Published February 01, 2023 
AACN Submits Comments to the Department of Education on Improving Income-Driven Repayment
On January 30, AACN submitted comments to the Department of Education as they look to modify and restructure repayment plan initiatives through the Revised Pay as You Earn (REPAYE) plan and the regulations under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program, as well as combining the Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) and the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plans to create the new Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan. Under the proposed regulations, borrowers would benefit from more affordable repayment options, including updated systems, the elimination of accumulating interest, and a longer grace period for making student loan payments. AACN supports these regulations as the Department seeks to increase access to affordable repayment terms and more manageable repayment plans. To view AACN comments, click here.
AACN Attends Virtual Webinar on Expanding Adult Vaccine Access
On January 26, AACN attended an event hosted by The Hill focused on expanding the accessibility of vaccines and solutions to increasing vaccination rates among adults in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event featured a panel of healthcare leaders, including Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator. Panelists discussed potential causes and solutions of this public health challenge, as well as vaccine availability and efforts to lower or eliminate vaccine costs. Panelists also spoke on combatting vaccine hesitancy by gaining trust within communities and disseminating accurate, evidence-based information. To watch the event, click here.
Apply Today: Funding Opportunity to Help Increase SUD Workforce
The Health Resources and Services Administration has an active funding opportunity for the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program. The purpose of this program is to increase the number of healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners and nurses, to provide mental health support, as well as substance use disorder and opioid use disorder services. Eligible applicants include teaching health centers, federally qualified health centers, and rural health clinics, among others. The deadline to apply is March 21, 2023, with a technical assistance webinar on Thursday, February 9 at 2 pm (ET). To learn more, access information about the technical assistance webinar, and apply, click here.
