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Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

USA119th CongressHR-8691| House 
| Updated: 5/7/2026
Jennifer A. Kiggans

Jennifer A. Kiggans

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (14)
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Robert J. Wittman (Republican)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Don Bacon (Republican)David P. Joyce (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Randy Fine (Republican)Derrick Van Orden (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Kevin Kiley (Independent)Robert P. Bresnahan (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Nursing is a Professional Degree Act," aims to update the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. It specifically amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing a reference to an outdated federal regulation for defining such degrees. The legislation establishes a new, comprehensive definition for a professional degree, characterizing it as one that signifies completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a level of professional skill beyond a bachelor's degree. A significant provision of this bill is the explicit inclusion of various nursing degrees , such as MSN, DNP, DNAP, and Ph.D, alongside other recognized professional degrees like Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine, and Law. This redefinition ensures that these nursing programs are formally recognized under federal higher education statutes, potentially impacting student loan eligibility or other related provisions.
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Timeline
May 7, 2026
Introduced in House
May 7, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
May 19, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4568
Introduced in Senate
  • May 7, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 7, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.


  • May 19, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4568
    Introduced in Senate

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 119-6718: Professional Student Degree Act
  • HR 119-8659: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

Nursing is a Professional Degree Act

USA119th CongressHR-8691| House 
| Updated: 5/7/2026
This bill, known as the "Nursing is a Professional Degree Act," aims to update the definition of a professional degree within the Higher Education Act of 1965. It specifically amends Section 455(a)(4)(C) by removing a reference to an outdated federal regulation for defining such degrees. The legislation establishes a new, comprehensive definition for a professional degree, characterizing it as one that signifies completion of academic requirements for beginning practice in a profession, often requiring licensure, and demonstrating a level of professional skill beyond a bachelor's degree. A significant provision of this bill is the explicit inclusion of various nursing degrees , such as MSN, DNP, DNAP, and Ph.D, alongside other recognized professional degrees like Pharmacy, Dentistry, Medicine, and Law. This redefinition ensures that these nursing programs are formally recognized under federal higher education statutes, potentially impacting student loan eligibility or other related provisions.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
May 7, 2026
Introduced in House
May 7, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
May 19, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-4568
Introduced in Senate
  • May 7, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 7, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.


  • May 19, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-4568
    Introduced in Senate
Jennifer A. Kiggans

Jennifer A. Kiggans

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (14)
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican)Robert J. Wittman (Republican)Sarah Elfreth (Democratic)Dan Newhouse (Republican)Don Bacon (Republican)David P. Joyce (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Randy Fine (Republican)Derrick Van Orden (Republican)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Kevin Kiley (Independent)Robert P. Bresnahan (Republican)Jack Bergman (Republican)Ryan Mackenzie (Republican)

Education and Workforce Committee

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 119-6718: Professional Student Degree Act
  • HR 119-8659: Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted