Dear Attorney General Dana Nessel, 

On behalf of the Michigan Academy of Physician Associates, American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), and the physician assistants/associates (PAs), PA students, and pre-PAs we represent, I am writing to thank you and your fellow state attorneys general for your leadership in standing up for the future of healthcare access in our country. 

The PA profession is deeply concerned about the impact the Department of Education’s (ED) Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations will have on PA students, healthcare workforce development, and ultimately patient access to care.  

PAs are one of the fastest-growing and most relied-upon healthcare professionals. Hospitals, health systems, and medical groups increasingly rely on PAs to expand care capacity, improve access, and meet growing patient demand. In many rural and underserved communities, PAs are essential providers of primary care.  

As you know, the restriction placed on federal loans for PA students in ED’s final rule creates an unreasonably low borrowing threshold that will deter the next generation of PAs. This policy directly undermines ongoing efforts to address the nation’s healthcare workforce shortages. PA school is not only more expensive than the proposed cap, but it is also a highly competitive and demanding full-time curriculum with restrictions on students’ abilities to work while enrolled. Without access to significant student loans, many students will not have the means to begin their PA education.  

For the PA profession, the rule is not only a roadblock for future PA students; it is also unlawful. We applaud the action you have taken this week and thank you for recognizing the impact of this misguided rule issued by the Department of Education, as well as its illegality.   

As always, thank you for your advocacy for PAs and our patients,

Mike White, PA-C

Current President, Michigan Academy of Physician Associates