Policy & Advocacy

Policy & Advocacy

AACN is a nonpartisan organization that serves to educate and advocate for nursing education, research, and practice. AACN is a leader in securing sustained federal support for nursing education and research; shaping legislative and regulatory policy affecting nursing schools; and ensuring continuing financial assistance for nursing students.

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New AACN Resource Page for Supporting Nursing is a Professional Degree

AACN is excited to launch a new landing page in support of nursing as a professional degree. As we await the open comment period after the release of the Department of Education’s Proposed Rule, this page will continue to be updated with resources to assist members in submitting comments in support of nursing’s inclusion in the definition of “professional degree” programs.

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Introducing the Face of Academic Nursing Hub

AACN is pleased to introduce The Face of Academic Nursing, a new resource hub highlighting the vital role of Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in shaping the future of nursing education and health care. These federal programs are essential to strengthening nursing pathways and maintaining access to high-quality care nationwide. This hub serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the impact of Title VIII and NINR, providing valuable resources and insights for nursing students, faculty, and institutions.

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Member Engagement

Member Engagement

Federal Agenda

Federal Agenda

Student Opportunities

Student Opportunities

Advocacy Resources

Advocacy Resources

Committees & Councils

Committees & Councils

Snapshot

Unveiling AACN's Policy & Advocacy Year in Review

As we reflect on the past year, including the longest government shutdown in history, AACN continues to lead ongoing policy and advocacy efforts within Congress and the Administration on behalf of our members and academic nursing. We are grateful to our schools, faculty and students as we respond to and engage with federal policymakers on timely and critical issues.

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Policy Watch: 2025 in Review

AACN is committed to advocating for academic nursing and keeping our members informed about key developments in the legislative and policy arena. We are proud to present our 2025 Year in Review,...
| Policy & Advocacy
Capitol Rotunda

AACN's Latest Advocacy, Coalition, and Policy Efforts


January 23: AACN signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter supporting the passage of the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act (S.3296), as well thanking Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) for introducing the bill. This legislation would retire outdated barriers in the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) that limit the ability of nurse practitioners (NPs) to diagnose and oversee the care and treatment of federal employees who are injured or become ill in the course of their employment.

January 22: AACN sent a letter to Congress outlining support for the conferenced Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS-ED) bill that includes $305.472 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $197.693 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). AACN also signed onto a Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) letter making the same request.


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