SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2694

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Higher Education & Workforce Development, February 23, 2010

Ways & Means, April 11, 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; 3/16/10, 93-0.

Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/19/10, 2/23/10 [DP].

Ways & Means: 3/17/10, 4/11/10 [DPA, w/oRec].

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)

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Fairley, Hobbs, Keiser, Kline, Kohl-Welles, McDermott, Murray, Oemig, Parlette, Regala and Rockefeller.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.

Signed by Senators Pflug and Schoesler.

Staff: Tim Yowell (786-7435)

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 (Recommended Amendments): Subject to specific funding, the University Center at ECC, in partnership with the University of Washington-Bothell, must offer a bachelor of science in nursing program for up to 50 students.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): The striking amendment clarifies that the program is to serve up to 50 full-time students, rather than exactly 50. An emergency clause is added so that the bill is effective July 1, 2010.

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 (Higher Education & Workforce Development): 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 (Higher Education & Workforce Development): PRO: Representative Sells, prime sponsor; Patricia DeGroedt, Providence-Everett; Gretchen Rowe, University Center at ECC; Stu Barger, Sarah Jones, ECC.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Ways & Means): PRO: This would be a very cost-effective way to produce more bachelor-level nurses because it promotes collaborative efforts at existing locations among several different partners. There is a great demand for additional registered nurses in Snohomish County and elsewhere in the state.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Christine Kerlin, University Center of North Puget Sound, Everett Community College; Linda Hull, Providence Health Systems.