AANP Sues to Block Federal Rule Threatening Nurse Practitioner Workforce
Event summary
- AANP and a coalition of healthcare and education organizations filed a lawsuit on May 21, 2026, to block the U.S. Department of Education's RISE final rule, which they argue unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for future nurse practitioners.
- The rule, set to take effect on July 1, 2026, narrows the definition of 'professional degree' programs, excluding graduate nursing education.
- AANP warns that the rule could exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages and reduce patient access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Nurse practitioners provide nearly one billion patient visits annually, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 40% growth in NP employment over the next decade.
The big picture
The lawsuit highlights the tension between federal education policy and the growing demand for healthcare providers, particularly in underserved areas. With nurse practitioners playing a critical role in primary care, the outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for the healthcare workforce and patient access to care. The case also underscores the broader struggle between regulatory bodies and professional organizations over the definition and support of essential career pathways.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Outcome
- Whether the court will block the RISE rule before its July 1, 2026, implementation date, which could determine the future of federal student loan access for nursing students.
- Workforce Impact
- The pace at which healthcare workforce shortages could worsen if fewer students pursue nurse practitioner education due to limited loan access.
- Policy Response
- How Congress and the Department of Education may react to the lawsuit and whether they will reconsider the definition of 'professional degree' programs.