State Authorization FAQ

Does the Distance Learning Compliance Team approve out-of-state educational activities?
No, the compliance team does not have the authority to approve or disapprove out-of-state educational activities. Each state/territory governs the delivery of postsecondary educational activities within its border. The DL team conducts state-by-state regulatory research to help UK’s academic programs understand authorization restrictions, requirements, or exemptions associated with conducting educational activities outside of Kentucky. 

What happens if an institution fails to comply with State Authorization requirements? 
Failure to comply can result in the loss of federal financial aid eligibility, fines or penalties imposed by state or federal agencies, and potential legal action or lawsuits from students or regulatory bodies. 

My program is only offered in a face-to-face (on-campus) modality. Why is the Distance Learning Compliance team contacting my program?
The DL Compliance team is designated to support all academic programs if they lead to state licensure and/or contain out-of-state educational activities, regardless of program modality.  

What activities are affected by state authorization?  
All programs offering distance education or other out-of-state educational activities (e.g., placements such as practicums, internships, externships, clinicals, student teaching; field trips that involve multi-night residency across state lines; a short course or seminar that takes more than 20 classroom hours in a 6-month period, etc.), are subject to state authorization compliance.  

How can I find out where my program is authorized to conduct out-of-state educational activities?  
Refer to the State Authorization Map to verify if your online program can be offered in other states/territories. Refer to the Out-of-State Field Placement Map (linkblue credential required) to verify if your program can place students in other states/territories for learning placements. If you do not have access to the Out-of-State Field Placement Map, submit the Tableau Access Request Form for assistance.  

What does it mean if my program is not authorized in a state? 
If your program’s state authorization status is categorized as “Not Authorized” in any state/territory on the State Authorization Map, your program cannot enroll any online students residing in that state.  

If your program’s state authorization status is categorized as “Not Authorized” in any state/territory on the Out-of-State Field Placement Map, your program/courses cannot place any students in learning placements in that state. If you do not have access to the Out-of-State Field Placement Map, submit the Tableau Access Request Form for assistance. 

What does it mean for my program if the state authorization status is unknown? 
The program cannot enroll online students or conduct any educational activities in the state or territory before approval or confirmation is successfully obtained from the appropriate agency board. 

Why is the authorization status for Colorado “Limited Authorization”?
The Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act requires that the institution ensures that the student has worker compensation insurance if the student is participating in a field placement in Colorado.

Why is the authorization status for New Hampshire “Limited Authorization”? 
New Hampshire requires that programs such as internships, job shadowing, or mentor programs be approved by the Labor Commissioner when a student is working for practical experience and is not being paid or is being paid at a subminimum rate. Both the program and placement work site must be registered with the NH Department of Labor. https://www.nh.gov/labor/inspection/school-to-work.htm

Please contact the DL Compliance Team for more information about the questions above.