This paper discusses current differences in the nursing education community regarding the roles of associate degree and baccalaureate degree nurses and presents a critique of the "Position Paper on Nursing Roles--Scope and Preparation" issued in 1982 by the National League for Nursing (NLN). After a discussion of the history and background of associate degree nursing, objections are presented to the NLN position paper which calls for the baccalaureate degree in nursing as the academic preparation for professional nursing practice. These objections include: (1) that the NLN recommendation encourages groups advocating changes in licensure for nurses; (2) that changes in current nursing practice and the diversified skills demanded of a nurse do not warrant a change in licensure requirements; (3) that the quality of making "independent judgments and critical decisions" that the NLN stated was required of professional nurses does not exclude associate degree nurses; and (4) that the NLN position paper failed to take into consideration that the baccalaureate nursing programs are not in a position to supply the nursing needs of the nation. (HB)