(a) An institution of higher education must submit a Planning Notification to Board Staff in accordance with subchapter C, §2.41 of this chapter (relating to Planning Notification: Notice of Intent to Plan).(b) An institution seeking approval for a new doctoral or professional degree program shall submit the required planning notification at least one year prior to submitting an administratively complete request for a new doctoral or professional degree.(c) An institution seeking approval for a professional degree program meeting one of the following criteria is excepted from the requirement under subsection (b) of this section:(1) The institution previously received Board approval for the same professional degree program;(2) The institution is acquiring the proposed professional degree program from another institution of higher of education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(8), and the program is currently accredited and previously received Board approval; or(3) The institution is acquiring the proposed professional degree program from another private or independent institution of higher of education as defined in Texas Education Code, §61.003(15), and the program is currently fully accredited and in good standing with its institutional accreditor and discipline-specific accreditor, as applicable.