Congress Must Act: Protect Physical Therapy‘s Professional Degree Status
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Federal Student Loan Regulations Under Review
the U.S. Department of Education is currently undertaking a critical update to federal student loan regulations, specifically concerning the definition of “professional degree” programs. Historically, physical therapy, alongside dozens of other licensed healthcare professions, has been consistently included within this category.
concerning Proposal from RISE Committee
However, a recently proposed definition adopted by the Department of Education’s RISE Committee threatens to drastically alter this long-standing practice. This proposed definition, if enacted, could inflict meaningful and lasting damage on the healthcare workforce by excluding numerous professions, including physical therapy.
A Deviation from Congressional Intent
Advocates argue that this proposed change does not align with the original intent of Congress. The current framework was designed to recognize a broad range of healthcare professions as professional degrees, and the proposed definition represents a concerning departure from that established understanding.
Urgent Action Needed: Contact Your Representatives
It is indeed imperative that members of Congress are made aware of the potential consequences of this regulatory shift. We urge you to contact your elected officials and advocate for intervention, ensuring the Department of Education adheres to the original congressional intent and maintains the inclusive definition of professional degrees that has historically encompassed a wide spectrum of healthcare professions.
Your voice matters. It’s vital that your representatives understand the importance of getting these regulations right to safeguard the future of healthcare.
Find Your Representatives
I truly believe this is a critical moment for the future of physical therapy and healthcare access. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue – please share your comments below, and if you found this article helpful, consider sharing it with your network or subscribing to our newsletter for more updates on important news like this.
