The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) announced on May 21 that it has filed a legal complaint, joined by several health care, education, and professional organizations, seeking to prevent the U.S. Department of Education’s Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) final rule from taking effect.
The coalition argues that the new rule would unlawfully restrict access to federal Direct Loans for future nurse practitioners and other students pursuing professional degrees. This comes at a time when many communities are experiencing provider shortages and increased demand for health care services.
“AANP repeatedly advised the Department of Education that this policy would create serious barriers for future nurse practitioners and worsen health care workforce shortages,” said AANP CEO Jon D. Fanning, MS, CAE, CNED. “Despite those concerns, the Department moved forward with a rule that limits access to federal student loans for graduate nursing students at a time when patients across the country are already struggling to access care. If fewer students are able to pursue nurse practitioner education, patients could face longer wait times, reduced health care options and greater difficulty accessing timely care. We are asking the court to protect the future health care workforce and the millions of patients who depend on nurse practitioners for care.”
Nurse practitioners provide nearly one billion patient visits annually in various settings across the United States. They diagnose illnesses, manage chronic conditions, prescribe medications, and deliver preventive services—often serving as primary providers in rural or underserved areas where access is limited.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 40% growth in employment opportunities for nurse practitioners over the next decade—a trend underscoring what AANP describes as an urgent need to maintain educational pathways into these professions.
“America’s health care system needs more providers, not more barriers for students pursuing careers in health care,” said AANP President Valerie J. Fuller, PhD, DNP. “This rule threatens the ability of future nurse practitioners to complete their education at a time when patients are already struggling to access timely care. Patients in rural and underserved communities will face a major impact where access is already a significant challenge. Protecting the future NP workforce means protecting patients’ access to high-quality health care.”
According to AANP's statement, Congress passed legislation in July 2025 preserving higher borrowing limits under Direct Loans for professional degree seekers; however, they say that subsequent regulations from the Department narrowed eligibility by redefining what qualifies as a "professional degree," excluding graduate nursing programs.
The coalition’s complaint asks courts to halt implementation before July 1, 2026—the date when RISE is set to take effect—and includes support from state-level organizations such as those representing Maryland, Vermont and Washington State nurses.
Democracy Forward and Jacobson Lawyers Group PLLC represent the coalition.
