Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Higher Education Committee

SB 5921

Brief Description:  Authorizing doctorate level degrees in physical therapy at Eastern Washington University.

Sponsors:  By Senators Kohl‑Welles, Horn, Sheahan, McAuliffe, West, McCaslin, Carlson, Morton, Jacobsen, B. Sheldon, Shin and Parlette.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Authorizes the Board of Trustees of Eastern Washington University to offer a doctorate level degree in physical therapy subject to review and approval by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Hearing Date:  3/21/01

Staff:  Marsha Reilly (786‑7135).

Background: 

Currently, statute allows the regional universities, including Eastern Washington University, to offer bachelor=s and master=s level degrees.  Washington State University and the University of Washington are authorized to offer bachelor=s, master=s, and doctorate degrees.

The University of Washington offers both master=s and doctorate degrees in physical therapy.  Their doctorate degree is a Ph.D. which is a post-professional degree.  The only other university in Washington that offers a physical therapy program is the University of Puget Sound, and they currently offer a master=s level degree.

The national accrediting association for physical therapy has announced that the profession is moving to a doctorate (DPT) as the entry-level degree.

Regionally, Pacific University, Idaho State University, the University of Montana, the University of Colorado, and Northern Arizona University are planning to convert to a doctorate degree or are already in stages of conversion.

Summary of Bill: 

This bill authorizes the Board of Trustees at Eastern Washington University to offer a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.  They propose to offer the DPT, a professional degree.  The program must meet the program approval requirements of the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

On February 19, 2001, the companion bills B HB 1910 B was heard in this committee.  SB 5921 is exactly the same as HB 1910.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.