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The U.S. Department of Education defines a professional degree program in its 2025 to 2026 regulatory framework as a program that “signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor’s degree; is generally at the doctoral level; requires at least six academic years of postsecondary education including at least two years at the post-baccalaureate level; and typically leads to licensure in a recognized profession.” The Association of Movement Disorder Advanced Practice Providers (AMDAPP) is concerned that, as applied in recent rulemaking, this definition may exclude several graduate-level programs that educate clinicians who are central to movement-disorders care. These include programs in advanced nursing and nurse practitioner education, physician assistant education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, public health and counseling and social work. These professions require advanced education, national certification, state licensure and clinical expertise that align closely with the criteria outlined in the Department’s definition. Movement-disorders care relies on a multidisciplinary team with specialized training. Every one of the professions listed above contributes significantly to evaluating symptoms, managing treatment plans, providing rehabilitation therapies, supporting communication and swallowing and addressing cognitive, emotional and social needs. For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and related conditions, these services are essential to maintaining safety, independence and quality of life.  If these graduate programs are not recognized as professional degree programs, students may face reduced access to federal financial aid. This may contribute to workforce shortages in areas of care where patient demand is already increasing. Longer wait times, fewer available specialists and limited access to comprehensive services are all potential consequences for patients and clinics across the country, at a time when movement-disorders care is already marked by a significant shortage of trained clinicians and growing challenges in timely access to care. AMDAPP respectfully requests continued discussion and clarification around the Department’s classification of professional degree programs to ensure that it accurately reflects the training, licensure requirements and responsibilities of these essential healthcare professions. We encourage clinicians, educators, students and patient advocates to stay informed, to share information about how these changes may affect patient access and training and to communicate their concerns with their members of Congress so that the full impact on the movement-disorders community is understood.

Newsletter: October 2025

AMDAPP at the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Congress — A Success in Hawaii!

Newsletter - September 2025

AMDAPP Turns 2! Celebrate With Us in This Month’s Newsletter - June 2025

Sunset Connections- An Evening Cruise with AMDAPP® Anchoring advanced practice providers and nurses in care and community Monday October 6th, 2025 at 5:30PM Boarding Begins at 5:00PM With the Oahu sunset as our backdrop we'll connect, share, and celebrate the work that unites us. Food* Drinks* Inspiration

AMDAPP ® had an incredible time at this year’s Aspen Course, with more than 15 APPs joining us for a week of learning, connection, and community. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet new faces, exchange ideas, and deepen our collective knowledge around movement disorders. The conference content was truly outstanding—rich with insights, practical tools, and relevant updates for APPs at all stages of their careers. We left each session feeling more empowered and connected to the broader movement disorder community. Of course, it wouldn’t be an AMDAPP experience without a bit of fun woven in! Our APP outing included a scenic gondola ride and a relaxing mountaintop lunch—offering the perfect backdrop to unwind and build new friendships. We’re returning home refreshed, inspired, and more committed than ever to supporting APPs in movement disorders. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Aspen—we can’t wait to see you again soon!

AMDAPP Turns 2! Celebrate With Us in This Month’s Newsletter - June 2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the AMDAPP Annual Conference! Your presence, energy, and contributions made this year’s event one of our most inspiring and impactful gatherings yet. Over the course of the conference, we witnessed powerful discussions, innovative presentations, and invaluable networking among passionate professionals dedicated to advancing movement disorder care. Whether you were a presenter, participant, exhibitor, volunteer, or a first-time attendee, your involvement was integral to the success of this event. From expert-led sessions to thought-provoking panels and collaborative workshops, the 2025 AMDAPP Conference served as a vibrant platform for learning, connection, and progress. The insights and ideas shared during our time together will undoubtedly fuel positive change in the months to come. We are already looking forward to welcoming you again next year—along with many new faces—to continue this important work and celebrate the progress we make together. Until then, thank you for being part of the AMDAPP community. See you in 2026! Together in Movement!