WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- A coalition of 22 Attorneys General has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that seeks to amend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The letter emphasizes that the suggested changes would be detrimental to student borrowers and public service employers alike. The Proposed Rule, which was published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2025, is described as unlawful by the coalitio more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- 22nd Century Group Inc., a North Carolina-based biotechnology company, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the proposed Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes and Certain Other Combusted Tobacco Products. The company advocates for the FDA's proposed regulation, which aims to establish a non-addictive nicotine level in smoking products to significantly redu more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Thirty-five osteopathic specialty and state associations expressed serious concerns in a public comment letter sent to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed modifications to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The letter, supported by 34 affiliated osteopathic specialty and state associations representing nearly 200,000 osteopathic physicians and medical students, warns that the changes could adversely affect the nation's healthcare workforce more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- A coalition of 45 law professors has issued a public comment letter challenging the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) recent decision to employ direct final rules aimed at rescinding or amending key nondiscrimination regulations in federally assisted programs. The professors assert that the DOE's approach not only circumvents required procedures but may breach the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). In their letter dated June 16, 2025, the group highlights four specific  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- A coalition 50 House Democrats has expressed strong disapproval in a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education concerning proposed rulemaking that they argue undermines the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Specifically, the letter raises concerns about changes outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), published on August 18, 2025, which the signatories claim would politically redefine qualifying public service roles. The controv more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- A coalition of nine county government and advocacy groups has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service regarding the proposed Forest Plan Amendments aimed at managing old-growth conditions across the National Forest System. The letter, which comes in response to a December 2023 notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasizes the need for collaboration with local governments as the agency develops its environmental i more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about proposed policy changes for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for the 2026 calendar year. The academy represents over 11,000 child and adolescent psychiatrists, fellows, residents, and medical students, highlighting its commitment to mental h more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing significant concerns regarding proposed amendments to regulations governing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization represents all 44 colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States, which together educate over 38,000 future physicians, nearly 30 percent of all U.S. medical students. I more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), representing over 431,000 nurse practitioners across the nation, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The Department's plan includes amendments to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program that could disproportionately affect healthcare providers, particularly in  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Association of University Women of South Carolina (AAUW-SC) has filed a public comment letter with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opposing the department's proposal to rescind vital regulations related to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. The group argues that the proposed direct final rule (DFR) would undermine decades of progress for women and girls in education, particularly in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, a more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The American Educational Research Association (AERA) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the School-Level Finance Survey (SLFS) and National Public Education Financial Survey (NPEFS) scheduled for 2025-2027. In the letter, AERA expressed its gratitude for the opportunity to address important matters concerning the two vital data collection efforts managed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). AERA, which repr more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- American Urological Association Innovation Nexus Director Steven A. Kaplan submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing displeasure with the proposed work relative value unit (wRVU) assignment for the Aquablation procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The writer, a board-certified urologist, stated that based on personal experience and research, Aquablation is a safe and effective procedure that offers du more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Bay Area Legal Aid, a provider of free legal services in the San Francisco Bay Area, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong concerns regarding proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization fears that new criteria could hinder eligible borrowers' ability to obtain certification, disrupt the pursuit of public service careers, and complicate recruitment and retention of staff crit more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Beaver Institute has expressed strong opposition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent initiative to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a policy designed to protect 58.5 million acres of America's unspoiled forestland. In a public comment letter submitted to the agency, the organization conveyed its deep concern over the potential environmental and economic repercussions of such a decision. The Beaver Institute, representing a diverse coalitio more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Brown's Promise, an organization under the Southern Education Foundation, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) voicing strong opposition to a proposed rule aimed at rescinding regulations related to nondiscrimination based on sex in educational programs. The organization argues that this action undermines essential protections afforded to women and girls under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. In its letter, Brown's Pro more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule regarding Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This proposed rule, unveiled on August 18, 2025, aims to limit eligibility for the forgiveness program by disqualifying employees of public service organizations involved in activities deemed to have "a substantial illegal purpose." CalHHS  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- California Natural Resources Agency is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to uphold the Roadless Rule that safeguards nearly 4 million acres of roadless areas across the state's national forests. A public comment letter addressed to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of maintaining these vital protections that contribute to environmental health and community safety. The letter outlines the collaborative relationship between the stat more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Center for Access to QDROs has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at amending regulations associated with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization expressed concern that the proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on August 18, would enact detrimental changes to the PSLF program, heavily impacting the retention and recruitment of their staff more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Collins Pine Co. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging for the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule. As a family-owned and Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forest products company operating across Pennsylvania, Northern California, and Oregon, Collins manages roughly 370,000 acres within these states and has historically collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service on various forest management initiatives. In their co more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Colorado Offroad Trail Defenders Vice President Patrick McKay submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong support for rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, stating that it has had devastating effects on motorized recreation. The writer stated that despite the rule, many so-called "roadless areas" are not, in fact, roadless. The letter argued that because the agency failed to conduct a thoroug more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed final rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Representing over 900 accredited social work programs and countless educators and practitioners, CSWE acknowledges the department's aim to uphold the integrity of the PSLF program but expresses apprehensions about the potential negative impact on social work professi more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Custom Trailers and Vehicle Association (CTVA) submitted a public comment letter submitted by the to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has spotlighted growing concerns regarding the impact of the Roadless Rules on motorized recreational opportunities in Montana. The organization asserts that both past and anticipated management actions could lead to extensive motorized closures and limit recreational access across the region. The CTVA highlights significa more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Dermatology Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing strong opposition to proposed revisions in the Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) outlined in the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (CMS-1832-P). In the letter, the organization, representing numerous healthcare providers and physicians in the Arkansas river valley, voiced particular concern over the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to a proposed rulemaking affecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. DREDF argues that if adopted, the new regulations would unfairly jeopardize the participation of nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving marginalized communities. DREDF, a national nonprofit law and policy center fou more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Epstein Becker & Green P.C., representing various physician practices and accountable care organizations, has submitted a public comment letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about the proposed elimination of the Health Equity Adjustment from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Performance Year 2025 and beyond. The firm argues that the Health Equity Adjustment has been essential in su more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Equal Rights Advocates (ERA), a national nonprofit organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expressing strong opposition to the proposed Direct Final Rule (DFR) aimed at rescinding regulations related to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs. The organization, established in 1974, advocates for gender justice within educational and workplace environments. ERA's letter highlights that the regulation more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Equality California, the largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the nation, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing deep concern over proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization argues that these changes would unjustly disqualify numerous charitable nonprofits from participating in the program based on vaguely defined illegal activities. The PSLF program has served as a  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Eureka County Board of Commissioners has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong support for the agency's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The letter highlights a belief that the current rule imposes unnecessary restrictions on land management and limits local decision-making, which the board argues should be paramount in addressing the unique needs of the community. Eureka  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Findhelp has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. The organization emphasizes the need for policies that enhance the integration of social care into healthcare systems, focusing particularly on chronic disease management and care coordination. In its letter, Findhelp commended the CMS for its ongoing more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Francis Medical has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing concerns with the agency's proposed rule related to the site of service payment differential in the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The company advocates for a more equitable approach to facility payment structures to better accommodate crucial medical services, like the Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation, that more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Health Tech Wound Care has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding proposed payment policies for skin substitutes in the upcoming year. The firm, a biologics manufacturer dedicated to human wellness, seeks to address concerns surrounding the proposed reimbursement rate for skin substitutes set at $125.38 per square centimeter for calendar year 2026. In its letter, Health Tech Wo more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding a proposed rule that could significantly impact the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). In their letter, ImmDef expressed concerns about the intent and consequences of the proposed regulation, arguing that it could undermine the mission of organizations dedicated to serving immigrants an more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Innovaccer, a healthcare technology company, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposals under the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The letter emphasizes the organization's commitment to improving patient care through innovative solutions while also providing critical feedback on CMS's proposed changes to Medicare policies. In its comments, I more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Integra LifeSciences Corp. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for key reforms to the physician fee schedule for skin substitute products. In the letter, Integra LifeSciences emphasized its support for CMS's proposed changes to payment methodologies for skin substitutes, which are utilized across various medical settings, including physician offices and hospital more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. The letter emphasizes concerns regarding CMS's plan to adopt a new definition of "direct supervision" for diagnostic tests, allowing for virtual oversight in various settings, including Independent D more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Jaan Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for modifications to payment structures surrounding chronic disease management programs. The organization, which leverages an AI-enabled platform called Phamily to enhance proactive care practices, believes that changes in payment models could significantly improve the effectiveness of managing chronic illnesses in more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Johns Hopkins Medicine has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about proposed revisions in the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule and associated changes to Part B payment and coverage policies. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins Medicine is a leading global healthcare enterprise and academic medical center known for its nearly 3,500 physicians and 3  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Just Solutions PLLC CEO Lisalyn R. Jacobs has sent a strong public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opposing a proposed direct final rule (DFR). This rule, which aims to rescind certain regulations related to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs, has sparked considerable concern regarding its potential impact on the protections provided to women and girls in educational settings. The letter emphasizes that the proposal threaten more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Kerecis LLC, a leader in cell and tissue therapy, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for critical reforms in the proposed Calendar Year 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. The company, which focuses on developing soft tissue regeneration products derived from fish skin, aims to address the growing issues of waste, fraud, and abuse in the skin substitute industry by em more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Know Your IX, a project of Advocates for Youth, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expressing strong opposition to the proposed direct final rule (DFR) that seeks to rescind vital regulations protecting against sex discrimination in educational programs. This legislation is crucial for ensuring equal access to educational opportunities, particularly for women and girls, who remain underrepresented in various fields such as Science, T more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Inc., has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization argues that alterations to the program's parameters for eligibility could adversely affect access to legal services in rural communities across Central and Southern Illinois. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid serves a vast service territory that spans 65 coun more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The nonprofit law firm cited concerns that the changes would limit qualifying employers and substantially undermine the original intent of the program, which is aimed at alleviating financial burdens for public service workers. LASSD, which provides f more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing the agency's proposed rescission of regulations regarding nondiscrimination based on sex in educational programs. The organization argues that the changes threaten to reverse decades of progress in gender equity, particularly in underrepresented fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The public com more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, expressing serious concerns about the potential implications for borrowers engaged in public service. LSNYC, as the largest provider of civil legal services in the country, helps low to moderate-income New Yorkers, including essential workers like police officers, teachers, and nurses, navigate the chal more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- LifeSpan Resources, a non-profit organization based in New Albany, Indiana, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid programs for the 2026 fiscal year. The organization, which has been serving the aging population in the state for over 50 years, emphasizes the need for Medicare certification to expand its portfolio of services aimed a more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Los Angeles LGBT Center has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization asserts that the changes are founded on discriminatory policy and an unconstitutional interpretation of law based on previous administration views. The center warns that the proposed rules will negatively impact its members by restricting access to cru more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments affecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The letter emphasizes the vital role that nonprofits play in the state's economy and community service efforts, particularly as the donor organization represents over 1,100 nonprofit members across Maine. In the letter, MANP highlights that the more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Mallinckrodt, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes in the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. The letter expresses serious concerns about the potential adoption of new policies regarding the calculation of Average Sales Prices (ASPs) for drugs and biologicals covered under Medicare Part B. In the letter, Mallinckrodt e more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Mass General Brigham, a comprehensive healthcare system, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for the inclusion of Food Is Medicine (FIM) interventions in Medicare coverage policies. The healthcare entity, which supports nearly two million patients and employs around 80,000 staff, has stressed the significance of nutrition in the management of chronic diseases in its letter. The organization emphasizes that die more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Mayo Clinic has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong concerns regarding the proposed changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the 2026 fiscal year. Founded over 150 years ago, Mayo Clinic emphasizes its commitment to patient-centered care and innovation. The letter outlines how the proposed changes could significantly impact payment structures for more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- MDinteractive, a long-standing CMS Qualified Registry, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for essential adjustments to the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. The organization, which supports various healthcare entities including Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and clinicians, emphasizes that these changes are critical for  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Medicaid Food Security Network has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed changes to the Medicare and Medicaid Programs for the calendar year 2026. The organization emphasizes the necessity of integrating Food is Medicine (FIM) initiatives into healthcare frameworks, highlighting their role in improving food security for children and families enrolled in Medi more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), voicing concerns regarding the proposed changes to Medicare's Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment systems for Calendar Year 2026. In the letter, MDMA highlights potential detrimental impacts these changes could have on both more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- MiMedx Group Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the calendar year 2026. The company articulated its support for CMS's proposed reforms aimed at revising the payment structure for skin substitutes, emphasizing the necessity for adjustments to combat ongoing issues of fraud and inefficiency in the sector more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns over proposed changes to Medicare payment policies for the 2026 fiscal year. Representing over 10,000 physicians and physicians-in-training, the MMA outlined key issues related to the proposed rule published in the Federal Register in July 2025. In its letter, the MMA acknowl more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Moapa Band of Paiutes Tribal Historic Preservation Office has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service raising critical concerns regarding the rollback of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The tribal group asserts that these changes could profoundly impact their traditional ecological knowledge and sacred sites, particularly along the Salt Song Trail, which holds deep cultural significance for the Southern Paiutes  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society (MTTWS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing strong opposition to the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The letter emphasizes the critical role that the Roadless Rule plays in conserving vital habitats across the state and safeguarding wildlife populations, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental changes. MTTWS highlights the effectiveness  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Montana Logging Association Northwest Region Representative Tim McEntire submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service in strong support of the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Rule. The letter argued that the rule's "one-size-fits-all" restriction has prevented active forest management across nearly one-third of National Forest System lands. According to the writer, the rule's restrictions on road construction and forest management access acro more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Monteris Medical, a manufacturer of advanced neurosurgical tools, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. The letter addresses a proposed efficiency adjustment that could impact the reimbursement for the Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) procedure, which is essential f more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Multnomah County Community Health Center (MCCHC) recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasizing the need for improvements in the proposed CY2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. As Oregon's largest public Federally Qualified Health Center, MCCHC serves over 59,000 patients annually through its multiple clinics offering integrated healthcare services. In its comm more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Alliance to Impact Social Determinants of Health (NASDOH) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong concerns regarding a series of proposed changes to the Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. These changes, which affect payment and coverage policies, could significantly impact healthcare delivery related to social determinants of health. In more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The National Association of School Psychologists has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that would amend regulations surrounding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This proposed change, according to the organization representing nearly 25,000 members, threatens to limit access to much-needed loan forgiveness for school psychologists who are critical in serving communities.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for critical revisions to Medicare and Medicaid programs. The comments come in response to CMS's proposed rulemaking titled "CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies." As a leading organization representin more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The National Education Association (NEA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy urging the withdrawal of a proposed direct final rule (DFR) aimed at rescinding regulations related to nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs. The NEA, representing over three million members, contends that the removal of these regulations would significantly harm women and girls' opportunities within educational settings, particularly in fi more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Health Council (NHC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlining substantial concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for Calendar Year 2026. The NHC, which represents over 180 leading health-related organizations, emphasizes that the proposed alterations could significantly impact beneficiaries, practitioners, and more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization, which represents 170 nonprofit agencies in the U.S., Canada, and Israel, emphasizes the need for stable and reliable support for professionals working in community service. In its communication, the Network highlighted that the P more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Nevada Council of Trout Unlimited has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging the preservation of the Roadless Areas Conservation Rule. This rule has played a critical role for nearly 25 years in safeguarding high-quality habitats for fish and wildlife while allowing the U.S. Forest Service the flexibility needed to meet its multiple-use mandate. In the letter, Trout Unlimited emphasized the unique environmental challenges faced more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The New York Civil Liberties Union Education Counsel Emma Curran Donnelly Hulse submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that would amend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, arguing that the limitations it would impose would harm nonprofit employees and their communities. The writer stated that the proposed rule's definition of "substantial illegal activities" is vague, giving th more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The North Dakota Association of School Psychologists (NDASP) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing urgent concerns over proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The association, representing 68 active members, highlights the critical role of school psychologists in providing indispensable mental health services across rural North Dakota, where access to such care is severely limited. In its letter  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Novartis Services Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing its concerns regarding proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid payment policies for 2026. The letter critiques the agency's recent proposed rule that outlines payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program. In the letter, Novartis outlines sever more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Nuo Therapeutics Inc., a Houston-based biotechnology company, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging revisions to the proposed payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2026. The letter emphasizes the need for appropriate adjustments to the reimbursement rates for the HCPCS code G0465, which relates to the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PR more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- OCHIN, a national nonprofit health information technology and research network, has submitted a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging substantial changes to the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. The organization advocates for enhanced access and affordability in healthcare delivery, particularly for rural and low-resourced communities. In i more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Office for Civil Rights Alumni Collective (OCR Alumni Collective) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expressing serious concerns regarding several Direct Final Rules (DFRs) recently released by the agency. These proposed rules, evident in DOE-HQ-2025-0024, DOE-HQ-2025-0025, and DOE-HQ-2025-0015, are said to undermine existing civil rights protections established by federal law. The OCR Alumni Collective voiced its objections  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Ohio State University Assistant Professor of Law Bridget C.E. Dooling submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy strongly criticizing the agency's decision and arguing that its approach fails to meet the legal standards set forth by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The agency is facing pushback following the issuance of direct final rules (DFRs) that aim to rescind key nondiscrimination regulations regarding education programs receiving fede more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Association of Northwest Steelheaders has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong opposition to any moves to rescind or weaken the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a pivotal conservation measure that protects nearly 58 million acres of undeveloped national forest land. For over 60 years, the Association has worked to conserve and advocate for the responsible management of fish, rivers, and their s more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proposed recission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The OHA, a noted conservation and hunting organization, emphasizes the critical importance of preserving Oregon's wildlife and habitat amid discussions of policy changes that could impact public lands. The organization argues that roadless areas are essential for maintaining the in more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The organization, which represents dermatology professionals across Pennsylvania, expressed crucial concerns relating to reimbursement rates and payment structures that could affect patient access to essential d more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing concerns about proposed payment policies in the upcoming calendar year 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. PhRMA, which represents leading biopharmaceutical research companies, emphasizes the significant implications these policies could have on patient access to essentia more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Coalition has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that aims to change eligibility criteria for the program. The coalition, which consists of over 120 organizations dedicated to public service, urges the Department to withdraw the proposal due to concerns over its legal authority and potential negative impact on vital public services. In its letter, th more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving native plants and habitats, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong opposition to proposed modifications to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule (RACR). The organization emphasized the need to maintain current protections for California's Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) to safeguard critical ecosystems, particularly in the Los Pa more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Scripps Institution of Oceanography climate science PhD candidate Marissa Saenger submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong support for maintaining protections for the nation's roadless areas, arguing that the scientific evidence for their conservation is overwhelming. According to the letter, roadless areas hold importance for drinking water supply. The comment stated that hundreds of watersheds on Forest Se more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Snyder Environmental Services LLC has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service urging against the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The letter argues that the repeal of this rule, currently under consideration, could lead to detrimental ecological and economic consequences. The Roadless Rule protects less than 2% of the U.S. land area and safeguards vital ecosystems within national forests. The organization  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has issued a letter to the U.S. Forest Service emphasizing the critical need for maintaining and funding forest roads essential for managing public and private forestlands. The organization outlined that these roads are key infrastructure necessary for sustainable forest management, providing access for activities such as timber harvesting, wildfire control, and habitat improvement. In its letter, SAF advocated for policies and pro more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- St. John's Northwestern Academy (SJNA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing serious concerns regarding a proposed rule that would eliminate the "Duration of Status" for international students. The letter highlights the academy's commitment to its international student population, which comprises over 48% of its enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. The proposed changes to the Duration of Status rule would impose f more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Stewards of the Swan Valley (SOSV) issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, expressing strong opposition to the proposed rescission of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. According to the organization, the proposed rollback is not only misguided but threatens both the environment and local economies reliant on outdoor recreation and tourism. The SOSV, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the natural and more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Students' Civil Rights Project at Public Justice has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) expressing strong opposition to a direct final rule that proposes to rescind crucial regulations regarding nondiscrimination based on sex in education programs. This rule is seen as an attempt to eliminate vital protections that promote gender equity, particularly in fields where women and girls have been historically underrepresented. Public  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Texas State University Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies Jason P. Julian submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong support for maintaining robust protections for the nation's roadless areas, stating that the scientific evidence for conservation is overwhelming. According to the writer, the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule has served the country faithfully, providing protections for these ar more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- Thunder Bay Community Health Service Inc. (TBCHS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for significant changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2026. The letter outlines various proposals aimed at improving accessibility and affordability of healthcare services for underserved populations, particularly low-income and Medicare patients across Northeaster more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Trout Unlimited West Virginia State Council has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service advocating for the preservation of the Roadless Rule, which safeguards millions of acres of roadless public lands. The organization, representing nearly 1,000 members across West Virginia, emphasized the ecological, recreational, and economic importance of the areas that would be impacted by any p more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- United Way of Pennsylvania has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education voicing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The letter, which responds to Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0016, expresses concerns over changes that could adversely impact borrowers seeking loan forgiveness while working in essential public service roles. Advocating for Pennsylvania's 41 local United Way nonprofits, the or more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- University of Colorado Boulder Professor Emeritus Thomas T. Veblen submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service strongly opposing any proposals aimed at undermining the regulation, citing his extensive experience in forest ecological research spanning more than four decades. Veblen's research, which covers subjects such as fire history and forest regeneration, highlights the adverse effects that road construction in subalpine eco more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Vice Chair for Pain Medicine Ajay D. Wasan submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to expand its Digital Mental Health Treatment (DMHT) policy to include computerized behavioral health treatments for fibromyalgia. The writer, a tenured professor and former president o more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (VSEPS), representing over four hundred ophthalmologists in the Commonwealth, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing strong concerns regarding the proposed adjustments in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the 2026 calendar year. In their correspondence, VSEPS highlights a proposed 2.5% efficiency adjustment to physician work and reductions in indir more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- We Advocate Thorough Environmental Review (W.A.T.E.R.), a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Mount Shasta, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service firmly opposing the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The organization emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining roadless areas to combat the escalating climate crisis, which they describe as one of the greatest exist more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Wilderness Society and Heritage Forests Campaign submitted a comprehensive public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service emphasizing the significant economic values associated with protecting roadless areas across the United States. This analysis outlines the multitude of societal benefits that preserving these natural environments can provide to the American populace. The letter presents findings from meticulous research that highlights  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Wilderness Watch, a nonprofit organization focused on the preservation of America's natural landscapes, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service regarding the agency's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The organization opposes this proposed action, which they believe undermines decades of environmental stewardship. In their letter, Wilderness Watch expressed concern over the insufficient public con more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service urging the agency to halt the process of rescinding the Roadless Conservation Area Rule, commonly referred to as the Roadless Rule. The organization emphasizes the importance of this rule in protecting nearly 45 million acres of unfragmented forestland, including approximately 9.3 million acres within the Tongass National Forest.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Woodwell Climate Research Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture addressing concerns regarding the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The organization emphasizes the ecological benefits provided by roadless areas, which include climate mitigation, wildlife habitat preservation, and recreational opportunities. In their correspondence, Woodwell scientists outline critical inquiries that should be more ST

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- The Worker Justice Center of New York Executive Director Alaina Evelyn Varvaloucas submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would amend the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and impose limitations on which employers would be able to benefit from PSLF for their employees. The writer stated that programs like PSLF allow qualified individuals to work at organizations such as the Worker J more ST