HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1614
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: Representatives Reykdal, Lytton, Seaquist, Pollet, Zeiger, Sells, Springer, Roberts, Maxwell, Ryu and Stanford; by request of Western Washington University.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Higher Education: 2/6/13, 2/13/13 [DPS];
Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: 2/20/13 [DPS(HE)].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 18 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 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 (EWU) is the only regional university with authorization to offer graduate level degrees beyond the master's level. Legislation enacted in 2011 permitted 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. 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 Substitute Bill:
The board of trustees of Western Washington University is authorized to offer applied, but not research, doctorate-level degrees in audiology.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The requirement that offering the applied doctorate degree in audiology at Western Washington University be subject to review is removed.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute 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) There is a need for applied audiology degrees. They are not duplicative and the market has a place for them. Recently the national standard was changed and now the clinical doctorate in audiology is required for entry into the field. As the population ages and medical advances continue to increase the lifespan of older adults, the demand for people to treat hearing loss is also increasing. Hearing damage is the number one injury in the fight against terror. There is a growing need in our state and nationwide for more audiologists. Existing resources and faculty are in place to support this degree.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Reykdal, prime sponsor; and Sherry Burkey, Western Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EDUCATION |
Majority Report: The substitute bill by Committee on Higher Education be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Fagan, Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Dahlquist, Haler, Maxwell, Pettigrew, Seaquist, Sullivan and Wilcox.
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 Substitute 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) Western Washington University has been offering degrees in audiology at the master's level for some time now. They have significant experience in this discipline. National standards have changed recently and now a doctoral degree in audiology is required for entry into the field. There is a growing need for professionals in this field.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Sherry Burkey, Western Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.