Case: American Association of Nurse Practitioners v. McMahon

1:26-cv-01780 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: May 21, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) new Final Rule that denied higher loan limits to students aspiring to become Physician Assistants/Associates (“PAs”). In 2025, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress eliminated the uncapped loans offered under the Grad PLUS program, effectively limiting graduate student borrowing to Direct Unsubsidized loans, but specifically allowing a higher loan limit for “professional” students. On May 1, 2026, DOE issued a Fi…

This is a case challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s (DOE) new Final Rule that denied higher loan limits to students aspiring to become Physician Assistants/Associates (“PAs”).

In 2025, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Congress eliminated the uncapped loans offered under the Grad PLUS program, effectively limiting graduate student borrowing to Direct Unsubsidized loans, but specifically allowing a higher loan limit for “professional” students. On May 1, 2026, DOE issued a Final Rule establishing a new definition of "professional degree" that disqualified a PA degree from being categorized as such. On May 21, 2026, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), the National Education Association (NEA) filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs sued DOE and its Secretary Linda McMahon, in her official capacity, for violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). They alleged that DOE’s rewriting of the professional degree definition exceeded statutory authority and was unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious. The plaintiffs sought declaratory relief, injunctive relief barring DOE from enforcing the statutory caps on the availability of federal student loans that apply to students pursuing “professional degrees,” until the Department issues a new rule defining “professional degree” consistent with its statutory obligations, along with a vacatur and stay of DOE’s Final Rule, and attorney’s fees. The case was assigned to District Judge Beryl A. Howell.

On May 21, 2026, the plaintiffs filed motions to stay the new definition of “professional degree” in DOE’s Final Rule under 5 U.S.C. § 705, and preliminarily enjoin DOE from enforcing the statutory caps on federal student loan availability applicable to students pursuing “graduate” and “professional degrees,” 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(a)(4), pending the issuance of a lawful replacement rule.

On June 3, 2026, the PA Education Association (PAEA) and the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) filed a separate lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs sued DOE and its Secretary Linda McMahon, in her official capacity, asserting violations of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). They alleged that DOE’s rewriting of the professional degree definition exceeded statutory authority and was unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious. The plaintiffs sought declaratory relief, injunctive relief barring the July 1, 2026 effective date of DOE’s Final Rule until the resolution of this litigation and the Department has issued rules in accordance with the law, along with a vacatur of DOE’s Final Rule.

On June 3, 2026, the PAEA and AAPA plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, arguing that they were likely to succeed on the merits, that they would suffer irreparable harm absent an injunction, and that the balance of equities and the public interest weighed in their favor.

On June 5, 2026, the court consolidated the two cases (AANP and PAEA v. DOE).

On June 23, 2026, the court held a hearing for the consolidated motions – AANP’s motion for a stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and both AANP’s and PAEA’s motions for a preliminary injunction. The next day, the court granted in part and denied in part the consolidated motions. The court stayed and preliminarily set aside part (i) of the Rule’s definition of "professional degree" and its preamble requirement that excluded programs leading to employment under supervision by a licensed professional. The court concluded that the plaintiffs demonstrated likely irreparable harm and that the balance of equities and public interest favored granting the stay. However, the court declined to stay part (ii) of the definition, enjoin enforcement of statutory loan caps, or mandate loan treatment for Physician Associate/Physician Assistant students. --- F.Supp.3d ----, 2026 WL 1826176.

On June 29, 2026, DOE notified the court that it had published technical guidance for institutions regarding the classification of degree programs for the duration of the court’s stay.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Alexis Gil (7/18/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73379341/parties/american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-v-mcmahon/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Cahill, Nina (District of Columbia)

Cooper, Ryan (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Alkire, Kathryn (District of Columbia)

Dibblee, Christian (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Chandrasoma, Kelsey A (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Howell, Beryl Alaine (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Cahill, Nina (District of Columbia)

Cooper, Ryan (District of Columbia)

Eisenberg, Lynn D. (District of Columbia)

Goldstein, Elena (District of Columbia)

Havener, Kathleen Balthrop (District of Columbia)

Hoshijima, Tsuki (District of Columbia)

Jacobson, Daniel F. (District of Columbia)

Jr, Paul D (District of Columbia)

Kneedler, Jennie Leah (District of Columbia)

McElvain, Joel L. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Alkire, Kathryn (District of Columbia)

Dibblee, Christian (District of Columbia)

Other

Chandrasoma, Kelsey A (District of Columbia)

Kannan, Shruti (District of Columbia)

Suvor, Daniel R. (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:26-cv-01780	Complaint American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al. v. McMahon et al.	May 21, 2026	May 21, 2026 Complaint
4 1:26-cv-01780	Plaintiffs’ Motion For Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705 And For Preliminary Injunction American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al. v. McMahon et al.	May 21, 2026	May 21, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief
1 1:26-cv-01941	Complaint PA Education Association v. United States Department of Education	June 3, 2026	June 3, 2026 Complaint
7 1:26-cv-01941	Motion And Memorandum In Support Of Plaintiffs’ Motion For Preliminary Injunction PA Eduation Association et al. v. United States Department of Edcation et al.	June 3, 2026	June 3, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief
10 1:26-cv-01941	Order American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al. v. McMahon	June 24, 2026	June 24, 2026 Order/Opinion
47 1:26-cv-01780	Notice of Department Action American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al. v. McMahon	June 29, 2026	June 29, 2026 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73379341/american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-v-mcmahon/

Last updated Aug. 28, 2026, 3:10 a.m.

Docket for: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS v. MCMAHON

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	May 21, 2026	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12437852) filed by American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Summons View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER 5 Summons View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	May 21, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Lynn D. Eisenberg on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Eisenberg, Lynn) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
3	May 21, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Joel L. McElvain on behalf of All Plaintiffs (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
4	May 21, 2026	MOTION to Stay, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Motion for Stay Under 5 U.S.C. 705 and for Preliminary Injunction by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Affidavit Fair Declaration, # 3 Affidavit Fanning Declaration, # 4 Affidavit Lau Declaration, # 5 Affidavit Magaa Declaration, # 6 Affidavit Michaels Declaration, # 7 Affidavit Trautman Declaration, # 8 Affidavit Wendorf Declaration, # 9 Text of Proposed Order)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support View on PACER 2 Affidavit Fair Declaration View on PACER 3 Affidavit Fanning Declaration View on PACER 4 Affidavit Lau Declaration View on PACER 5 Affidavit Magaa Declaration View on PACER 6 Affidavit Michaels Declaration View on PACER 7 Affidavit Trautman Declaration View on PACER 8 Affidavit Wendorf Declaration View on PACER 9 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	Clearinghouse
5	May 21, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Nina Cahill on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Cahill, Nina) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
6	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of American Association of Nurse Practitioners by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
7	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
8	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of American Association of Colleges of Nursing by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
9	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
10	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of National Education Association by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
11	May 21, 2026	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/21/2026)	RECAP
12	May 22, 2026	CIVIL COVER SHEET by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
13	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel F. Jacobson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Jacobson, Daniel) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
14	May 22, 2026	SUMMONS (4) Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(gsk) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
15	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Ryan Cooper on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Cooper, Ryan) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
16	May 22, 2026	STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 22, 2026. (lcbah1) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
17	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Jennie Leah Kneedler on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Kneedler, Jennie) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
18	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Elena Goldstein on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Goldstein, Elena) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
19	May 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Tsuki Hoshijima on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hoshijima, Tsuki) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
20	May 22, 2026	PROPOSED BRIEFING SCHEDULE Joint Proposed Briefing Schedule by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/22/2026)	RECAP
	May 22, 2026	Notice of Error- New Case
	May 22, 2026	.Order
	May 22, 2026	NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR regarding 1 Complaint,,. The following error(s) need correction: Incorrect civil cover sheet. Please locate the Civil Cover Sheet (JS44) form at www.dcd.uscourts.gov/new-case-forms & file using the event Civil Cover Sheet. COMPLIANCE DEADLINE is by close of business today. This case will not proceed any further until all errors are satisfied. (gsk)
	May 22, 2026	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	May 22, 2026	Case Assigned to Judge Beryl A. Howell. (gsk)
	May 22, 2026	Order
	May 22, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of 4 Plaintiffs' Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction, DIRECTING parties, by 11:59 p.m. on May 22, 2026 (TODAY), to jointly propose a briefing schedule to govern further proceedings in this matter. Parties are advised that if an agreed-upon briefing schedule cannot be reached by the deadline, a briefing schedule will be set by the Court. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 22, 2026. (lcbah1)
	May 22, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of the parties' 20 Joint Proposed Briefing Schedule, ISSUING the following SCHEDULING ORDER to govern proceedings in this case: 1. by June 3, 2026, defendants shall file any opposition to 4 Plaintiffs' Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction; 2. by June 10, 2026, plaintiffs shall file any reply in support of their motion; and 3. as necessary, any hearing will be set following completion of briefing on the pending motion for a stay and a preliminary injunction. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on May 22, 2026. (lcbah1)
	May 26, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines
	May 26, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Opposition To 4 Plaintiffs' Motion For Stay And Preliminary Injunction due by 6/3/2026. Plaintiff Reply In Support Of Their Motion due by 6/10/2026. (mac)
21	June 3, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Christian Dibblee on behalf of All Defendants (Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/03/2026)	RECAP
22	June 3, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Kathryn Alkire on behalf of All Defendants (Alkire, Kathryn) (Entered: 06/03/2026)	RECAP
23	June 3, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 4 MOTION to Stay MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Motion for Stay Under 5 U.S.C. 705 and for Preliminary Injunction filed by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/03/2026)	RECAP
24	June 5, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Kathleen Balthrop Havener on behalf of PA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(mg) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
	June 5, 2026	Remark- Consolidation
	June 5, 2026	Cases Conbsolidated: The following cases have been consolidated with this case: 26cv1941. From this date forward, all pleadings shall be filed ONLY in this case. Parties are advised NOT to elect the SPREAD TEXT option when filing in ECF, as this will result in repetitive docketing. (mg)
	June 5, 2026	Remark
	June 8, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines
	June 8, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants Opposition To Plaintiffs' Motion and Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction due no later than 11:59PM on June 9, 2026. Plaintiffs Reply In Support Of Motion due no later than 5:00PM on June 12, 2026. (mac)
25	June 9, 2026	RESPONSE to Motion for Preliminary Injunction Filed in No. 26-cv-1941 filed by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/09/2026)	RECAP
26	June 10, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 4 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Joel McElvain, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 1: AACN comment, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 2: AAMFT comment, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 3: NEA comment)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 06/10/2026) 1 Affidavit Declaration of Joel McElvain View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exhibit 1: AACN comment View on PACER 3 Exhibit Exhibit 2: AAMFT comment View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exhibit 3: NEA comment View on PACER	RECAP
	June 11, 2026	.Order
	June 11, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of Plaintiffs' American Association of Nurse Practitioners' (AANP) et al. 4 Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1780, and Plaintiffs' PA Education Association's ("PA") et al. 7 Motion and Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1941, and related filings; and noting that AANP plaintiffs' request that "the Court hold a hearing on their motion within 21 days of the date of [their motion]" would compel a hearing by June 10, 2026, the same date proposed by the parties for the filing of AANP plaintiffs' reply brief in support of their motion, which would leave the Court little to no time to review the reply brief; and further noting that PA plaintiffs' reply brief in support of their motion is due by June 12, 2026; ORDERING the parties to appear on June 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 26A before Judge Beryl A. Howell for a hearing regarding plaintiffs' motions in both cases. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 11, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 11, 2026	Order
	June 11, 2026	Set/Reset Hearings
	June 11, 2026	Set/Reset Hearings: Preliminary Injunction Hearing set for 6/23/2026 at 9:30 AM in Courtroom 26A- In Person before Judge Beryl A. Howell. (mac)
27	June 12, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. LINDA MCMAHON served on 5/28/2026 (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
28	June 12, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION served on 5/28/2026 (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
29	June 12, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 06/01/2026. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
30	June 12, 2026	ENTERED IN ERROR.....RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/28/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/27/2026. (McElvain, Joel) Modified on 6/15/2026 (mg). (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
31	June 12, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Paul D Cullen, Jr on behalf of AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES, PA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (Cullen, Paul) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
32	June 12, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 4 Motion to Stay,,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, REPLY RE: MOITION IN CONSOLIDATED CASE filed by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES, PA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Cullen, Paul) (Entered: 06/12/2026)	RECAP
33	June 15, 2026	ENTERED IN ERROR.....RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/26/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/25/2026. (Scher, Allyson) Modified on 6/15/2026, pursuant to Counsel (mg). (Entered: 06/15/2026)	RECAP
34	June 15, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/26/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/25/2026. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 06/15/2026)	RECAP
	June 15, 2026	Notice of Error
	June 15, 2026	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 30 Summons Returned Executed as to US Attorney,. The following error(s) need correction: Incorrect document. Please refile. Select parties that have been served and enter date of delivery (not date mailed). Please refile. (mg)
35	June 17, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Kelsey Ann Chandrasoma, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12494977. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by Los Angeles County. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Kelsey Ann Chandrasoma, # 2 Proposed Order)(Kannan, Shruti) (Entered: 06/17/2026)	RECAP
36	June 17, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Daniel R. Suvor, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12494982. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by Los Angeles County. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Daniel R. Suvor, # 2 Proposed Order)(Kannan, Shruti) (Entered: 06/17/2026)	RECAP
37	June 17, 2026	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Los Angeles County. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Proposed Order)(Kannan, Shruti) (Entered: 06/17/2026)	RECAP
43	June 18, 2026	AMICUS BRIEF by LOS ANGELES COUNTY. (mg) (Entered: 06/24/2026)	RECAP
	June 18, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING 35 Non-Party Los Angeles County's Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Ms. Kelsey Ann Chandrasoma may enter an appearance pro hac vice for the purpose of representing non-party Los Angeles County in this action. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 18, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 18, 2026	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	June 18, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING 36 Non-Party Los Angeles County's Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Mr. Daniel R. Suvor may enter an appearance pro hac vice for the purpose of representing non-party Los Angeles County in this action. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 18, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 18, 2026	Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief
	June 18, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless) GRANTING 37 Motion of 13 Local Governments, City Officials, and Municipal Health Corporations for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, to which "counsel for all parties consented." Id. at 2. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 18, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 22, 2026	Notice (Other)
	June 22, 2026	NOTICE: Members of the public or media who wish to listen to live audio of the hearing scheduled for June 23, 2026 at 9:30AM ET, without physically attending the proceeding, may do so by dialing the Toll Free Number: 833-990-9400, Meeting ID: 491822013. Any use of the public access telephone line requires adherence to the general prohibition against photographing, recording, livestreaming, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference), as set out in Standing Order No. 24-31 (JEB), Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. (mac)
38	June 23, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel R. Suvor on behalf of Los Angeles County (Suvor, Daniel) (Entered: 06/23/2026)	RECAP
39	June 23, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Kelsey A Chandrasoma on behalf of Los Angeles County (Chandrasoma, Kelsey) (Entered: 06/23/2026)	RECAP
40	June 23, 2026	DECLARATION Supplemental of Lisa Gables by AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES, PA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION re 4 MOTION to Stay MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Motion for Stay Under 5 U.S.C. 705 and for Preliminary Injunction. (Cullen, Paul) (Entered: 06/23/2026)	RECAP
41	June 23, 2026	MEMORANDUM by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/23/2026) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
42	June 23, 2026	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File nunc pro tunc Defendants' Supplemental Filing (ECF No. 41) by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/23/2026)	RECAP
	June 23, 2026	.Order
	June 23, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), in light of the issues outstanding from the June 23, 2026 hearing regarding Plaintiffs American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) et al.'s 4 Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1780, and Plaintiffs PA Education Association ("PA") et al.'s 7 Motion and Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1941, and the parties' requests for supplemental briefing, DIRECTING, by 5 p.m. on June 23, 2026: (1) that defendants explain, with respect to the Final Rule's definition of "professional degree," in part (i)(D), whether (a) the requirement for "a four-digit program CIP code" covers each degrees listed in part (ii)(A) of the same definition; (b) any degrees not listed in (ii)(A) of the Final Rule that also satisfy the CIP code requirement in (i)(D); and (c) the CIP codes are used in any other way to determine the availability or amount of federal funding; (2) that defendants provide their position as to whether Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(c) applies to stays under 5 U.S.C. § 705, see. e.g., Cabrera v. U.S. Dep't of Lab., 792 F. Supp. 3d 91, 107 n.3 (D.D.C. 2025) (DLF); Neguse v. U.S. Immigr. & Customs Enf't, 813 F. Supp. 3d 45, 100 (D.D.C. 2025) (JMC); and (3) that plaintiffs in PA Education Ass'n v. Dep't of Educ., No. 26-cv-1941, submit any supplementation to their declarations, see ECF No. 7-1 to 7-10. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 23, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 23, 2026	Order
	June 23, 2026	Motion Hearing
	June 23, 2026	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Beryl A. Howell: Motion Hearing held on 6/23/2026 re 4 Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction. The Court Heard Oral Arguments From The Parties. The Court Will Reserve Judgment. (Court Reporter ELIZABETH DAVILA.) (mac)
44	June 24, 2026	TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Beryl A. Howell, held on 6-23-2026; Page Numbers: 1 - 111. Date of Issuance: 6-24-2026. Court Reporter: Elizabeth Davila, Telephone number: 202-354-3242, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 7/15/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 7/25/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/22/2026.(Davila, Elizabeth) (Entered: 06/24/2026)	RECAP
45	June 24, 2026	ORDER GRANTING in part and DENYING in part Plaintiffs American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al.'s 4 Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1780, and Plaintiffs PA Education Association et al.'s 7 Motion and Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1941. See Order for further details. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 24, 2026. (lcbah1) (Entered: 06/24/2026)	Clearinghouse
46	June 24, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding Plaintiffs American Association of Nurse Practitioners et al.'s 4 Motion for Stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1780, and Plaintiffs PA Education Association et al.'s 7 Motion and Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction, see No. 26-cv-1941. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 24, 2026. (lcbah1) (Entered: 06/24/2026)	RECAP
	June 24, 2026	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File
	June 24, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), GRANTING 42 Defendants' Consent Out of Time Motion for an Extension of Four Minutes to File Their Supplemental Brief. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on June 24, 2026. (lcbah1)
	June 25, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines
	June 25, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines: Parties Joint Status Report due by 7/2/2026. (mac)
47	June 29, 2026	NOTICE of Department Action by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 06/29/2026) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
48	July 2, 2026	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Proposed Schedule Governing Further Proceedings by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 07/02/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	July 2, 2026	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File
	July 2, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), GRANTING the parties' 48 Joint Motion for Extension of Time, and DIRECTING the parties to submit jointly a status report with a proposed schedule governing further proceedings in this matter, including the filing of the administrative record, by July 9, 2026. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 2, 2026. (lcbah1)
	July 6, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines: Parties Joint Status Report due by 7/9/2026 (mac)
	July 6, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines
49	July 9, 2026	Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Proposed Schedule by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 07/09/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
50	July 10, 2026	NOTICE of Updated Department Action by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Updated Electronic Announcement)(Dibblee, Christian) (Entered: 07/10/2026) 1 Exhibit Updated Electronic Announcement View on RECAP	RECAP
	July 10, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), GRANTING the parties 49 Joint Motion for Extension of Time, and DIRECTING the parties to submit jointly a status report with a proposed schedule governing further proceedings in this matter, including the filing of the administrative record, by July 16, 2026. Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 10, 2026. (lcbah1)
	July 10, 2026	.Order
	July 13, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines: Parties Joint Status Report due by 7/16/2026 (mac)
	July 13, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines
51	July 16, 2026	Joint STATUS REPORT AND PROPOSED SCHEDULING ORDER by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMS OF PUBLIC HEALTH, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONERS, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION. (Cooper, Ryan) (Entered: 07/16/2026)	RECAP
	July 20, 2026	MINUTE ORDER (paperless), upon consideration of the parties' 51 Joint Status Report, ISSUING the following SCHEDULING ORDER to govern proceedings in this case. (1) By July 30, 2026, plaintiffs shall file any supplemental or amended complaints. (2) By September 4, 2026, defendants shall produce the administrative record with respect to the final rule at issue in this case, 91 Fed. Reg. 23,768 (May 1, 2026). If plaintiffs amend their complaints to challenge defendants' June 29, 2026, technical guidance document, ECF No. 47-2; and defendants' July 10, 2026, updated technical guidance document, ECF No. 50-2, defendants shall also produce by Friday, September 4 any non-privileged documents considered by the agency when issuing.(3) By October 2, 2026, plaintiffs shall file their motions for summary judgment.(4) By November 6, 2026, defendants shall file their cross-motions for summary judgment. (5) By November 20, 2026, plaintiffs shall file their reply.(6) By December 4, 2026, defendants shall file their reply. Further, as agreed upon by the parties, id. at 3, defendants may defer responding to the complaints until after the Court's ruling on the forthcoming summary-judgment motion(s), to the extent a response is necessary; and because judicial review in this case will be based on the administrative record, the parties may dispense with Local Rule 7(h)'s requirement that a motion for summary judgment shall be accompanied by a statement of material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue, see Local Rule 7(h)(2); Signed by Judge Beryl A. Howell on July 20, 2026. (lcbah1)
	July 20, 2026	.Order
	July 21, 2026	Set/Reset Deadlines

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Grant/Contract rescissions, Defunding or Other Threats against Private Entities

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 21, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiffs are medical and educational associations.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-01941

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-01780

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Stay of government action

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of American Association of Nurse Practitioners v. McMahon, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48208/ (last updated 7/18/2026).