SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2694
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Higher Education & Workforce Development, February 23, 2010
Title: An act relating to a bachelor of science in nursing program at the University Center.
Brief Description: Regarding a bachelor of science in nursing program at the University Center.
Sponsors: Representatives Sells, White, McCoy, Kenney, Ericks, O'Brien, Roberts and Chase.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/10, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/19/10, 2/23/10 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kilmer, Chair; Kastama, Vice Chair; Becker, Ranking Minority Member; Hewitt, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Pflug, Shin, Stevens and Tom.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: Management and leadership responsibility for the north Snohomish, Island, and Skagit counties' higher education consortium is assigned, in statute, to Everett Community College (ECC). The ECC is charged with collaborating with community and business leaders, other local community colleges, the public four-year institutions, and the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) to develop an educational plan for the region based on the university center model. In April of 2009, Gray Wolf Hall opened as the new home of the University Center of North Puget Sound. The University Center at ECC currently offers over 20 bachelor's and master's degrees from six partner universities.
The ECC offers an associate degree nursing program that graduates approximately 70 to 90 students per year. The University Center at ECC does not offer a bachelor of science in nursing. There is a bachelor of science in nursing program offered by the University of Washington-Bothell at its Bothell campus, and at Skagit Community College. The HECB's Employer Demand Joint Report 2009 Update of A Skilled and Educated Workforce showed an annual supply of 2,912 registered nurses, with 3,019 additional registered nurses needed to meet the average annual demand for 2004-2014.
Summary of Bill: Subject to specific funding for 50 students, the University Center at ECC, in partnership with the University of Washington-Bothell, must offer a bachelor of science in nursing program for 50 students.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2010.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Washington Training and Education Coordinating Board has identified a serious shortfall in nursing programs and graduates in Washington. The average age of current nurses is 48, so we must address the education of future nurses now. We need baccalaureate prepared nurses who are willing to pursue advanced degrees and become leaders and teachers in the field. This effort just expands on current relationships with colleges and health care providers in the area.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sells, prime sponsor; Patricia DeGroedt, Providence-Everett; Gretchen Rowe, University Center at ECC; Stu Barger, Sarah Jones, ECC.