to licensure examinations through participation in an AIT Program shall first receive approval to begin the AIT Program. An applicant shall successfully complete the AIT Program in a program-approved facility under the coordination, supervision, and teaching of a preceptor who has obtained certification from the program and continues to meet the qualifications set forth in the rules and regulations of the program.

(c) In order to be eligible for the AIT Program, an applicant shall submit an application package on forms provided by the NHAP, and pay the applicable fees established by this chapter. The applicant shall be at least 18 years of age.

(d) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (c), the applicant shall meet one or a combination of the following requirements to be eligible for the AIT Program:

(1) A doctorate degree in medicine and a current valid license as a physician and surgeon.

(2) A baccalaureate degree.

(3) Ten years of full-time work experience and a current valid license as a registered nurse. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory or director of nursing position.

(4) Ten years of full-time work experience in any department of a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, or an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a position as a department manager.

(5) Ten years of full-time hospital administration experience in an acute care hospital with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory position.

(e) An applicant for the AIT Program may obtain from the department a waiver of the education requirements in subdivision (d) if he or she meets the requirements of Section 1416.23.

(f) The applicant shall submit an official transcript that evidences the completion of required college or university courses, degrees, or both. An applicant who is a member of a recognized church or religious denomination whose teachings historically prohibit the acquisition of the formal education that would otherwise be required to qualify the applicant for the AIT Program may request a written waiver of the education requirements from the department.

(g) An applicant who qualifies for the AIT Program on the basis of work experience shall submit a declaration signed under penalty of perjury verifying his or her work experience. This declaration shall be signed by a licensed nursing home administrator, physician and surgeon, chief of staff, director of nurses, or registered nurse who can attest to the applicant’s work experience.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 397, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2009.)