FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SDPA Applauds Court Decision Temporarily Blocking Department of Education Rule Impacting PA Students 

WASHINGTON, DC, June 26, 2026 – The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) applauds yesterday’s U.S. District Court’s decision to temporarily block a U.S. Department of Education rule that would strip Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) school degrees of their “professional” status. The rule was scheduled to take effect on July 1 and would have significantly reduced the amount of federal student loan funding available to PA students by placing them below the borrowing cap afforded to medical and other recognized professional degree programs. 

Beyond its immediate financial impact, the rule threatens to set a harmful and misguided precedent for how the federal government recognizes the PA profession. The court’s decision acknowledges that PA students should not be forced to bear the serious consequences of the rule while the legal challenge moves forward. 

“Yesterday’s court decision, while not final, inspires confidence that the court will ultimately decide that the Department of Education lacks authority to change the professional classification of PA school degrees,” noted Deborah Horwitz, PA-C, who chairs SDPA’s Government Affairs & Advocacy Committee. “Dermatology PAs have earned recognition for the advanced, specialized, and professional care they provide every day. Their employers and patients understand their value—federal policies should reflect that.  

SDPA remains committed to supporting the efforts led by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), which, alongside the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), filed the lawsuit challenging the Department’s action. We will continue to advocate for policies that recognize the essential role of PAs and protect equitable access to PA education as the case proceeds. 

About SDPA. The Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization composed of members who provide dermatologic care or have an interest in the medical specialty of dermatology. A mission-focused membership organization, SDPA advances the DermPA™ profession through knowledge, advocacy, leadership, and engagement. Founded in 1994, the SDPA currently has over 5,000 members making it the largest constituent specialty organization of the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).  

For more information on SDPA or its conferences, visit dermpa.org or follow the SDPA on Facebook, Instagram (@derm_pa), and LinkedIn.  

For more information or media inquiries, please contact: 

Lauren Hansen 

Communications Manager 

Lhansen@dermpa.org