WASHINGTON, DC – To mark National Nurses Week, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), was joined by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-2) and Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-4), in introducing the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to eliminate a longstanding federal tax penalty on nurses who serve in high-need areas through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s Nurse Corps program. Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Roger Wicker (MS) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Currently, National Health Service Corps (NHSC) participants receive tax-free scholarships and loan repayment benefits for working in underserved communities, while participants in the Nurse Corps—a nearly identical program—are taxed on those same federal benefits. The Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act would bring tax treatment in line with federal health workforce policy, ensuring that nurses are not financially penalized for serving where they are needed most.

“Nurses who commit to serving in our most underserved communities shouldn’t face a financial penalty for answering that call,” said Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan bill corrects a clear inconsistency in federal policy—one that undermines our workforce goals and disrespects the essential role nurses play in delivering care where it’s most urgently needed. During National Nurses Week and every week, I’m committed to turning our gratitude into action by advancing real solutions that support our nurses and strengthen our health system.”

"As a nurse practitioner, I understand firsthand the sacrifices our nurses make and the critical role they play in serving our communities – especially in underserved areas,” said Kiggans. “The Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act is a commonsense bill that recognizes the vital contributions of our Nurse Corps members by removing the unnecessary tax burden on their scholarships and student loan repayments. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will help support our nursing workforce and improve patient care across the country."

Dr. Deborah Trautman, President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, stated: “As we strive to address our nation’s healthcare needs, particularly in critical shortage facilities, health professional shortage areas, and medically underserved regions, supporting the nursing workforce is essential. This bipartisan legislation is a strong step forward and underscores the value the Nurse Corps has on meeting patient needs across the country."

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, President, American Nurses Association, remarked: “Every nurse who chooses to serve in an underserved community is making a powerful commitment—to patients, to equity, and to the future of health care. The reintroduction of the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act is a meaningful step toward recognizing that commitment. Removing this unfair tax burden honors the selfless work of nurses and helps ensure that more of them can afford to answer the call to care where they are needed most. We’re grateful to lawmakers for standing with nurses and supporting a stronger, more equitable health system.”

With rising demand for qualified nurses, especially in rural and high-need areas, the Nurse Corps program has become a critical federal tool for addressing workforce shortages and health disparities. Yet, the current tax treatment of Nurse Corps benefits undermines its effectiveness, placing a financial burden on professionals who choose to serve where care is often hardest to access.

The Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act directly addresses this policy disconnect by ensuring consistent treatment across federal workforce incentive programs, reinforcing Congress’s commitment to strengthening America’s health infrastructure.

This legislation builds on Congressman Fitzpatrick’s broader commitment to supporting nurses in PA-1 and nationwide, including championing increased funding for workforce development, mental health supports, and community health centers where nurses play a frontline role.

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