(a) Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:(1) Quality of the pilot program;(2) Description of the pilot program, including the rationale for the pilot program and the financial support for the program;(3) Methodological design of the pilot program;(4) Pilot program outcomes, including how the success of the program will improve nursing education and enhance nursing practice and how it will be measured;(5) Pilot program innovation;(6) Timeline for pilot program;(7) Controls to maintain quality education and ensure delivery of safe and competent nursing care:(A) Methods shall be incorporated into the pilot program to ensure that students in the pilot program receive an equivalent, quality education as students in standard program(s) (comparative group);(B) Ongoing evaluation shall be implemented to determine the students' progress in the pilot program; and(C) If evidence indicates that students in pilot program are not meeting objectives, a plan for corrective measures to re-mediate must be in place; and(8) Other relevant factors, including financial ability to implement the pilot program; state and regional needs and priorities; applicant's ability to continue the pilot program on a long-term basis; and the past performance of the applicant, if applicable.(b) Pilot programs must have a defined length, not to exceed two years. The length of an approved pilot program may be extended upon applicant request and approval by the Board.