AB 2382 Summary

• Authorizes California State University (CSU) to award Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degrees as an exception to the Master Plan for Higher Education, which previously limited doctoral degrees to the University of California.

• Requires D.P.T. programs to be distinguished from University of California doctoral programs, focused on preparing physical therapists for healthcare services, and consistent with Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education requirements.

• Mandates student fees in CSU D.P.T. programs not exceed rates charged for state-supported doctoral physical therapy programs at the University of California.

• Requires CSU, Department of Finance, and Legislative Analyst's Office to jointly evaluate new programs and submit findings to the Legislature and Governor by January 1, 2015, covering program implementation, workforce needs, job placement, costs, and compliance.

• Mandates funding come from within existing CSU budgets without reducing undergraduate enrollments or diminishing undergraduate program support.