As registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), we understand firsthand how essential a strong and diverse healthcare workforce is to meeting the nutrition and chronic disease needs of communities nationwide. Congress’ passage of H.R. 1, which eliminated the Grad PLUS program, has already created significant uncertainty for those considering careers in nutrition and dietetics. While the remaining Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program provides some support, its annual and lifetime caps fall far short of the true cost of many of our graduate programs. Without access to the “professional degree” category of this loan program – which allow much higher loans, many talented individuals will be shut out of the profession before they even begin.

That is why the Department of Education’s work to implement H.R.1 is so critical. While formal rulemaking has not yet started, early indications from the Department’s negotiated rulemaking process are that nutrition and dietetics graduate programs may not be included in the “professional degree” category. Failing to classify a broad set of health professions as “professional” will deepen existing shortages, limit the pipeline of future providers, and weaken the interdisciplinary teams needed to address the nation’s growing nutrition-related health challenges. This is not what Congress intended and would jeopardize long-term public health goals.

We need policymakers to understand that licensed registered dietitian nutritionists are integral to the healthcare system and must have access to federal loan programs that make their education attainable. Your Members of Congress need to hear from you now. Urge them to push the Department of Education to follow congressional intent and ensure a wide range of health professions—licensed RDNs included—are recognized within the professional degree category. Getting these regulations right is essential for protecting patients’ and consumers’ access to qualified dietetic and nutrition professionals.

Contact your Members of Congress today!