Board approves Rocky Vista certificate despite clinical-placement concerns
December 18, 2023 | Board of Regents, Departments, Boards, and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Kansas
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The Board of Regents’ MASC committee voted unanimously to issue a certificate of approval to Rocky Vista University after staff concluded the institution met the minimum statutory requirements for establishing a physical presence in Kansas.
Staff presentation cited the statute governing physical presence and certificate issuance, saying that "the clinical placements in Kansas trigger physical presence as defined by KSA 74 32 1 6 3 j" and recommending issuance after review of submitted documentation. The committee adopted that recommendation and approved the certificate by voice vote.
The recommendation prompted substantive concern from provosts and campus leaders. A Wichita State representative and KU Medical Center officials told the committee that "clinical placements are very challenged" and that adding another institution "will put an additional burden on our degree programs." Robert Klein of Kansas State said "clinical placements are really, really difficult to come by," warning of impacts on physician placement and other programs. Staff noted those concerns are not part of the statutory criteria for a certificate and said the board's role under the current law is limited to reviewing statutory requirements.
Several regents asked staff to pursue follow-up conversations with campus presidents and chiefs of staff about potential legislative remedies or options to address clinical-placement competition. One regent said the issue "would have to be considered more in a legislative request for a statute amendment." Staff agreed to consult internally and report back to the board.
On the vote, the chair moved approval and the motion passed unanimously.
The committee did not adopt any additional conditions tied to clinical-placement availability; staff and regents said further action, if any, would require legislative change or additional system-level policy work. The board will record staff follow-up on the feasibility of pursuing statutory changes or other supports for clinical-placement capacity.
Staff presentation cited the statute governing physical presence and certificate issuance, saying that "the clinical placements in Kansas trigger physical presence as defined by KSA 74 32 1 6 3 j" and recommending issuance after review of submitted documentation. The committee adopted that recommendation and approved the certificate by voice vote.
The recommendation prompted substantive concern from provosts and campus leaders. A Wichita State representative and KU Medical Center officials told the committee that "clinical placements are very challenged" and that adding another institution "will put an additional burden on our degree programs." Robert Klein of Kansas State said "clinical placements are really, really difficult to come by," warning of impacts on physician placement and other programs. Staff noted those concerns are not part of the statutory criteria for a certificate and said the board's role under the current law is limited to reviewing statutory requirements.
Several regents asked staff to pursue follow-up conversations with campus presidents and chiefs of staff about potential legislative remedies or options to address clinical-placement competition. One regent said the issue "would have to be considered more in a legislative request for a statute amendment." Staff agreed to consult internally and report back to the board.
On the vote, the chair moved approval and the motion passed unanimously.
The committee did not adopt any additional conditions tied to clinical-placement availability; staff and regents said further action, if any, would require legislative change or additional system-level policy work. The board will record staff follow-up on the feasibility of pursuing statutory changes or other supports for clinical-placement capacity.
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