Policy Watch: Nursing Education Advocacy and NIH Research

Congressional Support for Nursing as a Professional Degree

During yesterday’s Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing, Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) asked Secretary McMahon about the Department of Education’s Proposed Rule that would exclude post-baccalaureate nursing programs from being classified as professional degrees, significantly reduce student loan borrowing limits, and prevent students from pursuing advanced nursing degrees. View the hearing here, with Senator Merkley's remarks and questions beginning at 1:05:29. AACN greatly appreciates Senator Merkley for his leadership and strong support of nursing education as we continue our advocacy and await the Final Rule.

Nomination Cycle for U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Now Open

AACN’s Ad Hoc Nomination Consortium is seeking potential candidates to serve on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This advisory body serves as an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services. If you know a nurse who should be nominated to serve on USPSTF, submit their name here before May 13 for consideration.

Deadline Friday: Input Requested in Response to NIH's Strategic Plan

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking public input on its Strategic Plan for FY 2027-2031 which will shape the agency’s research priorities, investments, and operations. AACN invites members to share their perspectives by May 1, to help ensure that our feedback on NIH’s strategic plan reflects the needs and priorities of academic nursing.

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