HR 8691
Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
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Bill overview
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to clarify the definition of a ‘professional student’ and ‘professional degree.’ Specifically, it includes nursing degrees (such as MSN, DNP, DNAP, and Ph.D.) as qualifying professional degrees. This change aims to ensure that students pursuing advanced nursing degrees receive appropriate recognition for their specialized training and skills.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘professional degree’ to include advanced nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, DNAP, Ph.D.).
- Expands the definition of a ‘professional student’ to encompass students pursuing professional degrees.
- Includes Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Theology, Clinical Psychology, and other specified degrees as professional degrees.
Who is affected
- Nursing students
- Nursing programs
- Higher Education Institutions
- Students pursuing professional degrees
- The Department of Education
Notable changes
- Adds nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, DNAP, Ph.D.) to the list of professional degrees.
- Clarifies the requirements for a ‘professional degree’ beyond a bachelor’s degree.
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119th CONGRESS — 2d Session
H. R. 8691
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
To amend the definition of a professional student in the Higher Education Act of 1965.
This Act may be cited as the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
.
Section 455(a)(4)(C) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(a)(4)(C)) is amended—
, as defined under section 668.2 of title 34, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph),; and
by adding at the end the following:
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).
Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.).
Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.).
Chiropractic (D.C. or D.C.M.).
Law (L.L.B. or J.D.).
Optometry (O.D.).
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy (D.O.).
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry (D.P.M., D.P., or Pod.D.).
Theology/Theological Studies (M.Div. or M.H.L.).
Clinical Psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D.).
Nursing (MSN, DNP, DNAP, or Ph.D).
Any other degree that meets the requirements of subclause (I), as determined by the Secretary.