Colleagues,
Many of you previously took action to oppose the Department of Education’s proposed changes to federal student loan eligibility for post-baccalaureate nursing programs. Thank you again for your advocacy and engagement on this issue.
Unfortunately, despite broad opposition from nursing organizations, universities, health systems, clinicians, patients, and bipartisan members of Congress, the Department finalized the rule on April 30 without including post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the “professional student” category for federal loan purposes. This change threatens access to affordable education for future NPs and could further worsen workforce shortages and patient access challenges, including here in Washington State.
There is, however, ongoing bipartisan legislative work to address this. On May 7, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) introduced H.R. 8691, the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, which would amend the Department of Education’s definition of “professional student” to include post-baccalaureate nursing programs. Additional bipartisan cosponsors have already joined the effort, and a Senate companion bill led by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) is expected shortly.
National NP organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), continue to advocate for a legislative fix, but continued grassroots outreach remains important.
If you are willing, please consider again contacting your members of Congress to urge support for legislation correcting this rule and protecting federal loan access for nursing students and future NPs. Personal stories about educational debt, workforce needs, and patient access can be especially impactful.
Send a letter to your elected official today: https://www.votervoice.net/AANP/1/campaigns/137084/respond
Thank you again to everyone who has already spoken up on this issue and helped bring national attention to its impact on nursing education and the NP workforce.
In partnership,
The Federal Advocacy Committee
Zoë Evans-Agnew, Chair
Patricia Morgan
Sara Weelborg