Published December 15, 2021 
Senate Build Back Better Act Draft Language Includes Essential Academic Nursing Provisions
Over the weekend, the Senate HELP Committee and Finance Committee released updated draft Build Back Better Act text. This comes after the House passed their bill in November, and as the Senate continues consideration and parliamentary discussions. Similar to the House-passed version, the Senate draft includes important academic nursing provisions, including:
- $500 million for Schools of Nursing in Underserved Areas: Similar to the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act, this section would provide much needed resources to support our nursing schools, faculty, and students.
- $500 million for the Nurse Corps: To support scholarships and loan repayment assistance for nurses at a healthcare facility with a critical shortage or nurse faculty at an accredited school of nursing.
- $170 million to Grow and Diversify the Nursing Workforce in Maternal and Perinatal Health.
We need your help to ensure these nursing provisions remain in any final package. ACT NOW and email your Senators asking them to keep these crucial nursing education investments in any final bill passed by the Senate.
AACN will continue to monitor the Build Back Better Act as it moves through Congress. Please follow @AACNPolicy for the latest updates.
AACN Submits Comments on NINR Strategic Plan
On December 13, AACN submitted formal comments in response to the National Institute of Nursing Research’s (NINR) Request for Information (RFI) on the NINR 2022-2026 Strategic Plan Framework. AACN’s comments reiterated our previous recommendations, along with support for increased funding for research in nursing interventions, informatics, and value-based care. AACN looks forward to working with NINR to ensure our nurse scientists and researchers continue to lead the way. To view AACN’s comments please click here.
All of Us Research Grants Awarded to AACN Member Schools
AACN is pleased to announce that four member schools have been selected to receive All of Us Research Program mini-grant funding. These schools include Azusa Pacific University, Morgan State University, North Carolina Central University, and Northern Illinois University. Launched by the National Institutes of Health, the All of Us Research Program seeks to build a national research cohort of one million or more participants reflecting the diversity of those living in the United States. Funding received by schools is used to increase awareness of the program and the importance of participation from underrepresented communities. To date, AACN has awarded over $300,000 in grants to nursing schools across the country through this initiative. To learn more about this program, visit JoinAllofUs.org/together.
Apply Today: Nurse Faculty Loan Program Grant Opportunities
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). NFLP provides funding to accredited schools of nursing to help increase qualified nurse faculty across the country. Click here or visit Grants.gov to apply by the January 13, 2022 deadline.