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We thank Dr O’Sullivan for this significant correction. Although this comment was made in open discussion at the annual meeting, we should have confirmed that the point did not move to the resolution stage.

The risk remains of considering the degrees equivalent since both are terminal degrees, so we are pleased that the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) makes the distinction between a clinical practice-based advance degree and a research doctorate.

With a relatively short research and academic tradition, nursing will need to continue to develop strong research programs. We worry that the DNP would take a similar path as the practice doctorate in education (EdD), emphasizing administration and policy. Studies in administration and policy cannot substitute for developing advanced practice roles.