HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 5472
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 House Committee On:
Higher Education
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Title: An act relating to applied doctorate level degrees in audiology at Western Washington University.
Brief Description: Authorizing applied doctorate level degrees in audiology at Western Washington University.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Ranker, Kohl-Welles and Becker; by request of Western Washington University.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 3/12/13, 3/14/13 [DPA];
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: 3/20/13, 3/27/13 [DPA(HE)].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Seaquist, Chair; Pollet, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Fagan, Hansen, Hargrove, Johnson, Magendanz, Pedersen, Reykdal, Riccelli, Sawyer, Scott, Sells, Smith, Tarleton, Walsh and Wylie.
Staff: Madeleine Thompson (786-7304).
Background:
As directed in state statute, one of the primary purposes of regional universities is to offer undergraduate and graduate education programs through the master's degree. Eastern Washington University is the only regional university with authorization to offer graduate level degrees beyond the master's level. Legislation enacted in 2011 permitted Eastern Washington University (EWU) to offer applied doctorate-level, not research, degrees in the following areas:
physical therapy; and
educational specialists for individuals who already have a master's degree with a teaching or educational focus.
According to the American Academy of Audiology, the doctorate-level program, the AuD program, became the entry-level degree for the clinical practice of audiology in 2007 and the deadline for transitioning to such programs occurred in 2012.
The Occupational Outlook report of the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a job growth rate for audiologists between 2010 and 2020 of 37 percent, and this is higher than the average projected job growth rate of 14 percent. It is estimated that there will be a need for about 4,800 additional audiologists across the nation over the 10-year period.
Washington has one doctoral-level audiology program offered by the University of Washington.
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Summary of Amended Bill:
The Board of Trustees of Western Washington University is authorized to offer applied, but not research, doctorate-level degrees in audiology. This authorization is subject to review.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The language that requires that the offering of the new degree be subject to review is removed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The university has great strengths in the area of audiology.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Sherry Burkey, Western Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended by Committee on Higher Education. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Fagan, Ranking Minority Member; Dahlquist, Haler, Maxwell, Pettigrew, Seaquist and Sullivan.
Staff: Catrina Lucero (786-7192).
Summary of Recommendation of Committee On Appropriations Subcommittee on Education Compared to Recommendation of Committee On Higher Education:
No new changes were recommended.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is identical to one that passed out of the House of Representatives. There is a great need for audiologists. The applied doctorate is now the entry level degree for this profession. The University of Washington is currently the only institution in the state offering these degrees. They have between 80 to 90 applicants for just 15 slots. This bill would provide additional degree capacity.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Bailey, prime sponsor; and Sherry Burkey, Western Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.