FINAL BILL REPORT
SHB 1808
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. |
C 168 L 09
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Creating an interdisciplinary work group for paramedic and nursing training.
Sponsors: House Committee on Education Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hinkle, Morrell, Bailey, Green and Kelley).
House Committee on Higher Education
House Committee on Education Appropriations
Senate Committee on Higher Education & Workforce Development
Background:
Training Programs.
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) has approved 24 community and technical colleges to offer practical nursing programs (LPN).
The Department of Health (DOH) approves paramedic training programs offered at Bellingham, Spokane, Tacoma, Clark, and Columbia Basin Community Colleges culminating in the award of either a certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree. The DOH has also approved entities like fire departments to offer paramedic training; however, for these programs students must already be trained as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or firefighter.
Equivalencies and Competencies.
"Course equivalency" is a term that describes how a course offered by one college or university relates to a course offered by another. If a course is viewed as equal or better than the course offered by the receiving college or university, the course can be counted as equivalent and may be used to meet graduation requirements. Faculty typically review course syllabi, skill competencies, and learning outcomes in determining whether a course is equivalent to another.
"Competencies" or "skill competencies" are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that a student should be able to demonstrate after completing a course of study. For instance, students who complete LPN programs must be able to evaluate heart rate patterns and assess and monitor peripheral blood pressure. In some cases, competencies are used as the basis for determining course equivalency.
Summary:
The SBCTC must convene an interdisciplinary work group that includes faculty from a paramedic training program, an associate degree nursing program, a four-year nursing program, the Washington Center for Nursing, and the Washington State Nursing Association to identify course equivalencies and skill competencies between paramedic and nursing programs. The workgroup must report its findings to the SBCTC by July 1, 2010.
The SBCTC may use the findings from the workgroup as the basis for statewide policies governing articulation between paramedic and nursing programs.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 96 | 0 | |
Senate | 41 | 0 |
Effective: | July 26, 2009 |