The American Association of Nurse Practitioners announced on June 30 that the U.S. Department of Education has published interim guidance directing institutions to temporarily treat eligible graduate nursing programs as professional degree programs for federal student loan purposes while a federal court's preliminary stay remains in effect.
The new guidance follows a court order in AANP v. McMahon, which is the association's challenge to the Department's professional degree rule. The Department of Education said the interim guidance was issued to implement the court's order and will remain effective during ongoing litigation.
AANP President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP, said, "We are encouraged that the Department of Education has taken an important step to protect nurse practitioner students and the future health care workforce. While this guidance is temporary, it helps ensure that aspiring nurse practitioners can continue pursuing their advanced education. At a time when the nation needs more nurse practitioners, we cannot afford to create barriers to educating them. We look forward to a permanent resolution that gives students the certainty they deserve and helps ensure patients continue to have access to high-quality care.”
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners describes itself as the largest professional membership organization representing nurse practitioners and NP students in the United States. The group says it advances health policy and promotes excellence in practice, education, and research in support of patient-centered care.
The interim guidance will remain until further action by either the court or through resolution of ongoing litigation.
