Bill · H.R. 8659· House(119-HR-8659)
Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
- Introduced
- 5/4/2026
- Last activity
- 5/4/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Jennifer Kiggans
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Nursing is a Professional Degree Act," aims to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965. It seeks to change the definition of a "professional student" by updating the definition of a "professional degree." The amendment clarifies that a professional degree signifies the completion of academic requirements to begin practice in a profession that often requires licensure and involves skills beyond a bachelor's degree. The bill specifically includes several types of degrees such as Pharmacy, Law, and Medicine. Notably, it explicitly includes Nursing degrees in this definition.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would students be better off under this?+3
The bill provides legal clarity for students pursuing advanced degrees in nursing and other specified professions.
Does this make college cost less?+3
The bill updates the definition of a professional degree to include nursing, which clarifies the status of these students under the Higher Education Act.
Would women be better off under this?+2
The inclusion of nursing degrees in the professional degree definition supports a field with a high proportion of female professionals.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Clarification of Professional Degrees: The bill defines a professional degree as one that signifies completion of requirements for beginning practice in a profession where licensure is commonly required and involves skills beyond a bachelor's degree (Section 2).
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Inclusion of Nursing: The bill specifically includes Nursing degrees, such as MSN, DNP, DNAP, or Ph.D., within the list of professional degrees (Section 2, clause (ii)(II)(ll)).
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Broad Scope for Other Professions: The definition allows for other degrees to be included if they meet the requirements of signifying academic completion for practice and professional skill levels, as determined by the Secretary (Section 2, clause (ii)(II)(mm)).
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List of Recognized Professional Degrees: The bill provides a specific list of degrees that qualify, including Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Chiropractic, Law, Medicine, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Theology, and Clinical Psychology (Section 2, clause (ii)(II)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+3Good For Women+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- 5/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Joyce BeattyDemocrat · Ohio
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan