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NASN Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan More Nurses in Rural Schools Act

By NASN Inc posted 14 days ago

  
NASN applauds Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) for introducing the bipartisan More Nurses in Rural Schools Act, legislation designed to address school nurse workforce shortages and expand student access to comprehensive, on-site health services. The bill would allow eligible part-time and full-time registered nurses serving schools in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program, creating a new pathway to recruit and retain nurses in rural and underserved communities.

Although federal loan repayment programs currently help place health care professionals in shortage areas, many school nurses cannot access these opportunities because program requirements do not align with the school setting. The More Nurses in Rural Schools Act would address those barriers by extending eligibility to school nurses and recognizing the unique nature of school-based practice. By helping nurses manage student loan debt while serving school communities, the legislation would strengthen the school nurse workforce and increase access to care for students who may otherwise face significant health care access challenges.

NASN is proud to support this legislation. As NASN President Lynn Nelson noted, “Every student, regardless of where they live, deserves access to a school nurse. The More Nurses in Rural Schools Act is an important step toward addressing persistent workforce shortages and ensuring that students in underserved communities are able to receive the timely, skilled care they need to stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn.” NASN thanks Representatives Gluesenkamp Perez and Kiggans for their bipartisan leadership and commitment to strengthening school health services and advancing health equity for rural children and families.

Read the full press release.
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https://www.nasn.org/blogs/nasn-inc/2026/10/01/nasn-applauds-introduction-of-the-bipartisan-more-nurses-in-rural-schools-act