1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

As a practicing nurse practitioner, I am writing to express my strong concern about any effort to limit nursing education or restrict nursing as a professional degree. Such measures would seriously undermine the quality, availability, and safety of healthcare in this country. Nurses and nurse practitioners are essential providers who deliver frontline care, coordinate complex treatment, and support patients across all settings. Our work depends on rigorous, professional-level education that equips us to manage acute and chronic conditions, lead care teams, and respond to evolving public health needs. Limiting these educational pathways would directly compromise patient care. The healthcare system is already strained by a nationwide care provider shortage. Restricting professional nursing degrees would further reduce the workforce, increase wait times, and worsen outcomes—especially for vulnerable and rural populations that already struggle to access care. I respectfully urge Congress to protect and expand nursing education opportunities and to oppose any measure that diminishes nursing as a profession. Strengthening the nursing workforce is essential to maintaining a safe, effective, and resilient healthcare system. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.