ANA Slams Leaked HHS Budget and Proposed Cuts to Nursing Research & Education

A recently leaked Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget document reveals significant cuts and consolidations that would fundamentally reshape federal support for nursing research and workforce development. The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, which has not yet been officially released or authenticated by HHS, details a dramatic reduction in overall health funding and the elimination of key programs critical to nurses and patient care nationwide.

Key Cuts and Consolidations

• Elimination of NIH Centers: Several NIH institutes and centers would be closed or merged. Notably, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) would be eliminated, along with other institutes such as the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD).
• Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs: All Title VIII programs, which provide scholarships, loan repayment, and educational grants to nurses, would be cut—except for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program.
• Overall HHS Budget: The leaked document outlines a $40 billion reduction to HHS discretionary spending, slashing the department’s budget by roughly one-third—from $121 billion to just over $80 billion.
• NIH Budget: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would see its funding drop by about 40%, from $47 billion to $27 billion.

What Does the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Do Today?

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is the primary federal agency dedicated to supporting and advancing nursing science within the United States. NINR funds research led by nurses to address pressing health challenges, improve patient care, and inform healthcare policy. Its work spans a wide range of topics, including chronic illness management, disease prevention, health promotion, symptom management, and reducing health disparities—often focusing on real-world problems faced by patients, families, and communities.

NINR’s research is crucial for developing evidence-based interventions that guide nursing practice and improve outcomes across the lifespan, from maternal and child health to end-of-life care. The institute also supports the training and career development of nurse scientists, ensuring the next generation of nurses is equipped to lead research and translate findings into better care. By focusing on the holistic and person-centered perspective unique to nursing, NINR strengthens the foundation of healthcare and advances health equity for all.

What Does the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program Do Today?

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program is a set of federal initiatives designed to support and strengthen the nursing workforce in the United States. Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Title VIII programs provide scholarships, loan repayment, and grants to help nurses at all stages of their careers—from entry-level students to advanced practice nurses and nurse educators.

These programs are essential because they:

• Help recruit and retain nurses, especially in areas with critical shortages, such as rural and underserved communities.
• Support advanced education and training for nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and other specialists, ensuring a highly skilled workforce.
• Offer financial assistance to nursing students and faculty, making nursing education more accessible and reducing barriers for those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Address the national demand for nurses and help ensure high-quality patient care across all healthcare settings.

Without Title VIII, many nurses would not have the resources needed to complete their education or serve in communities where they are most needed, making these programs vital to the future of the nursing profession and public health.

It was just a year ago that funding for this program was increased and the ANA said: “When we invest in nurses, we invest in our health and the health of our communities nationwide. This increase in funding serves to better prepare nurses to care for diverse, ageing, and rural populations in addition to supporting them in their education and professional development.”

Impact of Cuts on Nursing Programs and Patient Care

• Loss of Nursing Research: The closure of NINR would end federal support for nurse-led research into critical areas such as palliative care, mental health, maternal health, substance use, and end-of-life care. This research has been instrumental in developing evidence-based practices and training the next generation of nurse scientists.
• Workforce Development at Risk: The elimination of Title VIII programs threatens the pipeline of new nurses entering the profession, particularly those from diverse and underserved backgrounds. These programs have been vital in expanding and diversifying the nursing workforce through scholarships and loan forgiveness.
• Broader Public Health Concerns: The American Nurses Association (ANA) and other advocates warn that these cuts would undermine the healthcare system’s ability to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care, potentially exacerbating the national nursing shortage and impacting patient outcomes.

The ANA’s Response

The ANA has issued a strong response, with President Dr. Jennifer Mensik-Kennedy stating:

"ANA firmly believes that NINR plays a vital role in ensuring that research guided by nurses’ education, experiences, and clinical training continue to enable our overall health care system to improve and be driven by evidence... As America’s most trusted profession for the past 20 years, nurses are concerned about the ability of a restructured HHS, without the NINR, to pursue nurse-specific approaches that answer the challenges and demanding needs of our healthcare system and the patients we serve."

The ANA is actively urging the administration and Congress to reconsider these cuts, highlighting the cost-effective benefits and longstanding bipartisan support for nursing research and workforce programs. The association is working with lawmakers to advocate for the preservation of these essential programs and is calling on nurses nationwide to join in these efforts.

How the HHS Budget Document Was Leaked

The leaked HHS budget document first surfaced when Inside Medicine published a 64-page PDF detailing the Trump administration's plans for sweeping cuts and reorganization at the Department of Health and Human Services. The document, labeled "Not For Distribution, 04/10/2025" and marked "Pre-decisional," was subsequently obtained and reported on by major outlets including The Washington Post and Politico.

According to reports, the document is an internal "passback" from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), a standard part of the federal budget process where OMB shares its preliminary budget proposal with federal agencies for review and potential appeal. The leak has provided the public and stakeholders with an unusually early and detailed look at proposed funding levels and agency reorganizations, which are typically kept confidential until the President's official budget request is submitted to Congress.

While The Washington Post has authenticated the document, HHS itself has not commented on or officially verified the leak. The release of this draft has prompted widespread analysis and concern, as it reveals not only the scale of proposed funding cuts but also the specific programs and offices targeted for elimination or consolidation.

The source of the leak has not been publicly identified, and there is no indication of whether it came from within HHS, OMB, or another government entity. However, the leak has enabled stakeholders—including nursing organizations—to mobilize and respond before the official budget process moves forward.

What’s Next?

While the leaked budget document offers a glimpse into the administration’s priorities, it is not final. Congress will ultimately decide which cuts and consolidations are enacted. However, the scale of the proposed reductions has raised alarm across the healthcare sector, particularly among nurses who see these programs as foundational to the profession and public health.

Nurses and nursing organizations are encouraged to stay informed, engage with policymakers, and advocate for the protection of nursing research and workforce development to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care to all Americans.

Nurse.org will update this article as additional information is revealed.

🤔Have you interfaced with the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) or participated in the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program? Tell us your thoughts in the discussion forum below.

If you have a nursing news story that deserves to be heard, we want to amplify it to our massive community of millions of nurses! Get your story in front of Nurse.org Editors now - click here to fill out our quick submission form today!