The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) urges everyone interested in the future of
our healthcare system to comment on the Department of Education’s (DOE) proposed rule to
implement H.R. 1, which sets new student loan limits for post-baccalaureate nursing degrees.
Under this proposal, nursing programs like MSN, DNP, and PhD are not considered
"professional degree" programs, resulting in lower loan limits ($20,500 annually/$100,000 total)
for these students.

To post your comments directly on the Federal Register: Federal Register :: Reimagining and
Improving Student Education - Add a personal story or stress the importance of access to nursing
education and how it is essential to meeting the nation's healthcare needs. 

To send comments through the American Nurses Association Inc | Tell the Department of
Education Nursing is a Professional Degree, https://ana.quorum.us/campaign/EDcomment/
To comment on the AACN Take Action webpage urging inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing
education in the definition of “professional degree” programs. Take Action (AACN).

NOVA continues to advocate for VA healthcare professionals and strongly believes that nurses
are the backbone and lifeline for many patients. The negative impact that finalizing this proposed
rule as written would have on nursing and the future of the healthcare workforce, especially in
rural communities, is devastating.

Note - there is limited time as the public comment period is only open until March 2, 2026.

For more about NOVA or to join us - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs

Washington, D.C., October 1, 2025, Yesterday, the Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution
(CR) that would fund the government ahead of the September 30 deadline so as of 12:01 am the
Federal Government has shutdown.

As a reminder, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has Advance Appropriations so Veterans
healthcare and benefits should not be interrupted. Approximately 97% of VA employees are
expected to be retained to perform essential functions.

NOVA is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to supporting Veterans'
healthcare and services.

We continue to emphasize the importance of adequate staffing and are concerned about reports of
more layoffs and mass firings which could endanger continuity and access to care.
NOVA is the only professional nursing organization dedicated to advocating and supporting the
VA nurse.

Join us in supporting VA nurses—your voice matters. To become a NOVA member, click the link below.
Join - Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs.

For more information about VA’s contingency plans: Human Capital Contingency Plan - VA
Contingency Planning