Back to News Policy Watch: Congressional Advocacy and Strategic Planning Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Policy & Advocacy Continued Congressional Support for Nursing as a Professional Degree On May 1, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) expressing concern about the Department of Education’s final rule that excluded post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the definition of “professional” degrees. Additionally, these congressional leaders outlined their intentions to introduce legislation that would officially add post-baccalaureate nurses to the professional degree definition. One Week Left to Nominate a Nurse for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 糖心少女vlog’s Ad Hoc Nomination Consortium is seeking potential candidates to serve on the (USPSTF). This advisory body serves as an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services. If you know a nurse who should be nominated to serve on the USPSTF, before May 13 for consideration. Participate in an NINR Strategic Plan Listening Session The National Health Council and Research!America are holding a listening session to inform the National Institute of Nursing Research’s (NINR) next strategic plan. The event will be held in-person on May 27, from 9:30-11:00 am (ET) at the Barbara Jordan Conference Center in Washington, DC. . View all updates from Policy Watch Please login or register to post comments.