University Senate Proposed: December 12, 2003

Adopted:

RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH THE DOCTORATE IN NURSING PRACTICE (DrNP)

WHEREAS, a worsening health power personnel shortage is anticipated in the field of primary care medicine, and whereas nurses with advanced practice skills are expected to fill this need, and

WHEREAS, formal standards are needed to ensure that advanced practice nurses have the required preparation to ensure the quality of such care, and

WHEREAS, the resources of the Columbia Health Sciences Center are sufficient to support an adequate program of training for this purpose, and

WHEREAS, the Health Sciences faculties have developed guidelines for clinical doctoral degrees in the Health Sciences as requested by the Executive Committee of the University Senate, and

WHEREAS, the proposed clinical doctoral degree program in primary care practice meets

those guidelines;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the University Senate approve the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in concept, subject to the necessary certification by the New York State Department of Education, and with the proviso that it will be reviewed in five years.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Senate forward this resolution to the trustees for appropriate action.

Proponent:

Education Committee