1. (1) As used in this section:

   1. (a) “Applied baccalaureate degree” has the meaning given that term in ORS 348.910.
   2. (b) “Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree” means a post-licensure degree program in which individuals who have already received an associate degree in nursing receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
2. (2) A community college may offer applied baccalaureate degrees and Bachelor of Science: Nursing degrees under the provisions of this section.

3. (3) For each applied baccalaureate degree program or Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree program a community college wants to offer to its students, the community college shall submit to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission:

   1. (a) A description of the program to be offered;
   2. (b) The method by which the program will be created, including any necessary accreditation by the relevant accrediting agency;
   3. (c) Documentation of local unmet workforce needs that would be addressed by offering the program; and
   4. (d) Documentation that the community college has the expertise, resources and student interest necessary to make the program successful.

4. (4) A proposed applied baccalaureate degree program or Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree program must be approved by the commission. The commission shall approve a proposed applied baccalaureate degree program or Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree program if:

   1. (a) The community college submits all of the information and documentation required under subsection (3) of this section; and
   2. (b) The commission determines that the criteria set forth in ORS 350.075 (3)(g) are satisfied.
5. (5) An applied baccalaureate degree program or Bachelor of Science: Nursing degree program that is approved by the commission is eligible for funding from the Community College Support Fund established in ORS 341.620.
6. (6) The commission may adopt rules to implement this section.

[2019 c.255 §2; 2023 c.287 §1; 2024 c.95 §35]