The U.S. Department of Education recently released a final rule implementing changes to federal student loan programs under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative. The final rule includes changes to graduate and professional student loan limits, repayment structures and loan rehabilitation policies.
The MHA submitted comments in opposition to portions of the proposed rule related to the definitions of “professional student” and “professional degree.”
The MHA raised concerns that the proposed framework could negatively impact healthcare workforce pipelines by limiting borrowing flexibility for certain graduate-level professions, including behavioral health providers, advanced practice nurses and allied health clinicians.
In the comment letter, the MHA emphasized that Michigan hospitals, particularly rural and critical access hospitals, rely heavily on master’s-level clinicians and advanced practice providers to sustain access to care in underserved communities. The MHA also highlighted ongoing workforce shortages affecting hospitals and behavioral systems in the state and nationwide.
While the Department acknowledged comments from healthcare and counseling stakeholders regarding workforce and affordability concerns, the final rule did not expand the definition of “professional student” or adopt the broader classification approach requested by the MHA. The Department stated that it remains confident in its classification of professional versus graduate degree programs.
Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.