Regents committee tables Rocky Vista University degree-granting request amid clinical-placement concerns

Crystal Puterbaugh, director of academic affairs for the Board of Regents office, presented Rocky Vista University’s application for degree-granting authority to deliver an online master’s physician-assistant program and to place students in clinical sites in Kansas. Puterbaugh said Rocky Vista, founded in 2006 in Parker, Colorado, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditors, and that staff review of the institution’s initial application met KBOR’s minimum requirements and recommended issuing a certificate of approval.

Regent Johnston asked whether Kansas has a shortage of physician-assistant clinical placements. Puterbaugh said the board’s review addresses whether an institution meets minimum regulatory requirements and does not include a market-need or clinical-site-capacity analysis. Shirley Lefever of Wichita State told the committee she believes there is a shortage of clinical placements and asked to consult with campus PA programs before the board acts.

Regent Alicia said she was concerned that approving an out-of-state program without clearer information about site availability could inadvertently disadvantage public, in-state programs. She moved to table the request until staff could provide additional data; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Chair noted the item would be held until the committee reconvenes and that staff could return with the requested information before the request is placed on the full board’s agenda.

The committee did not make a final decision on Rocky Vista’s application; it directed staff to gather and present additional information about clinical placements and potential impacts on existing Kansas programs before forwarding any approval to the full Board of Regents.