(a) "Allied health education programs" includes, but is not limited to:

(A) Radiologic science;

(B) Nuclear medicine;

(C) Sonography;

(D) Vascular technology;

(E) Dental hygiene;

(F) Respiratory care;

(G) Clinical laboratory sciences; and

(H) Emergency medical services provider education.

(b) "Allied health education programs" does not include any undergraduate or graduate nursing program administered by Oregon Health and Science University.

(2) There is created the Oregon Center for Health Professions. The Oregon Center for Health Professions shall be administered by the Oregon Institute of Technology.

(3) The purposes of the Oregon Center for Health Professions are to:

(a) Provide continued development of bachelor’s degree level education programs in areas of allied health;

(b) Facilitate the creation of new partnerships between the health care industry and community colleges, private institutions of higher education and public universities listed in ORS 352.002 in order to increase the number of students and graduates in allied health education programs;

(c) Provide continuing education, professional development and certificate programs for allied health care professionals; and

(d) Align with and complement educational partnerships between the Oregon Institute of Technology and Oregon Health and Science University focusing on allied health education programs.

(4) The Oregon Institute of Technology may receive moneys from any public or private source to support the Oregon Center for Health Professions. Gifts and grants received to support the Oregon Center for Health Professions shall be credited to the appropriate fund at the Oregon Institute of Technology. [Formerly 352.223]