Measures Allow CSU To Award Physical Therapy, Nursing Doctorates

On Tuesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed two bills enabling California State University to award doctoral degrees in physical therapy, as well as doctorates in nursing practice at three CSU campuses, the Sacramento Bee reports (Sanders, Sacramento Bee, 9/29).

The bills are:

• AB 2382, by Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield (D- San Fernando Valley), which allows CSU to offer doctorates in physical therapy; and
• AB 867, by Assembly Member Pedro Nava (D- Santa Barbara), which authorizes CSU to establish a nursing doctorate pilot program at three campuses chosen by CSU trustees (Office of the Governor release, 9/28).

The two bills stray from the state's previous practice of providing the University of California system with exclusive jurisdiction to confer doctoral degrees, with the exception of joint doctorates.

CSU's ability to confer doctoral degrees in nursing will expire in July 2018, unless the Legislature extends the program (Sacramento Bee, 9/29).

Governor Vetoes Bill To Study Malpractice Insurance for Volunteer Dentists

Also on Tuesday, Schwarzenegger vetoed AB 1570, by Assembly Member Mary Salas (D- Chula Vista).

The bill would have required the Dental Board of California and the Health Professions Education Foundation to conduct a study on the practice of providing malpractice insurance to dentists who provide volunteers services (Office of the Governor release, 9/28).

Broadcast Coverage

On Tuesday, Capital Public Radio's "KXJZ News" reported on bills recently signed and vetoed by the governor (Lieszkovszky, "KXJZ News," Capital Public Radio, 9/28).