1013FF9B48C0D94F8725822700719739 Hearing Summary

Representatives Buckner and Lundeen, bill sponsors, explained House Bill 18-1086.  The bill allows community colleges to offer a Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing.

Representative Buckner discussed the importance of the bill for Colorado students.

Representative Lundeen discussed the nurse shortage in Colorado and explained that bill would help alleviate the shortage by creating another pathway to the necessary credentials for becoming a nurse.  

Representatives Buckner and Lundeen responded to committee questions.

The public testimony phase commenced.  Witness documents were distributed to the committee [Attachment A and B]. 

Dr. Karen Pennington, representing Regis University, testified against this bill.

Dr. Phyllis Graham Dickerson, representing Regis University, testified against the bill.

Sara Jarret, representing Regis University, testified against the bill. 

Ms. Dickerson, Ms. Jarret, and Ms. Pennington responded to committee questions.

Sandie Nadelson, representing Colorado Mesa University, testified against the bill.

Lindsay Polis, representing herself, testified against the bill.

Christi Olsen, representing herself, testified against the bill.

Ms. Olsen, Ms. Polis, and Ms. Nadelson responded to committee questions.  

Ms. Polis, and Ms. Nadelson continued to respond to committee questions.

Dr. Mary Krugman, University of Colorado, School of Nursing, testified against the bill.

Chantal Dengah, representing University of Colorado, testified against the bill.

Dr. Venkat Reddy, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), testified against the bill and showed a video to the committee.

Joey Vijayam, representing UCCS, testified against the bill.

Dr. Krugman responded to committee questions.  Committee discussion ensued.

Dr. Reddy responded to committee questions. 

Dr. Krugman responded to committee questions.

Dr. Debra Kenny, representing UCCS, testified against the bill.

Dr. Jeff Spicher, representing UCCS, testified against the bill.

Shane Hoon, representing the University of Colorado School of Nursing, testified against the bill.

Tammy Spencer, representing the University of Colorado School of Nursing, testified against the bill.

Ms. Spencer, Mr. Hoon, and Mr. Spicher responded to committee questions.

Committee discussion ensued concerning quality of education offered by community colleges and four-year schools and competition for students and faculity.  

Committee discussion continued with Dr. Spicher, Dr. Kenny, Ms. Spencer, and Mr. Hoon.

Amanda Lewis, representing CU Anschutz, testified against the bill.

Doug Farmer, representing Colorado Health Care Association, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Farmer responded to committee questions.

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

Dr. McCallin responded to committee questions concerning collaboration with four-year institutions, ability to implement nursing programs, faculty, and affordability.

Committee discussion ensued.

Dr. McCallin continued to respond to committee questions concerning funding, access to clinical placements, recruiting faculty, program cost, veteran enrollment, PHD faculty recruitment, and salaries.

Committee discussion ensued.

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

Diana Doyle, representing Arapahoe Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Bolton and Ms. Doyle responded to committee questions.

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

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

Mr. Pelton responded to committee questions.

Suzanne Villiers, representing Front Range Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Jason Lalonde, representing Arapahoe Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Matthew Muramoto, representing Pueblo Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Alan Favier, representing Front Range Community College, testified in support of the bill.

Steve Douglas, representing Commerce City Council, testified in support of the bill.

Lori Rae Hamilton, representing Trinidad State Junior College, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Ginal closed the testimony phase.

Amendments L.001 and L.003 were distributed to the committee [Attachments C and D].  Representative Buckner explained Amendment L.001 to the committee.  Committee discussion ensued.  Representative Langraf explained L.003 to the committee.

Representatives Buckner and Lundeen made closing remarks.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.