NLN Applauds House Passage of Increased Fiscal Year 2022 Funding for Nursing Education & Research Programs

As part of $119.8 billion in appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services, the measure provides a $50 million increase in funding for nursing workforce development programs under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act, almost 19 percent above current funding levels, bringing total funding for the programs to $314.47 million.

Funding for the National Institute of Nursing Research is increased by nearly 15 percent in the legislation, a $26 million boost to a total of $200.78 million. The legislation also addresses the impact of the coronavirus public health emergency on the nursing workforce and other health care practitioners, as well as funding initiatives to expand mental health care, opioid and substance use treatment, and addressing health equity.

“The funding increases in this legislation are vitally important to help ensure that our education programs can meet the growing demand for nurses and address shortages that the coronavirus pandemic has made even more severe, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” said NLN President and CEO Dr. Beverly Malone. “The House has taken an important first step in addressing these priorities, and the National League for Nursing will work with the Senate to maintain and hopefully increase this funding as the fiscal 2022 appropriations bills move forward.”

The League praised the leadership of Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX), and the members of the Appropriations Committee for their efforts to support the nation’s nurses. The National League for Nursing looks forward to working with the U.S. Senate to strengthen funding for these critical programs.