AANMC Advocacy Priorities for Naturopathic Medical Education
The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) plays a central role in educating, informing, and coordinating the accredited naturopathic medical education community on federal policy issues that affect the training and future workforce of licensed naturopathic physicians.
Our advocacy focus begins with early awareness and clear communication—ensuring that our member institutions, students, alumni, and supporters understand emerging policy changes and how those changes may affect naturopathic medical education in the United States and Canada.
This page serves as a central resource for accurate information, updates, and opportunities to engage constructively in policy discussions that impact naturopathic medicine.
Priorities
Our Advocacy Role
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association, AANMC engages in nonpartisan education, analysis, and communication with federal agencies, legislators, and partner organizations. Our work is focused on ensuring that policymakers and agencies understand:
- The rigor and structure of accredited naturopathic medical education
- The role of naturopathic physicians in the healthcare workforce
- The downstream impact of federal policy decisions on patient access and public health
Current Federal Priorities
AANMC is actively monitoring and engaging on multiple federal issues that affect naturopathic medical education, including:
- Federal student loan policy and professional degree definitions
- Higher education accountability and transparency regulations
- Accreditation and research policy
- Workforce development and access to care
Current Focus: Federal Loan & Professional Degree Definition
AANMC is working in coordination with partner organizations to address recent federal actions that may impact access to professional-level student loans for naturopathic medical students. This work includes:
- Direct education and communication with federal agencies
- Coordination with interprofessional higher-education coalitions
- Data-driven analysis of program costs, outcomes, and workforce impact
- Support for institutional preparedness and student advising
CLICK HERE: View our timeline of actions on behalf of naturopathic medical education
VIEW TIMELINE
Date of Publication: January 9, 2026
Updated: May 18, 2026
How to Read The Chart
- Rows = Federal issues impacting ND education and workforce
- Columns = Timeline, status, and AANMC/AANP actions
- Purpose: demonstrate comprehensive breadth of monitoring, early engagement, and sustained response
Executive Summary
This tracking chart documents a summarized scope of federal higher education and workforce policy issues that the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) have coordinated advocacy efforts on from late 2024 through early 2026. Its purpose is to update the profession, correct misconceptions, and demonstrate the breadth and various layers of proposed and enacted policies that could have profound impacts on the naturopathic profession. While much transpired in 2025, the profession will need to be unified and strongly engaged in upcoming advocacy efforts.
*Acronyms are used to improve quick readability. Please see the Glossary of Terms below for definitions.
Key Takeaways
- Early and Sustained Engagement:
AANMC began proactive engagement in October 2024—before the administration change—anticipating major shifts in federal education and healthcare policy. This included legal counsel, a formal letter to the Department of Education, and early scenario planning related to student loans, accountability metrics, and accreditation. - Breadth of Issues Tracked:
The profession has been simultaneously tracking and responding to numerous federal actions affecting ND education and workforce viability, including:- Graduate and professional student loan restructuring (GradPLUS, OBBB)
- Professional degree definitions (RISE rulemaking)
- Accreditation reform via executive order
- DEI compliance mandates
- Research funding disruptions (NIH/NCCIH)
- PSLF rulemaking
- Visa restrictions and new visa fees (H-1B)
- Tariffs and natural products supply chain impacts
- Accountability metrics (AHEAD rulemaking)
- Work Study funding changes
- Multi-Layered Strategy:
Actions have included direct agency engagement, congressional outreach, coalition leadership through FASHP and other alliances, standards revisions with accrediting bodies, data development, grassroots mobilization, use of surrogate messengers with personal connections when possible, and professional lobbying support. Some actions were intentionally strategic and not immediately public to preserve effectiveness. - Professional Degree Definition (RISE) Is One Component, Not the Whole Story:
The exclusion of naturopathic medicine from the draft professional degree definition did not arise from inattention or absence. Negotiated rulemaking does not guarantee representation, and many larger, well-resourced professions were similarly excluded. The most consequential phase—public comment, congressional leverage, and implementation—remains ahead. - Enhanced Communication Needs Acknowledged and Addressed:
While advocacy activity has been robust, internal communication to the broader ND community did not always reflect the full scope of work underway. This chart, along with upcoming town halls and unified messaging, is designed to close that gap and align the profession moving forward.
Why This Matters Now
Federal policy affecting student loans, accreditation, and workforce pipelines is not final. Public comment periods, legislative leverage, and implementation decisions are ongoing. The effectiveness of advocacy in this phase depends on unity, factual clarity, and coordinated action across the profession. Other healthcare professions impacted by proposed policy changes are infinitely larger, and consequently louder, than the naturopathic profession. This is the moment that we need to make sure we are heard.
Updates
These opportunities may include:
- Congressional outreach
- Public comment participation
- Educational briefings and town halls
Stay Informed
Stay updated on federal policy developments affecting naturopathic medical education.
Resources
Advocacy & Policy Library
AANMC maintains a growing library of materials to support transparency and informed engagement, including:
- Official statements and letters
- Policy one-pagers and fact sheets
- Educational briefings and summaries
- Public comment guidance (when applicable)
Events & Briefings
- Town halls and webinars
- AANP & AANMC held a joint town hall on Tuesday, January 13. Read the details here
- Upcoming educational briefings
- Partner events related to federal policy and workforce issues
Take Action
How You Can Help
While AANMC focuses on education and coordination, individual advocacy and professional engagement are essential to shaping public policy outcomes.
You can help by:
- Staying informed through AANMC updates
- Participating in AANP advocacy alerts when issued
- Submitting public comments when federal agencies open formal comment periods
- Sharing accurate, fact-based information within your professional networks
Take Action Through AANP Advocacy
AANP Action Center
Coming Soon
- Step-by-step public comment guidance
- Sample comment language and talking points
- Coordinated timelines for engagement
Glossary of Terms
Federal Policy, Education, and Regulatory References
AANMC
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
The 501c3 nonprofit association representing accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. AANMC focuses on education standards, workforce development, and federal education policy.
AANP
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
The national professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors, responsible for professional advocacy, policy engagement, and public awareness.
ACE
American Council on Education
A major national higher-education association that represents colleges and universities and frequently leads federal policy responses on behalf of institutions.
AHEAD
Accountability for Higher Education Act / AHEAD Rulemaking
A parallel negotiated rulemaking process focused on accountability measures, including Financial Value Transparency and program outcomes.
ASPA
Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors
ASPA is an association of organizations that evaluate the quality of programs in colleges and universities for more than 100 different professions and specialized disciplines – from nursing to architecture, and physical therapy to engineering.
CIP Code
Classification of Instructional Programs Code
A federal system used to categorize academic programs. Health professions including naturopathic medicine are generally categorized under CIP Code 51. *Psychology and some social work designations fall outside of CIP 51.
CNME
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
The federally recognized programmatic accrediting agency for naturopathic medical programs. CNME sets educational standards required for programmatic accreditation.
AHAWD Coalition
Alliance for Healthcare Access & Workforce Development
A multi-profession alliance of 50+ healthcare and education associations working together on workforce and loan access issues – started after passage of OBBB (summer/fall 2025) as an offshoot of FASHP members.
DEI
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Policies and initiatives intended to promote equitable access and representation. Recent executive orders have significantly altered how institutions may address DEI.
ED
U.S. Department of Education
The federal agency that administers student loans, oversees higher education policy, and conducts negotiated rulemaking related to loan programs and accountability.
EO
Executive Order
An executive order is a formal directive issued by a president (or governor) that manages government operations or implements policy, having the force of law, and requires no congressional approval, but is subject to judicial review.
FARB
Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards
FARB’s mission is to advance excellence in regulation of the professions in the interest of public protection.
FASHP
Federation of Associations of Schools for the Health Professions
A coalition of higher-education associations representing health profession schools (medicine, nursing, allied health, etc.). FASHP provides coordinated advocacy and access to federal policymakers.
FVT / GE
Financial Value Transparency / Gainful Employment
Federal accountability metrics that assess whether educational programs provide sufficient earnings relative to debt. These metrics often disadvantage primary care, prevention-focused, and female-majority professions.
GradPLUS Loans
Federal graduate student loans that allow students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance. These loans are especially important for professional and doctoral programs.
H-1B Visas
A federal visa program allowing U.S. employers to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, including healthcare providers and educators.
NABNE
North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners
The organization that administers the NPLEX licensure examination.
NMSA
Naturopathic Medical Student Association
An international organization representing naturopathic students on all campuses of naturopathic medical schools in the US and Canada.
NCCIH
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
A division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that funds research on integrative and complementary health approaches.
Negotiated Rulemaking (NegReg)
A federal process in which the Department of Education convenes a committee of selected stakeholders to negotiate proposed regulations. Only designated committee members may speak during negotiations; public participation is limited.
NIH
National Institutes of Health
The primary federal agency for biomedical and public health research funding in the United States.
NPLEX
Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination
The standardized exam required for licensure of naturopathic doctors in regulated jurisdictions.
NPRM
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
A draft federal rule published for public comment. Once issued, the public may submit written comments that agencies are legally required to consider before finalizing a rule.
OBBB / OBBA
“One Big Beautiful Bill” / Budget Reconciliation Act
A broad budget reconciliation law passed by Congress that included major changes to federal student loan programs and set the stage for subsequent rulemaking.
Professional Degree Definition
A federal classification that determines whether a degree qualifies for higher annual and lifetime federal student loan limits. Changes to this definition are central to the current issue.
PSLF
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
A federal program that forgives remaining student loan balances for borrowers who work in qualifying public service roles.
Public Comment Period
A formal window during which individuals and organizations may submit written feedback on proposed federal rules. Agencies must respond to substantive comments before finalizing rules.
RISE
Rulemaking to Improve Student Outcomes and Fiscal Responsibility
A Department of Education negotiated rulemaking process focused on student loan limits, accountability metrics, and definitions of professional degrees.
UNPA
United Natural Products Association
Trade association for natural products industry
