The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology joined a coalition of nursing organizations in a lawsuit challenging a Department of Education rule that excludes advanced nursing degrees from the definition of professional degree programs for federal student loan borrowing limits, according to a May 30 news release.
The lawsuit, filed May 29, argues the rule creates financial barriers for nurses pursuing graduate and advanced practice education, despite those programs meeting statutory requirements.
The AANA said the policy could restrict the pipeline of CRNAs and other advanced practice nurses at a time of growing demand for healthcare services, according to the release.
“The AANA is deeply concerned by the Department of Education’s decision to limit federal student loan access for advanced practice nursing degrees,” AANA President Jeff Molter, MSN, CRNA, said in a statement. He said the policy could reduce access to anesthesia services, particularly in rural and underserved communities where CRNAs often serve as the primary anesthesia providers.
The lawsuit was filed jointly by the American Nurses Association, AANA and several other nursing organizations. The groups are seeking to overturn the rule and preserve access to federal borrowing for advanced nursing education programs.
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