THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 829

Author: Bloom (D) and Gipson (D)

Introduced: 2/20/19

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 6/19/19

AYES: Leyva, Wilk, Chang, Glazer, McGuire, Pan

NO VOTE RECORDED: Durazo

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/1/19

AYES: Portantino, Bates, Bradford, Durazo, Hill, Jones, Wieckowski

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/29/19 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: California State University: Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

SOURCE: California State University, Office of the Chancellor

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes the California State University (CSU) to establish Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree programs that are distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California (UC).

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides that the primary mission of the CSU is undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree, but authorizes the CSU to offer joint doctoral degrees with the UC, or with one or more independent institutions of higher education, only as specified. (Education Code § 66010.4)
2. Provides, in setting forth the missions and functions of California’s public and independent institutions of higher education, among other things, that UC has the sole authority in public higher education to award the doctoral degree in all fields of learning, except that it may agree with the CSU to award joint doctoral degrees in selected fields. (EC § 66010.4)
3. Authorizes the CSU to independently award the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree focused solely on preparing administrative leaders for California public K-14 schools. (EC § 66040, et seq.)
4. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree; and, specifies that the Au.D degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. (EC § 66041, et seq.)
5. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, and specifies that the D.P.T. degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (EC § 66042, et seq.)
6. Authorizes CSU to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs, and specifies that the DNP offered by the CSU shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership. (EC § 89280, et seq.)

This bill:

1. States findings and declarations that include both of the following:
   1. Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the UC, with the provision that the CSU can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the UC and independent California colleges and universities. The differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.
   2. Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of occupational therapists, the state is granting the CSU authority to offer the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the UC for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the CSU and the UC.
2. Authorizes the CSU to establish Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs.
3. Limits the authority to establish a doctorate degree program to the discipline of occupational therapy.
4. Requires that the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the CSU be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the UC.
5. Requires that the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the CSU be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and be consistent with the standards for accreditation set by the appropriate accrediting body.
6. Requires the CSU provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs authorized by this bill from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the equality of program support offered to the CSU undergraduate programs.

Comments

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “Currently, there are no public university options in California that offer a doctorate degree in occupational therapy. As a result, California students who wish to pursue an occupational therapy doctorate only have the option of attending much more expensive private university programs. There is a national trend both in California and the nation for universities to transition their masters programs to doctoral programs, which addresses both the need and the demand for higher educated and trained occupational therapists. Nationally there are 96 universities that offer a masters in occupational therapy, of which, 76 are currently transitioning to offering a doctorate level degree. In California there are currently 2 private universities that offer an occupational therapy doctorate and 4 other private institutions transitioning to a doctorate. AB 829 authorizes the California State University (CSU) to award doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy in order to comply with changing professional standards and ensure the continuation of high demand, high need programs at the CSU.”
2. Master Plan for Higher Education. As outlined in the Master Plan for Higher Education and by state statute, the primary mission of the CSU is undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree. The UC was granted the sole authority to offer doctoral degrees. Notably, this bill specifies that the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree offered by the CSU is to be distinguished from the doctor of philosophy degrees in nursing offered at, or in conjunction with, the UC.

Notwithstanding the differentiation of mission envisioned by the Master Plan and outlined in statute, the Legislature has authorized the CSU to go beyond its original mission to offer four professional doctoral degrees which include the Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Fees were capped at the rate charged at the UC, no additional funding was provided by the state, and these programs were to be implemented without diminishing or reducing enrollment in undergraduate programs. Additionally, the CSU programs offer applied doctorates and are generally not duplicative of degrees offered by UC.

1. Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. In California, only two public universities, both at the CSU, offer accredited master’s programs in occupational therapy. These programs, offered by San Jose State University and CSU Dominguez Hills, have existed since 1960 and 2004, respectively, and currently provide the entry-level master’s degree requirement for the occupational therapy professional certification exam and for careers in the field.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education – the accrediting body for these programs – has recently established the educational standards for universities to offer a doctorate-level occupational therapy degree. Currently, there are no public university options in California that offer a doctorate degree in occupational therapy. As a result, California students who wish to pursue an occupational therapy doctorate only have the option of attending private university programs could be more costly for students.

The CSU offers a more affordable path to a career in occupational therapy in California than its private counter parts and enrolls students who reflect the state’s diverse population. Currently, the total tuition for these master’s-level programs is $19,014. Seven private accredited institutions in California offer a master’s or doctorate in occupational therapy total tuition range from $85,000 to $135,000.

1. Changing professional standards. The driver for CSU doctorate degrees programs authorized by the legislature have been in response to changes in professional standards necessary to become a professional on those fields. There is a national trend both in California and the nation for universities to transition their master’s programs to doctoral programs, which addresses both the need and the demand for more highly educated and trained occupational therapists. Nationally there are 96 universities that offer a master’s in occupational therapy, of which, 76 are currently transitioning to offering a doctorate level degree. In California there are currently two private universities that offer an occupational therapy doctorate and four other private institutions transitioning to a doctorate.
2. Workforce trends. According to the CSU, California currently has relatively low levels of access to occupational therapists. The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy notes that California has 12 percent of the U.S. population, but just 8 percent of the occupational therapists, which means that the state is relatively underserved. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California ranks 44th in the nation in access to occupational therapists.

With an aging population, expanded roles for occupational therapists in the healthcare field, and documented efficacy and cost-effectiveness of occupational therapy services, many reports have concluded that there will be an increased need for these skilled professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 24 percent growth in employment of occupational therapists between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the country. Additionally, a 2015 study in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation forecasts growing shortages of occupational therapists in all 50 states, with California projected to be one of the states with the largest shortages.

For those in or entering the workforce, employment opportunities are strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national average wage of $83,200 in 2017, and $89,870 in California. U.S. News and World Report notes the unemployment rate for occupational therapists is just 0.3 percent, again reflective of high demand for professionals in this field. In its 2018 ranking of the 50 best jobs in America, Glassdoor ranked occupational therapy fourth, citing the number of job openings, salary, and overall job satisfaction. CSU, Dominguez Hills reports their Occupational Therapy graduates typically have in excess of four employment offers at graduation and are frequently offered a sign-on bonus.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the CSU indicates the costs for the system to update curriculum to move from a master’s level program to a doctorate would be minor and absorbable. Any additional costs necessary to bolster the program in the long-term, such as the hiring of more instructors or purchasing equipment, would be fulfilled as part of the regular campus planning process and paid for by enrollment and increases in student tuition and fees. As with any new degree program proposed by a campus, it is a local campus decision to seek approval from CSU Chancellor’s Office.

SUPPORT: (Verified 7/1/19)

California State University, Office of the Chancellor (source)

Alameda Health System

California Children's Services, Santa Clara County

City of Hope National Medical Center

Easter seals Southern California

Firefly Center

Mcrory Pediatric Services, Inc.

Mental Health Association of San Mateo County

Occupational Therapy Association of California

Progress Speech and Language Center

San Jose Healthcare & Wellness Center

Skill Builders Program

St. Christopher Adult Day Health Care Center

St. Joseph Health Mission Hospital

Starjoy Wellness Therapy

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/1/19)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/29/19

AYES: Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Bauer-Kahan, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Boerner Horvath, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Diep, Eggman, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez, Gray, Grayson, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kamlager-Dove, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Petrie-Norris, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Smith, Mark Stone, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wicks, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Cooley, Flora, Eduardo Garcia

Prepared by: Olgalilia Ramirez / ED. /

7/3/19 15:08:59

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2019 - 2020 Regular Session

AB 829 (Bloom) - California State University: Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

Bill Summary:

This bill authorizes the California State University (CSU) to establish Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree programs, and requires the CSU to provide any startup and operation funding that is needed from within existing budgets for academic program support without diminishing the equality of program support offered to the CSU undergraduate programs.

Fiscal Impact:

The CSU indicates the costs for the system to update curriculum to move from a master’s level program to a doctorate would be minor and absorbable. Any additional costs necessary to bolster the program in the long-term, such as the hiring of more instructors or purchasing equipment, would be fulfilled as part of the regular campus planning process and paid for by enrollment and increases in student tuition and fees. As with any new degree program proposed by a campus, it is a local campus decision to seek approval from CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Background:

Current law defines the primary mission of CSU as providing undergraduate instruction and graduate instruction through the master’s degree level. Current law also provides that CSU may offer doctoral programs jointly with the University of California or independent postsecondary institutions with the approval of the California Postsecondary Education Commission. CSU is currently authorized to offer a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Audiology, and the Doctor of Nursing.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote both physical and mental health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

In California, only two public universities, both at the CSU, offer accredited master’s programs in occupational therapy. These programs, offered by San Jose State University and CSU Dominguez Hills, have existed since 1960 and 2004, respectively, and currently provide the entry-level master’s degree requirement for the occupational therapy professional certification exam and for careers in the field.

Proposed Law:

This bill authorizes the CSU to establish Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs, and limits the authority to establish a doctorate degree program to the discipline of occupational therapy.

This bill requires that the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the CSU be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the UC, and that the programs be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and be consistent with the standards for accreditation set by the appropriate accrediting body.

This bill requires the CSU provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs authorized by the bill from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the equality of program support offered to the CSU undergraduate programs.

Related Legislation:

AB 422 (Arambula), Chapter 702, Statutes of 2017, authorized CSU to offer Doctor of Nursing programs, and specified that these programs shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership.

AB 2317 (Mullin), Chapter 237, Statutes of 2016, authorized CSU to offer the Doctor of Audiology program, and specified that the programs shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services.

Staff Comments:

While doctorate programs are more costly to operate than master’s level programs, CSU believes that the costs will be offset by fee increases. The bill also requires the CSU to provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the equality of program support offered to the CSU undergraduate programs. Further, since the master’s level programs already exist, CSU contends that conversion costs such as updating the curriculum would be minimal and that anything that is needed to bolster the program such as hiring more instructors or buying more equipment would be fulfilled as part of the regular campus planning process. Additionally, each program is a local, campus decision as part of the campus’ allocation of resources. Program costs would likely vary by campus and would be funded mostly by doctoral tuition fees plus varying levels of state and university general purpose funding, similar to the other programs like the Doctor of Audiology program. The CSU’s current average cost of tuition for a three-year doctorate program is roughly $44,000.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Connie Leyva, Chair

2019 - 2020 Regular

Bill No: AB 829 Hearing Date: June 19, 2019

Subject: California State University: Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program.

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the California State University (CSU) to establish Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree programs that are distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1. Provides that the primary mission of the CSU is undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree, but authorizes the CSU to offer joint doctoral degrees with the University of California (UC), or with one or more independent institutions of higher education, only as specified. (Education Code § 66010.4)
2. Provides, in setting forth the missions and functions of California’s public and independent institutions of higher education, among other things, that UC has the sole authority in public higher education to award the doctoral degree in all fields of learning, except that it may agree with the CSU to award joint doctoral degrees in selected fields. (EC § 66010.4)
3. Authorizes the CSU to independently award the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree focused solely on preparing administrative leaders for California public K-14 schools. (EC § 66040, et seq.)
4. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree; and, specifies that the Au.D degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. (EC § 66041, et seq.)
5. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, and specifies that the D.P.T. degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (EC § 66042, et seq.)
6. Authorizes California State University (CSU) to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs, and specifies that the DNP offered by the CSU shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership. (EC § 89280, et seq.

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. States findings and declarations that include both of the following:
   1. Since its adoption in 1960, the Master Plan for Higher Education has

served to create the largest and most distinguished higher education system in the nation. A key component of the Master Plan for Higher Education is the differentiation of mission and function, whereby doctoral and identified professional programs are limited to the University of California (UC), with the provision that the CSU can provide doctoral education in joint doctoral programs with the University of California and independent California colleges and universities. The differentiation of function has allowed California to provide universal access to postsecondary education while preserving quality.

• 1. Because of the need to prepare and educate increased numbers of

occupational therapists, the state is granting the CSU authority to offer the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree as an exception to the differentiation of function in graduate education that assigns sole authority among the California higher education segments to the UC for awarding doctoral degrees independently. This exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education recognizes the distinctive strengths and respective missions of the CSU and the UC.

1. Authorizes the CSU to establish Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs.
2. Limits the authority to establish a doctorate degree program to the discipline of occupational therapy.
3. Requires that the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the CSU be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the UC.
4. Requires that the Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree programs offered by the CSU be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and be consistent with the standards for accreditation set by the appropriate accrediting body.
5. Requires the CSU provide any startup and operation funding needed for the degree programs authorized by the bill from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the equality of program support offered to the CSU undergraduate programs.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “Currently, there are no public university options in California that offer a doctorate degree in occupational therapy. As a result, California students who wish to pursue an occupational therapy doctorate only have the option of attending much more expensive private university programs. There is a national trend both in California and the nation for universities to transition their masters programs to doctoral programs, which addresses both the need and the demand for higher educated and trained occupational therapists. Nationally there are 96 universities that offer a masters in occupational therapy, of which, 76 are currently transitioning to offering a doctorate level degree. In California there are currently 2 private universities that offer an occupational therapy doctorate and 4 other private institutions transitioning to a doctorate. AB 829 authorizes the California State University (CSU) to award doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy in order to comply with changing professional standards and ensure the continuation of high demand, high need programs at the CSU.”
2. Master Plan for Higher Education. As outlined in the Master Plan for Higher Education and by state statute, the primary mission of the CSU is undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master’s degree. The University of California (UC) was granted the sole authority to offer doctoral degrees. Notably, this bill specifies that the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree offered by the CSU is to be distinguished from the doctor of philosophy degrees in nursing offered at, or in conjunction with, the UC.

Notwithstanding the differentiation of mission envisioned by the Master Plan and outlined in statute, the Legislature has authorized the CSU to go beyond its original mission to offer four professional doctoral degrees which include the Doctor of Audiology, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Fees were capped at the rate charged at the UC, no additional funding was provided by the state, and these programs were to be implemented without diminishing or reducing enrollment in undergraduate programs. Additionally, the CSU programs offer applied doctorates and are generally not duplicative of degrees offered by UC.

1. What is Occupational Therapy? According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations). Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote both physical and mental health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing supports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
2. Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs. In California, only two public universities, both at the CSU, offer accredited master’s programs in occupational therapy. These programs, offered by San Jose State University and California State University (CSU) Dominguez Hills, have existed since 1960 and 2004, respectively, and currently provide the entry-level master’s degree requirement for the occupational therapy professional certification exam and for careers in the field.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) – the accrediting body for these programs – has recently established the educational standards for universities to offer a doctorate-level occupational therapy degree. Currently, there are no public university options in California that offer a doctorate degree in occupational therapy. As a result, California students who wish to pursue an occupational therapy doctorate only have the option of attending private university programs could be more costly for students.

The CSU offers a more affordable path to a career in occupational therapy in California than its private counter parts and enrolls students who reflect the state’s diverse population. Currently, the total tuition for these master’s-level programs is $19,014. Seven private accredited institutions in California offer a master’s or doctorate in occupational therapy total tuition range from $85,000 to $135,000.

1. Changing professional standards. The driver for CSU doctorate degrees programs authorized by the legislature have been in response to changes in professional standards necessary to become a professional on those fields. There is a national trend both in California and the nation for universities to transition their master’s programs to doctoral programs, which addresses both the need and the demand for more highly educated and trained occupational therapists. Nationally there are 96 universities that offer a master’s in occupational therapy, of which, 76 are currently transitioning to offering a doctorate level degree. In California there are currently two private universities that offer an occupational therapy doctorate and four other private institutions transitioning to a doctorate.
2. Workforce trends. According to the CSU, California currently has relatively low levels of access to occupational therapists. The National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy notes that California has 12 percent of the U.S. population, but just 8 percent of the occupational therapists, which means that the state is relatively underserved. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California ranks 44th in the nation in access to occupational therapists.

With an aging population, expanded roles for occupational therapists in the healthcare field, and documented efficacy and cost-effectiveness of occupational therapy services, many reports have concluded that there will be an increased need for these skilled professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 24 percent growth in employment of occupational therapists between 2016 and 2026, making it one of the 30 fastest growing occupations in the country. Additionally, a 2015 study in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation forecasts growing shortages of occupational therapists in all 50 states, with California projected to be one of the states with the largest shortages.

For those in or entering the workforce, employment opportunities are strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national average wage of $83,200 in 2017, and $89,870 in California. U.S. News and World Report notes the unemployment rate for occupational therapists is just 0.3 percent, again reflective of high demand for professionals in this field. In its 2018 ranking of the 50 best jobs in America, Glassdoor ranked occupational therapy fourth, citing the number of job openings, salary, and overall job satisfaction. CSU, Dominguez Hills reports their Occupational Therapy graduates typically have in excess of four employment offers at graduation and are frequently offered a sign-on bonus.

SUPPORT

California State University, Office of the Chancellor (Sponsors)

Alameda Health System

California Children's Services, Santa Clara County

City of Hope National Medical Center

Easter seals Southern California

Firefly Center

Mcrory Pediatric Services, Inc.

Mental Health Association of San Mateo County

Occupational Therapy Association of California

Progress Speech and Language Center

San Jose Healthcare & Wellness Center

Skill Builders Program

St. Christopher Adult Day Health Care Center

St. Joseph Health Mission Hospital

Starjoy Wellness Therapy

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 829

Author:(Bloom and Gipson)

As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2019

Majority vote

SUMMARY:

Authorizes the California State University (CSU) to award the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree and establishes constraints on the funding and fees for these degrees.

Major Provisions

1. Authorizes the CSU to establish OTD degree programs in order to meet specific occupational therapy education needs in the state.
2. Specifies that the authority to establish degree programs granted by this article will be limited to the discipline of occupational therapy.
3. Establishes that the OTD degree programs offered by the CSU shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.
4. Requires the OTD degree programs offered by the CSU to be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and to be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the appropriate accrediting body.
5. Mandates the CSU to provide any startup and operational funding needed for the degree programs authorized from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to CSU undergraduate programs.
6. Makes findings and declarations, as specified.

COMMENTS:

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and conditions to enhance their ability to perform their daily activities. For example, occupational therapists work with children with learning disabilities, people recovering from injuries and older adults experiencing cognitive and physical changes. The CSU offers the state's only public master's degrees in occupational therapy and prepares about 30% of the state's future occupational therapists.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is an associated advisory council of the executive board of the American Occupational Therapy Association. ACOTE is tasked with developing educational standards and accrediting occupational therapy educational programs across the country. In October 2018, ACOTE took steps towards requiring a doctoral degree, rather than a master's degree, to practice occupational therapy beginning in 2027.

According to the CSU chancellor's office, the master's program currently is comprised of seven consecutive semesters, including summers. The doctorate program likely would require at least an additional two semesters. To transition to a doctoral level, the program would need to add: a) approximately thirty additional units for specialization tracks, b) another semester of full-time placement, translating to 640 additional hours of hands-on experience and c) a capstone project during the last year, focused on one of the following topics: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development.

According to the Author:

According to the author, "AB 829 allows the CSU to award doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy to help California provide quality services for our growing population. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has recently shifted the entry point for certification in this field from masters to doctorate-level. Starting in 2027, a doctorate in occupational therapy will be required in order to be eligible to take the national board exams to become a certified occupational therapist. Without the authority to transition to a doctorate-level program, the CSU's current master's programs at San Jose State University and CSU Dominguez Hills will be unable to admit new students and will be forced to close down…Our inability to offer these programs would have an immediate impact on the supply of these highly sought-after healthcare specialists."

Arguments in Support:

According to the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC), "…The profession is rapidly expanding the range of professional degrees offered to maintain a high level of entry-level education and, most recently, the ACOTE called for a mandate to go to the doctoral entry-level degree as the single point of entry. While this mandate remains in discussion, all other academic programs in California either already have the doctoral degree offered or are actively developing such. Regardless of the final decision on the minimum degree for entry-level practice, the CSU programs are at great risk to fall behind the wave of change impacting occupational therapy education across California and the United States."

Arguments in Opposition:

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS:

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee Minor and absorbable General Fund cost pressures in the short term for the CSU system to update curriculum to move from a master's-level program to a doctorate. In the longer term, costs will include hiring additional staff, buying additional equipment and providing additional facilities for the program. CSU indicates the majority of costs will be offset by increases in student tuition and fees and that campuses are prepared to absorb any additional longer-term costs.

VOTES:

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 12-0-0

YES: Medina, Choi, Gloria, Bloom, Gabriel, Irwin, Kiley, Gonzalez, Low, Patterson, Santiago, Weber

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 18-0-0

YES: Gonzalez, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Calderon, Carrillo, Chau, Diep, Eggman, Fong, Gabriel, Eduardo Garcia, Maienschein, Obernolte, Petrie-Norris, Quirk, Robert Rivas

UPDATED:

VERSION: February 20, 2019

CONSULTANT: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0000750

Date of Hearing: May 1, 2019

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 829

Author:(Bloom) – As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2019

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the California State University (CSU) to award the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree and establishes constraints on the funding and fees for these degrees. It specifies the CSU shall provide any startup and operational funding needed for the OTD degree program be from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to CSU undergraduate programs.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor and absorbable General Fund cost pressures in the short term for the CSU system to update curriculum to move from a master’s-level program to a doctorate. In the longer term, costs will include hiring additional staff, buying additional equipment and providing additional facilities for the program. CSU indicates the majority of costs will be offset by increases in student tuition and fees and that campuses are prepared to absorb any additional longer-term costs.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

AB 829 allows the CSU to award doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy to help California provide quality services for our growing population. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has recently shifted the entry point for certification in this field from masters to doctorate-level. Starting in 2027, a doctorate in occupational therapy will be required in order to be eligible to take the national board exams to become a certified occupational therapist. Without the authority to transition to a doctorate-level program, the CSU’s current master’s programs at San Jose State University and CSU Dominguez Hills will be unable to admit new students and will be forced to close down…Our inability to offer these programs would have an immediate impact on the supply of these highly sought-after healthcare specialists

1. Background. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and conditions to enhance their ability to perform their daily activities. For example, occupational therapists work with children with learning disabilities, people recovering from injuries and older adults experiencing cognitive and physical changes.

The CSU offers the state’s only public master’s degrees in occupational therapy and prepares about 30% of the state’s future occupational therapists.

According to the Assembly Higher Education analysis, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is an associated advisory council of the executive board of the American Occupational Therapy Association. ACOTE is tasked with developing educational standards and accrediting occupational therapy educational programs across the country. In October 2018, ACOTE took steps towards requiring a doctoral degree, rather than a master’s degree, to practice occupational therapy beginning in 2027. Accreditation standards for occupational therapists were last changed in 2007, when the point of entry for occupational therapy moved from a bachelor’s level education to master’s level.

According to the CSU chancellor’s office, the master’s program currently is comprised of seven consecutive semesters, including summers. The doctorate program likely would require at least an additional two semesters. To transition to a doctoral level, the program would need to add: (a) approximately thirty additional units for specialization tracks, (b) another semester of full-time placement, translating to 640 additional hours of hands-on experience and (c) a capstone project during the last year, focused on one of the following topics: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education or theory development.

1. CSU’s Authority to Provide Doctoral Degrees. California’s “Master Plan for Higher Education” designates the University of California as the only California public postsecondary education segment authorized to award a doctoral degree. However, current law authorizes the CSU to independently award four professional doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.), Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) and the Doctor of Nursing (DNP).
2. Prior Legislation. AB 422 (Arambula), Chapter 702, Statutes of 2017, authorized CSU to offer the DNP degree programs, and specified that the DNP offered by the CSU shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership.

AB 2317 (Mullin), Chapter 267, Statutes of 2016, authorized the CSU to offer the Au.D degree, and specifies that the Au.D degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

AB 2382 (Blumenfield), Chapter 425, Statutes of 2010, authorized the CSU to offer the D.P.T. degree, and specified that the D.P.T. degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and shall be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

SB 724 (Scott), Chapter 269, Statutes of 2005, authorized the CSU to independently award the Ed.D degree focused solely on preparing administrative leaders for California public K-14 schools.

Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 9, 2019

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Jose Medina, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 829 (

Author:Bloom) – As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2019

SUBJECT: California State University: Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program

SUMMARY: Authorizes the California State University (CSU) to award the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) degree and establishes constraints on the funding and fees for these degrees. Specifically, this bill:

1. Authorizes the CSU to establish OTD degree programs in order to meet specific occupational therapy education needs in the state.
2. Specifies that the authority to establish degree programs granted by this article will be limited to the discipline of occupational therapy.
3. Establishes that the OTD degree programs offered by the CSU shall be distinguished from doctoral degree programs at the University of California.
4. Requires the OTD degree programs offered by the CSU to be focused on preparing occupational therapists to provide health care services and to be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the appropriate accrediting body.
5. Mandates the CSU to provide any startup and operational funding needed for the degree programs authorized from within existing budgets for academic program support, without diminishing the quality of program support offered to CSU undergraduate programs.
6. Makes findings and declarations, as specified.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Provides that the primary mission of the CSU is undergraduate and graduate instruction through the master's degree, but authorizes the CSU to offer joint doctoral degrees with the UC, or with one or more independent institutions of higher education, only as specified. Specifies that, in setting forth the missions and functions of California’s public and independent institutions of higher education that, among other things, the UC has the sole authority in public higher education to award the doctoral degree in all fields of learning, except that it may agree with the CSU to award joint doctoral degrees in selected fields. (Education Code (EDC) Section 66010.4)
2. Authorizes the CSU to independently award the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree focused solely on preparing administrative leaders for California public K-14 schools. (EDC Section 66040, et seq.)
3. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree; and, specifies that the Au.D degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. (EDC Section 66041, et seq.)
4. Authorizes the CSU to offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree, and specifies that the D.P.T. degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (EDC Section 66042, et seq.)
5. Authorizes CSU to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs, and specifies that the DNP offered by the CSU shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership. (EDC Section 89280, et seq.)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Need for the bill. According to the author, “AB 829 allows the CSU to award doctorate degrees in Occupational Therapy to help California provide quality services for our growing population. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has recently shifted the entry point for certification in this field from masters to doctorate-level. Starting in 2027, a doctorate in occupational therapy will be required in order to be eligible to take the national board exams to become a certified occupational therapist. Without the authority to transition to a doctorate-level program, the CSU’s current master’s programs at San Jose State University and CSU Dominguez Hills will be unable to admit new students and will be forced to close down…Our inability to offer these programs would have an immediate impact on the supply of these highly sought-after healthcare specialists.”

“The CSU’s programs have valuable community partnerships that provide students with important service-learning models. Faculty and students from CSU Dominguez Hills operate partnerships with local community centers and rehabilitation clinics for veterans and survivors of abuse, while San Jose State University operates on-campus clinics providing free and low-cost services to the community. With this authority, the CSU will be able to continue its essential community partnerships and provide an accessible path to a career in occupational therapy.”

Background. The CSU offers the state’s only public master’s degrees in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages and conditions to enhance their ability to perform their daily activities. Children with learning disabilities, people recovering from injuries, and older adults experiencing cognitive and physical changes all benefit from the support of occupational therapists.

The CSU’s occupational therapy programs currently serve approximately 30% of the future occupational therapists being educated in California. Over 80% of San Jose State University graduates and over 95% of CSU Dominguez Hills graduates are employed as occupational therapists within six months of graduation, producing approximately 143 certified graduates per year. Both programs have demonstrated strong success metrics, with graduation rates exceeding 95%, and a 97% pass rate on the national certification exams.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 24% growth in employment of occupational therapists between 2016 and 2026. With an aging population and shifts in access to health insurance, occupational therapy is projected to become increasingly important for Californians with physical and mental impairments seeking to live their daily lives to the fullest.

Existing authorization. Notwithstanding the Masterplan for Higher Education, which designates the University of California the only California public postsecondary education segment authorized to award a doctoral degree, current law authorizes the CSU to independently award four professional doctoral degrees which include the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Audiology, and the Doctor of Nursing. This bill would expand the type of professional doctoral degrees CSU is authorized to award.

Accreditation Changes. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represent the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students of occupational therapy and works to improve the quality of occupational therapy services. Current AOTA membership is approximately 60,000, including occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy students. AOTA represents 213,000 occupational therapy practitioners and students in the United States.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) is an associated advisory council of the executive board of the American Occupational Therapy Association. ACOTE is tasked with developing educational standards and accrediting occupational therapy educational programs across the country. It establishes, approves, and administers educational standards to evaluate occupational therapy educational programs.

In October 2018, AOTA and ACOTE placed the pending 2027 doctoral level educational mandate for compliance in abeyance pending a six month review. In April 2019, they will be meeting to vote on the compliance date for the doctoral mandate, which, if it remains as is, would again be set as 2027.

Nationally, universities are transitioning their existing master's level occupational therapy programs to doctorate level programs. Out of 96 occupational therapy master’s programs, 76 have moved or are in the process of moving to a doctorate level program since ACOTE’s first proclamation in 2013 that the entry point education should move from a master’s to doctorate.

Accreditation standards for occupational therapists were last changed in 2007, when the point of entry for occupational therapy moved from a bachelor’s to master’s level education.

Programmatic Changes. According to the CSU Chancellor’s office, curriculum will need to be adjusted in order to transition from the master’s to doctorate program. The master’s program is currently comprised of seven consecutive semesters, including summers. The doctorate program would likely require at least an additional two semesters, for a total of three years. To transition to a doctoral level, the program would need to add:

1. Approximately thirty additional units for specialization tracks;
2. Another semester of full-time placement, translating to 640 additional hours of hands-on experience.
3. A capstone project during the last year, focused on one of the following topics: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, or theory development.

These changes would be needed to address the additional doctoral accreditation standards identified by ACOTE, which require programs to:

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of delivery models, policies, and systems related to practice in settings where occupational therapy is currently practiced and settings where it is emerging.
2. Demonstrate active involvement in professional development, leadership, and advocacy.
3. Demonstrate the ability to synthesize in-depth knowledge in a practice area through the development and completion of a doctoral capstone in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.

Arguments in support. According to the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC), “…The profession is rapidly expanding the range of professional degrees offered to maintain a high level of entry-level education and, most recently, the ACOTE called for a mandate to go to the doctoral entry-level degree as the single point of entry. While this mandate remains in discussion, all other academic programs in California either already have the doctoral degree offered or are actively developing such. Regardless of the final decision on the minimum degree for entry-level practice, the CSU programs are at great risk to fall behind the wave of change impacting occupational therapy education across California and the United States.”

“OTAC has a long and collaborative history with the CSU Occupational Therapy programs.

Our relationship is one of mutual respect and support. Students at San Jose State University and California State University Dominguez Hills have access to participation in our committees, spring symposium, annual professional conference, and myriad local activities. We have invested in the enfolding and mentoring of both students and newer graduates to become involved in our association governance in support of roles they may become involved with either in their practice setting or the realm of state and national policy as well. Several of our elected and appointed leaders over the last four decades have held degrees from one of the CSU programs. In 2018, the SJSU program celebrated 75 years of existence while CSUDH celebrated its twentieth year. These two programs are valued as providers of education in expert clinical practice as well as lifelong community service.”

Prior legislation. AB 422 (Arambula) Chapter 702, Statutes of 2017, authorized CSU to offer the DNP degree programs, and specified that the DNP offered by the CSU shall focus on the preparation of nursing faculty to teach in postsecondary nursing education programs and may also train nurses for advanced nursing practice or nurse leadership.

AB 2317 (Mullin) Chapter 267, Statutes of 2016, authorized the CSU to offer the Au.D degree, and specifies that the Au.D degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing audiologists to provide health care services and shall be consistent with the standards for accreditation set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

AB 2382 (Blumenfield) Chapter 425, Statutes of 2010, authorized the CSU to offer the D.P.T. degree, and specified that the D.P.T. degree programs at the CSU shall be focused on preparing physical therapists to provide health care services, and shall be consistent with meeting the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

SB 724 (Scott) Chapter 269, Statutes of 2005, authorized the CSU to independently award the Ed.D degree focused solely on preparing administrative leaders for California public K-14 schools

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Advanced Therapy Center
Adventist Health
Alameda Health System
Almaden Valley Children’s Therapy Center
Anaheim Elementary School District
California Hospital Association/California Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
California State University, Office of the Chancellor
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Center for Elders Independence
Century Villages at Cabrillo
City of Carson
El Camino Hospital
Family Supportive Housing
Firefly Center
Joy and Laughter Developmental Therapy
Kaiser Permanente
Long Beach Adult Day Healthcare Center
Los Angeles Unified School District
Mcrory Pediatric Services, Inc.
Mental Health Association of San Mateo County
Occupational Therapy Association of California
Occupational Therapy Training Program - San Francisco
Pediatric Therapy Network
San Jose Healthcare & Wellness Center
St. Christopher Adult Day Health Care Center

30 Individuals

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Kevin J. Powers / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960