Message from AAPA
The AAPA and PAEA have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education to overturn a final rule that improperly denies PA students the loan amounts they need to allow them to attend PA school – threatening the future of PA education and the healthcare workforce.
Under the law Congress passed, PA students qualify as professional degree students, a designation that carries higher loan limits that more accurately reflect the true cost of a PA education. The complaint alleges the RISE Final Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act by adding requirements to the definition of “professional degree” that Congress never authorized. It further argues that the Department used those new requirements to exclude PA students from the higher federal loan limits Congress established for professional students.
In addition to the lawsuit, AAPA and PAEA have also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking the court to block the rule from taking effect for PA students on July 1. If granted, the injunction would preserve access to higher federal loan limits for students entering PA programs this summer and fall while the case moves forward.
Over the last several months, AAPA worked closely with PAEA, students, educators, policymakers, and legal counsel to pursue every available administrative avenue. We participated fully in the rulemaking process, submitted extensive comments and evidence, met with policymakers, engaged Department officials, and demonstrated the serious consequences this rule would have for students, the PA workforce, and patient access to care.
Litigation was not our first choice. But it became a clear and necessary one.
We believe our case is strong because the law is clear. Congress established one standard. The Department created another. Our focus now shifts to persuading the court to enforce the law as written, overturn the final rule, and protect the ability of future PA students to enter this profession.
If you have any further questions, please reach out to Vice President of Federal Advocacy Tate Heuer, theuer@aapa.org.
