To amplify our influence, AACN often works with groups that share our specific goals. The Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), a consortium of more than 60 nursing organizations, is a powerful partner that works directly with government agencies and lawmakers. We are a platinum member of NCC, which provides us access to monthly meetings and voting privileges on specific actions. See the following for some of the work AACN has done with NCC and other partners:
Commends Passage of the FY 2022 Omnibus
The Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) commended Congress for passing the bipartisan FY 2022 Omnibus spending bill and for supporting increases to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Read Letter Here
March 11, 2022
Urges Advancement of U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
Fifty-six members of the NCC, including AACN, signed onto letters to the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees urging them to pass S.1220/H.R.2568, the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021.
Read House Letter
Read Senate Letter
February 14, 2022
Congratulates New Administrator of the HRSA
AACN joined with other NCC members to welcome Carole Johnson as the new Administrator of the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA).
Read Letter Here
January 31, 2022
Supports Shared Nursing Priorities in Build Back Better Act
AACN and 56 other members of the NCC sent a letter urging the Senate to advance sound policies within the Build Back Better Act, including support for nursing education pathways, the Nurse Corps, and Momnibus.
Read Letter Here
January 19, 2022
FY 2022 Funding Requests Reiterated
Sixty members of the NCC, which includes AACN, sent a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees requesting at least $314.472 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce and Development Programs and at least $200.782 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2022.
Read Letter Here
January 19, 2022
Supports COVID-19 Blanket Waivers
AACN and 43 other members of the NCC signed onto a letter urging Congress to make COVID-19 blanket waivers permanent beyond the public health emergency.
Read Letter Here
December 20, 2021
Shares Build Back Better Act Priorities
Fifty-six members of the NCC, including AACN, sent a letter strongly urging the Senate to preserve shared nursing priorities, including support for nursing education pathways, the Nurse Corps, and Momnibus, in their Build Back Better Act.
Read Letter Here
December 2, 2021
NCC Applauds House Passage of the Build Back Better Act
The NCC issued a statement after the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act. This bill included NCC top priorities that address nursing education, the nursing workforce, and public health.
Read Letter Here
November 19, 2021
NCC Statement on House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup
The NCC issued a statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced their piece of the Build Back Better Act. These reconciliation recommendations included nursing priorities that address public health and education, as well as investing billions in pandemic preparedness initiatives.
Read Letter Here
September 17, 2021
Urges House Veterans' Affairs Committee to Advance the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
AACN joined 52 other members of the NCC in signing a letter to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee urging them to support and advance S.1220/H.R.2568, the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021.
Read Letter Here
September 14, 2021
Congratulates Deputy Administrator and Director of CMS
AACN joined the NCC in welcoming Dr. Meena Seshamani, who was selected to be the Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicare at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Read Letter Here
August 12, 2021
Supports PPE In America Act
AACN sent letters to the chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and other federal lawmakers asking that they prioritize H.R. 1436, the PPE in America Act and ensure that it is moved to the full House for a vote.
Read Letter Here
August 3, 2021
Commends House Passage of FY 2022 Spending Bills
The Nursing Community Coalition issued a statement commending the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of the seven-bill minibus for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 that includes historic investments in the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Read Letter Here
July 29, 2021
Congratulates the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
AACN signed an NCC letter congratulating Dawn O’Connell, who was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Read Letter Here
July 26, 2021
Congratulates the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use
AACN signed an NCC letter congratulating Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, who was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Read Letter Here
July 26, 2021
Letter to Congress Outlining Shared Public Health Infrastructure Priorities
AACN joined 51 other members of the NCC on a letter to Congressional Leadership and key committees outlining our shared public health, education, and workforce priorities and urged their inclusion in any infrastructure package.
Read Letter Here
July 9, 2021
Testimony to Senate Appropriation Subcommittee
Sixty members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), including AACN, signed onto written testimony submitted to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition's funding requests of $530 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $199.755 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2022.
Read Letter Here
June 23, 2021
Urges Advance of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
Fifty-two members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC), including AACN, signed onto a letter to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee urging them to support and advance S.1220/H.R.2568 - United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021.
Read Letter Here
June 22, 2021
Congratulates the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate Andrea Palm, on her confirmation as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Read Letter Here
June 21, 2021
Congratulates the Administrator of CMS
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate Chiquita Brooks-LaSure on her confirmation as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Read Letter Here
June 21, 2021
NCC Statement on the President's FY 2022 Budget
The Nursing Community Coalition issued a statement supporting restored and increased funding for key domestic and health care programs, such as Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research, in the Administration's Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.
Read Full Statement
June 1, 2021
Thanks Sen. Warren and Rep. Bustos for Introducing the U.S. Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
AACN signed NCC letters to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), and a bipartisan group of 40 original cosponsors, thanking them for introducing the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 (S.1220/H.R.2568).
Read House Letter
Read Senate Letter
May 28, 2021
Congratulates U.S. Secretary of Labor
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate Martin Walsh on his confirmation as the 29th Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor.
Read Letter Here
May 11, 2021
Submits Testimony to House Appropriation Subcommittee
AACN joined 59 members of the NCC to submit written testimony for the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition’s funding requests of $530 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $193 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2022.
Read Letter Here
May 6, 2021
Thanks Rep. Underwood and Sen. Booker for Introducing the Momnibus Act
Forty-five members of the NCC, including AACN, thanked Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) for introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (H.R. 959/S.346). The Momnibus Act provides a multipronged approach to addressing maternal health in the United States.
Read Letter Here
April 29, 2021
Congratulates Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Rachel Levine, welcoming her as she begins work to ensure all individuals receive the healthcare they deserve.
Read Letter Here
April 8, 2021
Welcomes U.S. Surgeon General
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, welcoming him to his new position and thanking him for his commitment to public health, ensuring the health of underrepresented communities, and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read Letter Here
April 8, 2021
Legislation to Address Workplace Violence
AACN and 50 other members of the NCC, sent a letter to Congressional leadership urging consideration and passage of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195).
Read Letter Here
March 31, 2021
Congratulates U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
AACN joined with NCC to congratulate U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, welcoming him to his new position and outlining our shared priorities to combat COVID‐19, preserve critical advancements, and support the health of our nation.
Read Letter Here
March 25, 2021
Appropriations Request to House and Senate LHHS-ED Appropriations Subcommittees
AACN and 59 other members of the NCC, signed onto letters to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies outlining the funding request levels of $530 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $193 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for FY 2022.
Read House Letter
Read Senate Letter
March 16, 2021
NCC Statement on the American Rescue Plan Act Becoming Law
The Nursing Community Coalition commended Congress and the Administration for actions to address the COVID-19 pandemic by passing and signing into law H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Read Full Statement
March 11, 2021
Congratulates new U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
AACN joined with the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) in sending a letter to the recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, welcoming him to his new position and pledging to work with him to improve veteran's health through nursing care.
Read Letter
March 3, 2021
Letter to Congress Outlining Shared COVID-19 Priorities
AACN joined 58 other members of the NCC in sending a letter to Congressional leadership and key committee members, urging them to include shared legislative priorities in the COVID-19 relief package. These include protection and support for healthcare workers on the frontlines.
Read the letter
Feb 25, 2021
Congratulates Chairwoman DeLauro on her Leadership of the House Appropriations Committee
The NCC congratulated Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) on her election as Chair to the House Committee on Appropriations and looks forward to working with her again in the 117th Congress.
Read the letter
Jan 29, 2021
Commits to Work With Biden-Harris Administration
AACN joined with other members of the NCC in a commitment to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to combat COVID-19 and advance sound health care policy.
Read the statement
Jan 22, 2021
Welcomes 117th Congress
AAACN and the NCC welcomed senators and representatives to the 117th Congress and outlined our priorities: to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs, and support nursing research.
Read the Senate letter
Read the House letter
Jan 21, 2021
Supports Increased Investments in Nursing Education, Workforce, and Research
The NCC commends Congress for passing a COVID-19 relief effort and for supporting increases to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and National Institute of Nursing Research in Fiscal Year 2021. The NCC looks forward to working with the 117th Congress and incoming Administration to support our current and future nursing workforce in 2021 and beyond.
Read the statement
Dec 22, 2020
Letter to Congressional Leadership Reinforcing COVID-19 Priorities
Fifty-nine members of the NCC, which includes AACN, sent a letter to Congressional leadership reinforcing our shared COVID-19 priorities to be included in any pandemic legislative relief package before the end of the 116th Congress.
Read the letter
Nov 20, 2020
Letter to Appropriators Updating FY 2021 Funding Requests
Sixty-two members of the NCC sent a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees requesting at least $269.972 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce and Development Programs and at least $177.976 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2021. The undersigned organizations also reiterated their request for additional supplemental funding for these programs.
Read the letter
Nov 20, 2020
Welcome to Biden Administration's Transition Team
AACN and 62 members of the NCC sent a letter to the Biden-Harris Transition Team welcoming the opportunity to serve as a resource to the Biden Administration and outlining key priorities to promote America's health through the nursing lens. This letter strongly encouraged the Transition Team to include nurses in every step of the process, in all possible conversations, and among taskforces, commissions, committees, councils, and federal boards.
Read the letter
Nov 13, 2020
Supports the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing Act (S.4396/H.R.7945)
Fifty-three members of the NCC, including AACN, sent a letter to House and Senate Leadership and key congressional committees expressing support for the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing Act (S.4396/H.R.7945) and encouraging its inclusion in the next COVID-19 legislative relief package.
Read the letter
Sept 30, 2020
Urges Advancement of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
AACN and 60 other members of the NCC signed onto letters to the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees urging them to support and advance S.997/H.R. 2056, the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2019.
Read the House letter
Read the Senate letter
Sept 11, 2020
Welcomes New NINR Director, Dr. Shannon Zenk
AACN signed a letter sent by the NCC to welcome the new National Institute of Nursing Research’s (NINR) Director, Dr. Shannon Zenk. Support for the NINR is one of AACN’s main legislative priorities as we promote the work of nurse scientists, advocate for investments in research and future researchers, and share NINR’s foundational work to improve healthcare delivery across the care continuum.
Read the letter
Aug 31, 2020
Reiterates COVID-19 Priorities for Congress
In an effort led by the NCC, AACN signed a letter sent to House and Senate leadership and key congressional committees outlining additional priorities for any COVID-19 legislative package. These include personal protective equipment and safety.
Read the letter
Aug 18, 2020
Additional COVID-19 Priorities
AACN joined 56 members of the NCC in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership and key congressional committees that outlined additional priorities for any COVID-19 legislative package.
Read the letter
July 29, 2020
CMS’ COVID-19 Blanket Waivers Should Continue
AACN and other members of the Nursing Community Coalition signed a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend and make permanent waivers that removed barriers to practice, encouraged innovation, and ensured that our patients have access to the highest quality nursing care during the COVID-19 emergency.
Read the letter
July 15, 2020
Reiterates FY 2021 Title VIII Funding Request
AACN joined 60 members of the Nursing Community Coalition who signed a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education reiterating a funding request of at least $278 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $182 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2021.
Read the House letter
Read the Senate letter
June 22, 2020
Supports Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ Full Scope of Practice
AACN, along with 46 other members of the Nursing Community Coalition, sent a letter to the administration supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Directive 1899 to remove barriers to practice and allow for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to practice to the full extent of their education and abilities.
Read the letter
May 18, 2020
Letter to Congress Outlining Additional COVID-19 Priorities
AACN and 56 other members of the Nursing Community Coalition sent a letter to House and Senate Leaders thanking them for their work to combat COVID-19 and outlining priorities for any future COVID-19 legislative package.
Read the letter
April 28, 2020
Testimony to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
AACN and 59 other members of the Nursing Community Coalition joined to submit testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony requested $278 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $182 million for the National Institute for Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2021.
Read the written testimony
April 23, 2020
A Call to Action for America to Fight COVID-19
AACN calls upon the government, private sector and all other Americans to “uphold your moral obligation and join us in fighting the battle against coronavirus and the resulting COVID-19 disease.”
Read the statement
April 13, 2020
AACN Calls on Government for Action on PPE
Nurses must have adequate protection and life-saving equipment to change the course of the COVID-19 crisis. AACN calls for immediate action from the Federal government and industry to increase supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other equipment.
Read the statement
April 3, 2020
Nurse Appropriations and COVID-19
AACN joined NCC-led testimony for the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies. This testimony asserted the need for robust funding of Nursing Workforce Development programs (Title VIII) and National Institute of Nursing Research. These programs are necessary to address current and future health challenges.
Read the testimony
March 24, 2020
AACN Presses Federal Leaders for Urgent Action
AACN followed up a meeting at White House with a letter that emphasized the urgent need for measures to supply nurses with resources needed to provide safe and effective care. The letter was also sent to House and Senate leaders, as well as the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security.
Read the letter
March 23, 2020
COVID-19 Legislative Priorities
AACN and other major nursing organizations united to urge legislators to incorporate nursing priorities in any future House and Senate legislation. In collaboration with NCC, we are committed to addressing crucial issues as we combat this public health crisis.
Read the letter
March 19, 2020
CMS Updates and Waivers
AACN is participating in CMS hosted calls with nurses to discuss 1135 waivers, which allow greater flexibility regarding the agency’s regulatory requirements. The calls also cover the latest telehealth guidance, surveys and audience Q&A. These are open to all nurses. We will share call-in information via @AACNme as it is received.
General information on 1135 waivers can be found here.
March 19, 2020
Title VIII and NINR Funded for 2020
Nursing Community Coalition released a statement thanking the House and Senate for passing, and the president for signing, H.R. 1865, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which includes increases to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Read the full statement
Dec 20, 2019
Requests Updated FY 2020 Funding Request
All 63 members of NCC, including AACN, signed a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee detailing NCC’s updated fiscal year 2020 funding requests.
Read the letter
Dec 5, 2019
Bipartisan Title VIII Legislation Advances in Senate
One of AACN’s top legislative priorities, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act (S. 1399), advanced out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee by unanimous voice vote. NCC, which includes AACN, commended the committee for their bipartisan commitment to nursing education and the nursing workforce.
Read the full statement
Oct 31, 2019
Title VIII Reauthorization Passes the House
AACN and NCC applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Act of 2019 (H.R. 728). This bipartisan legislation would help to ensure a robust and diverse nursing pipeline, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Read the full statement
Oct 28, 2019
Urges Senate HELP Committee to Advance Title VIII Reauthorization
AACN and all 62 other members of NCC signed a letter to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee urging them to consider and advance the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 (S.1399) this year.
Read the letter
Sept 5, 2019
Reiterates Request for Title VIII Funding
All NCC member organizations, including AACN, signed a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education reiterating our funding request of at least $266 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $173 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for fiscal year 2020.
Read the letter
Aug 9, 2019
Urges Honors for the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps
AACN signed an NCC letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees urging them to include the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition amendment in the final National Defense Authorization Act. By including this strongly supported bipartisan amendment in this bill, nurses who served as members of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II will be recognized and will receive honorable discharges, medal privileges and burial benefits for Department of Veterans Affairs administered cemeteries.
Read the full statement
July 25, 2019
Title VIII Reauthorization Advances Out of Energy and Commerce Committee
NCC thanks the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing H.R. 728, the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, to the House floor. This legislation would reauthorize the Nursing Workforce Development Programs through fiscal year 2024.
Read the full statement
July 17, 2019
Supports Nurse Corps Service Recognition Amendment #257
Bustos Amendment #257 would recognize nurses who served as members of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II and provide them with honorable discharges, medal privileges and burial benefits for cemeteries administered under the Department of Veterans Affairs. AACN consistently supports this effort.
Read the full statement
July 8, 2019
Commends House for Passing Title VIII Appropriations Act
H.R. 2740, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2020, increases investments in nursing education and research. The bill would appropriate $279.47 million for existing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and new grant opportunities and allocate $170.96 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Read more
June 19, 2019
Thanks to Senate for Introducing Title VIII Reauthorization
All 62 members of the Nursing Community Coalition, including AACN, signed a letter thanking Senators Merkley and Burr for introducing S. 1399, Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019.
Read the letter
June 5, 2019
Submits Testimony to Senate Appropriation Subcommittee
Fifty-nine organizations, including AACN, signed written testimony for the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition’s funding requests of $266 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $173 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for fiscal year 2020.
Read the full written testimony
May 30, 2019
Thanks for U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act Introduction
This legislation recognizes nurses who served as members of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II and provides them with honorable discharges, medal privileges and veteran burial benefits.
Read the Senate letter
Read the House letter
May 14, 2019
Applauds Bipartisan Senate Effort to Support Nursing Workforce
NCC commends Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) for introducing the bipartisan bill, S. 1399, Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019.
Read NCC’s statement
May 9, 2019
AACN Goes to Congress to “Thank a Nurse”
Karen Kesten, immediate past chair of the AACN Certification Corporation board of directors, attended NCC’s “Thank a Nurse” congressional reception at the Rayburn office building near the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Kesten presented information about the work of acute and critical care nurses.
May 7, 2019
Submits Testimony to House Appropriation Subcommittee
AACN joined 57 other nursing organizations in signing written testimony submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition’s funding requests of $266 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $173 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for fiscal year 2020.
April 8, 2019
Statement on President’s FY 2020 Budget
NCC, including AACN, opposed deep cuts to Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and to the National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Nursing Research in the president’s proposed FY 2020 Budget. However, the coalition commended the president’s investment in the health of our nation’s veterans and consistent funding to address the opioid epidemic.
Read the statement
March 11, 2019
Supports Oversight and Investigations on Immigrant Children
AACN, signed an NCC letter in appreciation of the subcommittee’s work to protect the health and wellness of immigrant children. This commitment to holistic care that encompasses physical and mental well-being of all, at any age and in any location, is at the core of the nursing profession.
Read the letter
Feb 7, 2019
Thanks for 2019 Title VIII Introduction in the House
Forty-one member organizations thanked our House nursing champions for introducing Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 728) and for their steadfast commitment to America’s nurses and these invaluable nursing workforce programs.
Read the letter
Jan 31, 2019
Commends Introduction of 2019 Title VIII Reauthorization
Through our work with NCC, AACN fully supports this legislation reauthorizing the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nursing Workforce Development Programs (authorized under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act [42 U.S.C. 296 et. seq]) through fiscal year 2024.
Read NCC’s Statement
Jan 23, 2019
Welcomes Members of the 116th Congress
As the 116th Congress commenced, the AACN and NCC looked forward to working with the new and returning members of Congress. This letter signed by all NCC members outlines the group’s core principles.
Read the letter to Representatives
Read the letter to Senators
Jan 23, 2019
Thanks for S. 3729 and H.R. 7258 Introductions
AACN signed NCC letters thanking members of Congress for introducing the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act, which would provide the women who served during World War II with honorable discharges and veteran burial benefits.
Read the letter to Representatives
Read the letter to Senators
Dec 20, 2018
Urges Passage of 2018 Title VIII Reauthorization
Fifty-six NCC member organizations, including AACN, signed a letter urgently requesting the Senate pass Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization, as well as requesting that any provisions that add eligible entities to the Title VIII Loan Repayment Program be time-limited and studied.
Read the letter
Nov 15, 2018
Thanks for Opioid Legislation Changes
AACN and 46 other organizations thanked congressional leaders, committees and champions for their efforts to have Section 3201, which allows for more flexibility with respect to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders, in the final opioid package. This important provision provides permanent authorization for nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe medication-assisted treatments and a five-year authorization for the other three APRN roles, to help curb the opioid epidemic.
Read the full letter
Oct 18, 2018
Thanks for Nursing Workforce Appropriations Support
NCC, including AACN, thanked appropriators for providing level funding ($249.47 million) for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $162.99 million (a 3.16% increase) for the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Read the letter
Oct 11, 2018
APRN Medication Administration and the Opioid Battle
AACN joined NCC members in signing a letter requesting the inclusion of Section 3003 of HR 6 in any final opioid package. Read the letter
Sept 18, 2018
Ten Years of the Nursing Community Coalition
Representatives from AACN joined other NCC members in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the coalition. The event included visits to Capitol Hill.
Sept 2018
New Veterans Affairs Secretary Wilkie and CRNAs Scope of Practice
AACN joined other NCC members to welcome Robert Wilkie as the new secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The letter also included language about the coalition’s position on the recent VA rule that allows APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and clinical training, but excluded certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). The coalition hopes to work with the VA to change this rule to give CRNAs parity with the other APRN groups and allow them to provide care at VA facilities to the full extent of their clinical training. Read the letter
Aug 30, 2018
HHS Secretary Azar and APRN Scope of Practice
AACN signed on to an NCC letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar to applaud his remarks on the need to examine scope of practice laws in order to evaluate state and local regulations that restrict APRN practice authority. The letter also requested a meeting with officials from HHS to further discuss scope of practice issues. Read the letter
Aug 29, 2018
Senate Amendment Introduced to Increase Title VIII Funding
Sen. Jeff Merkley introduced an amendment to increase Title VIII funding in fiscal year 2019. His efforts were supported by Sens. Tammy Duckworth, Cory Booker, Bob Menendez, Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen. This amendment did not receive a vote but serves as a symbolic commitment to the Title VIII program. AACN joins the NCC in thanking these senators. Read the letter
Aug 24, 2018
Provisions to Allow APRNs to Prescribe Medication-Assisted Treatments
AACN joined the NCC in encouraging Senate leaders to enact provisions allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to prescribe medication-assisted treatments, especially Section 3003 of HR 6, and to have these provisions included in any final Senate opioid package. Read the letter
Aug 24, 2018
Healthcare Workforce Shortages
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hosted a hearing titled "The Health Care Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving Care" on May 22, 2018. AACN joined other NCC organizations in thanking the committee for this hearing, which also discussed impacts and successes of the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs.
June 1, 2018
National Nurses Week
All NCC member organizations signed a letter addressed to members of Congress and their staff to celebrate National Nurses Week and to thank them for their continued collaboration with the coalition. Held annually from May 6-12, this year's Nurses Week aligns with the NCC’s 10th anniversary. Read the letter
May 8, 2018
NCC Sends Letter to Office of the National Coordinator
The NCC, which includes AACN, sent a letter to Dr. Donald Rucker, national coordinator for health information technology, requesting the appointment of a new chief nursing officer to represent nursing’s voice at the Office of the National Coordinator. Read the letter
April 19, 2018
Gun Violence Research
Forty-six NCC members, including AACN, signed a letter to Rep. Stephanie Murphy thanking her for introducing the Gun Violence Research Act. This legislation would prevent limitations from being imposed on the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to promote evidence-based research that examines the causes of gun violence and identifies methods to reduce gun-related fatalities and injuries. Read the letter
March 22, 2018
AACN Joins the NCC in Statement to Senate on Healthcare Reform
AACN joined 52 other organizations from the NCC that signed “Commitment to America’s Health,” urging senators to support ideals at the forefront of the national dialogue on healthcare reform. These ideals include promoting wellness and providing timely access to essential healthcare.
June 2017
AACN Supports Federal Funding of Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs
AACN collaborated with the NCC to fight deep cuts to Nursing Workforce Development programs proposed in the 2018 Fiscal Year Budget released by the White House. The proposed budget decreases funding to these programs by 64 percent compared to fiscal year 2017.
AACN signed a May 23 Nursing Community statement that opposed cuts in funding to the Nursing Workforce Development Programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) and to the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) outlined in the President's fiscal year 2018 Budget Proposal.
The proposed cuts would seriously hinder U.S. nursing education programs. Decreased funding could lessen the number of future nurses and the development of faculty to educate them. These cuts could also affect patients’ access to care, safety and the overall quality of healthcare. The proposed NINR budget decreases of approximately 24 percent would diminish support for crucial nursing research that provides the foundation for evidence-based practice at the bedside.
AACN also endorsed Nursing Community testimony submitted June 2 to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration; and the National Institutes of Health. This testimony provided evidence arguing for increased levels of funding for the Nursing Workforce Development Programs and NINR.
May 23, 2017