Bill > HR0226

This resolution urges the United States Department of Education to reconsider its proposed definition of "professional degree" as recommended by the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee. The resolution highlights concerns that the current proposed definition would exclude many allied health care degree programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, advanced practice nursing, social work, and physician assistant programs. The resolution argues that professional degrees should be defined by the credentials required for professional practice, specifically suggesting that programs within the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code 51 and related codes should be considered professional degrees. The key concern is that the proposed definition could negatively impact the health care workforce pipeline by reducing access to federal student loans for students in these critical health professions, particularly in rural and underserved communities already facing significant healthcare provider shortages. Ultimately, the resolution calls on the Department of Education to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive definition of professional degrees that ensures students in health-related fields can access necessary financial support for their education.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HR-0226