Preceptor Responsibilities

The experience that an Administrator-In-Training (AIT) gains during the Board-approved AIT program should immerse the AIT in the practice of nursing home administration and operations on a day-to-day basis. The role as a preceptor is vital to the success of the AIT program and to the training of potential Nursing Home Administrators in Delaware.

Preceptor’s Progress Reports

The Board relies on your detailed Progress Reports—including not only the checklist items but also the written comments from both you and the AIT—to document the trainee’s gradual progression through the training period. The Board uses the progress reports to evaluate the training and ultimately the successful completion of the AIT’s Board-approved outline.

You are required to submit progress reports to the Board office every three months during the AIT training period. A final progress report is due at the conclusion of the AIT program.

Supervised Training Period

You must continue supervised training of the AIT for the entire duration of the AIT program, regardless of whether or not the AIT’s outline has been fulfilled. For example, if the Board approves an AIT applicant for a 9-month AIT program to begin on May 15, 2019, the preceptor’s supervised training of the AIT must continue through February 15, 2020 even if all items on the AIT’s training outline have been satisfied before the 9-month period expires.

Extension Requests

If an unforeseen extenuating circumstance (such as hospitalization or family death) occurs during the AIT program period, the Board may consider a request to extend the training period. However, it is strongly advised that the AIT’s training continue uninterrupted if at all possible. If a substantial loss of time occurs during the AIT program, regardless of the reason, the Board may require that the AIT program be repeated in its entirety.

Law and Regulations Pertaining to Preceptors

For more information on the responsibilities of AIT preceptors, review 24 Del. C. § 5210 (c) in the Board’s License Law and Section 3.0 in the Board’s Rules and Regulations.

AIT Responsibilities

Filing Progress and Final Reports

Beginning with the date the Board approves your preceptor(s) and outline, you and your preceptor are responsible for submitting an Administrator-in-Training Progress Report form every three months until the end of the program. For example, if the Board approves you for a 36-week program on April 15th, you must submit a progress report for the following periods:

1. April 15 – July 14
2. July 15 – October 14
3. October 15 – January 14

Each progress report must include a full three-month period. Do not submit reports before the end of the reporting period, regardless of when the next Board meeting is scheduled. Preceptors must initial and date each item on your progress report as it is completed. The use of arrows or “ditto marks” is not acceptable. Progress reports must be signed and dated by the AIT, preceptors (as applicable) and supervisors (as applicable).

At the conclusion of your approved program period, your preceptor(s) must submit a letter to the Board stating that you have successfully completed your AIT program.

Requests for Extensions and/or Change in Preceptor

It is strongly advised that your training outline continue uninterrupted if at all possible. However, if an unforeseen extenuating circumstance (such as hospitalization or family death) occurs during your AIT program, you may submit a written request to extend your training period and/or change your preceptor. The Board may require you to submit supporting documentation. If there is a substantial loss of time during your training, regardless of the reason, the Board may require you to repeat your AIT program in its entirety. (Note that personal vacations are not extenuating circumstances.)