Final answer:
The State Board of Nursing accreditation is typically the legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist, ensuring that the program meets the state standards for nursing education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific accreditation that is a legal requirement for a school of nursing to exist can vary by state, but typically, nursing schools must have approval by the State Board of Nursing to operate. The State Board of Nursing ensures that the nursing program meets certain standards and requirements that are necessary for students to become licensed as nurses within that state.
Other accreditations, such as those from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (CCNE), are not legal requirements, but they may be considered essential by prospective students and employers for ensuring the quality and comprehensiveness of the nursing education provided.
Educational institution accreditation is also very important, as it indicates the overall quality and credibility of the institution; however, it is the State Board of Nursing that has the legal authority to approve or deny the existence of nursing programs within its jurisdiction.