On July 31st, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor passed the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 which is promised to provide a number of measures for increasing access to higher education, including the education of nurses.

The legislation, which was also approved in the Senate, promises a number of new initiatives, including: 

• Encourage colleges to rein in price increases and provide consumers with helpful information »
• Restore integrity and accountability to the student loan programs »
• Simplify the federal student aid application process »
• Make textbook costs more manageable »
• Expand college access and support for low-income and minority students »
• Increase college aid and support for veterans and military families »
• Ensure equal college opportunities for students with disabilities »
• Boost campus safety and disaster readiness plans »
• Encourage colleges to adopt sustainable and energy-efficient practices »
• Strengthen our workforce and our competitiveness »

One particular aspect of the legislation targets service-oriented professions that are deemed "vital public service jobs". Under the rules of the new law, loan forgiveness "up to $10,000" will be made available for those seeking education for career as "public defenders, prosecutors, firefighters, military service members, first responders, law enforcement officers, educators, nurses, and others serving the public interest." If signed into law by the President, this legislation would be the largest increase in student aid since the GI Bill. The measure would also grant nursing programs $3,000 in funding for every newly enrolled student.

In light of the current nursing shortage, any government intervention which increases the ability of new nurses to enter school, obtain financial aid, graduate, and enter the workforce is a step in the right direction. It is hoped that this legislation will reach the President's desk this year and be signed into law as soon as possible. 

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NurseKeith is a nurse, consultant, writer and blogger. Please feel free to visit his blog, Digital Doorway .  

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