Dissertation
Iowa ARNP Preceptor Tax Credit
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Background: Iowa faces a persistent shortage of clinical preceptors for Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) students, a challenge that limits program capacity and hinders the growth of the state s nurse practitioner workforce. This shortage is especially concerning amid rising healthcare demands in rural and underserved communities, where access to timely, high-quality care often depends on the availability of nurse practitioners. Without enough preceptors, ARNP students face delayed graduations or even lost educational opportunities, exacerbating provider shortages and placing additional strain on an already stretched healthcare system. Strengthening the preceptor pipeline is critical to meeting Iowa s current and future healthcare needs. Purpose: This project aimed to address preceptor shortages by advancing a legislative solution: a refundable state income tax credit for ARNPs who serve as preceptors to graduate nursing students. The goal was to incentivize preceptorship, expand clinical placement opportunities, and ultimately strengthen Iowa s healthcare workforce. Methods: Using the Evidence-Informed Health Policymaking (EIHP) model as a framework, the project employed multiple implementation strategies including legislative drafting, stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, and advocacy. Outreach included 65+ emails to legislators and stakeholders, 18 meetings with lawmakers, and presentations at both the state and national level. The American Nurses Association s (ANA) VoterVoice platform was piloted in Iowa to support advocacy on this bill. Findings: The 2024 bill (HF 2017) was introduced but stalled in committee. In 2025, a revised version (HF 327/SF 291) gained bipartisan sponsorship and successfully advanced through Senate committees, reflecting growing momentum and broader stakeholder buy-in. Nursing organizations, academic leaders, health systems leaders, and grassroots advocates have shown increasing support for the bill, reinforcing its relevance and urgency. Discussion: This project demonstrates that sustained, evidence-informed advocacy can drive meaningful policy change. A refundable tax credit offers a financially viable and politically supported mechanism to address preceptor shortages and promote nursing workforce expansion. Continued legislative engagement and refinement of cost estimates remain essential to ensuring bill passage and implementation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Iowa ARNP Preceptor Tax Credit
- Creators
- Kate Pace - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Daniel Wesemann (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Kate Pace
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841035402771
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