On June 25, nearly 500 nurses will converge on Capitol Hill for the American Nurses Association’s annual Hill Day, pushing Congress to reverse a Department of Education rule set to take effect July 1 that excludes advanced nursing from the federal definition of a professional degree.
The cohort will represent 49 states and two U.S. territories, according to a media advisory shared June 24 with Becker’s.
The rule governs federal student loan borrowing limits and would reduce access to graduate nursing funding. ANA has warned the policy creates financial barriers for nursing students, weakens the workforce pipeline and limits patient access to care at a time when health systems report persistent staffing shortages.
ANA and nine other national nursing organizations sued the Education Department over the rule on May 29.
At the advocacy event, nurses will also promote HR 8691/S 4568, legislation that would formally recognize nursing as a professional degree under federal law. The bill was introduced in May and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
