Back to News Policy Watch: Updates on Education, Research and Government Shutdown Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | Policy & Advocacy Federal Policy Updates On October 2, AACN signed onto a Federation of Associations of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its negotiated rulemaking process on the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The letter urges the Department to ensure that the health professions workforce is included in the definition of "professional degrees." Research!America will host a webinar on October 28 from 12:00-1:00 pm (ET) in support of the Americans for Medical Research Campaign, focusing on strategies for effective communication by scientists to the public. Register here. As we enter the second week of the government shutdown, AACN continues to monitor and encourage members to "Share Your Voice" on any impacts this shutdown is having in your district/state. View all updates from Policy Watch