D7CBC1263789BD928725823B006855A9 Hearing Summary

Senators Aguilar and Neville, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1086.  Under current law, community colleges that are part of the state community college system may offer two-year associate's degrees and bachelor of applied science degrees, with limited exceptions.  The bill allows a community college to offer bachelor of science degree in nursing as a completion degree for students pursuing an associates degree in nursing.  Community colleges must seek approval from the state board for community colleges and occupational education and provide the board with information on its partnerships with existing bachelor's of nursing degree programs.  The board must consider student and workforce demand, cost effectiveness for students, and accreditation and licensing requirements when considering a request to offer a bachelor's in nursing degree.

    

Community colleges that wish to offer a bachelor's of science degree are subject to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education's (CCHE) policies for admission to nursing degree programs, and do not have to seek approval from CCHE to offer the degree.  Community colleges must notify all institutions of higher education in the state of their intent to seek approval from the board for a bachelor's degree in nursing at least 90 days before submitting the request.  All state institutions of higher education that offer a bachelor's degree in nursing must submit an annual report on the degree program to the Department of Higher Education.

Dr. Lance Bolton, Pikes Peak Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Patty Erjavec, Pueblo Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Bolton and Dr. Erjavec responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Aguilar responded to questions and provided a handout to the committee (Attachment B).  Committee discussion and questions continued.

Rik Englebert, Ames Community College, testified in a neutral position the bill.

Dr. Barbara White, Colorado Christian University, testified against the bill.

Dr. Karen Pennington, Regis University, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

John Marshall, Colorado Mesa University, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Dr. Marshall responded to questions.  Committee discussion and questions followed.

Luis Colon, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, testified in a neutral position of the bill.  Commissioner Colon responded to questions.

Committee discussion and questions continued.

Mr. Englebert and Dr. Pennington responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Nancy McCallin, Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill.

Carol Salzmann, Lutheran Medical Center, testified in support of the bill.

Eliza Shultz, Home Care Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Gayle Berry, LeadingAge Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. McCallin responded to questions from the committee.

Committee discussion and questions ensued.

Sara Blackhurst, Action 22, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Byron Pelton, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill.

Sarah White, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Matthew Muramoto, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Krista Murphy, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Blackhurst responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Martinez Humenik distributed amendments L.012 (Attachment C) and L.013 (Attachment D).  Senator Martinez Humenik responded to questions.  Committee discussion followed.

Senator Kefalas distributed and discussed amendment L.017 (Attachment E).