Update on Lawsuit Against Department of Education as of August 11, 2026
Judge Saris of the District Court of Massachusetts responded in the ANA, AANA, and allied organizations nursing focused lawsuit against the Department of Education (ED). While the Court did not grant a temporary injunction in our case, Judge Saris found that the Department of Education’s (ED) exclusion of nursing degrees from the professional degree definition is likely contrary to law, agreeing with the D.C. court’s earlier analysis. The court found that ED improperly added requirements beyond what the law allows, and that under the original statutory definition, nursing degrees like the MSN, DNP and DNAP should be eligible for consideration as professional degrees. Under current Department guidance issued in response to the D.C. court’s stay, MSN, DNP and DNAP students continue to receive the higher loan limits. This is not the end of our case, and as the legal process continues, our mission remains clear – to ensure that qualified future Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs) are not discouraged from entering the profession because of erroneous federal student loan policies. AANA will continue advocating with our partners and fighting for a lasting solution that supports our students, strengthens the anesthesia workforce, and helps ensure patients have access to high-quality anesthesia care wherever they live.
Update on July 14, 2026
The American Nurses Association (ANA), AANA, and our nursing colleagues had our first hearing in our nursing focused lawsuit against the Department of Education’s (ED) definition of professional degree on July 1. Our case is in front of Judge Patti B. Saris in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts. Judge Saris did not give a ruling on July 1, instead asking for more information from both sides in the case. She did not give a ruling yet because she is relying on a temporary stay ordered in a separate lawsuit.
On June 25, a stay was ordered in a separate lawsuit led by the organization Democracy Forward and physician associate associations. A stay is a temporary pause in implementation of the regulation while a Judge reviews the case. This pause on implementation of the definition of professional degree is currently in effect and applies to all MSN, DNP, and DNAP degrees. ED has released official guidance confirming that anyone attending an MSN, DNP, or DNAP degree program may borrow the professional degree amounts of $50,000 per year while this stay remains in place.
If you are an RN/APRN, student, or Program Director make sure to check with your institution’s financial aid office and legal department on any questions you have about ED’s guidance.
Judge Saris is still reviewing our case but could make her decision anytime. Make sure to watch our social media channels for the timeliest news as well as our newsletters and AANA Advocacy Network.
Our goal is simple: to correct this improper classification and protect the ability of future CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists and advanced nursing professionals to access appropriate federal loan support.
This is a complex issue with legal, legislative, political, and strategic considerations. AANA is committed to advocating strongly on behalf of our profession, our students, and the future CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist workforce.
Action you can take today:
In the wake of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) final rule capping federal unsubsidized loans for post-baccalaureate nurses at $20,500 per year and $100,000 in aggregate, AANA is working with our Congressional partners to garner support for legislative solutions.
Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), David Joyce (R-OH), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), have introduced the Nursing is a Professional Degree Act, which amends the definition of “professional degree” include all post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, DNAP, and PhD). Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sen. Cynthis Lummis (R-WY), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), also introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), John Mannion (D-NY), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) also introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, which would repeal ED’s final rule in its entirety.
While AANA works to advance these bills in Washington, DC, it’s critical that your legislators hear that you – as a voter and a constituent – contact them today!