WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Advocate Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology addressing key concerns regarding the proposed Deregulatory Actions to Unleash Prosperity Rule. The organization emphasized the importance of revising certain definitions and conditions related to information blocking, which they believe are vital for enhancing interoperability in the healthcare sector. In their letter, Advocate Health, a  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The AI Healthcare Coalition (AIHC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizing the need for effective policies that foster the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical care. In the letter, AIHC outlined multiple recommendations aimed at overcoming the current barriers to reimbursement and regulation for AI healthcare technologies. As advancements in AI continue to reshape the healthcare landscape, the coa more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services highlighting issues surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. In 2025, AFB surveyed 1,735 adults, with over 1,070 having a disability or medical condition. Findings from the survey will be formally released in March 2026, but preliminary insights indicate that individuals with disabilities faced healthcare denials a more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Animal Counsel, Boulder, Colorado, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the draft Conservation Benefit Agreement (CBA) for eleven bumble bee species. The organization has expressed concerns over the language and provisions outlined in the draft agreement intended to foster voluntary conservation efforts alongside energy and transportation land use. In their letter, Animal Counsel appreciates the initiative behind the agreem more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- APLA Health submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would revise hospital conditions of participation to bar hospitals in Medicare and Medicaid from providing specified gender-affirming medical care to individuals under 18. In its letter, APLA Health urged CMS to withdraw the proposed rule, emphasizing that it represents a troubling shift in how CoPs have t more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlining challenges and recommendations for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care within the behavioral health sector. In the letter, ABHW acknowledges the potential benefits of AI in improving healthcare outcomes but emphasizes the unique challenges that the behavioral health field faces. The organ more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging the agency to take decisive actions to enhance the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical oncology. ASCO emphasizes the vital role that AI can play in improving patient outcomes and delivering equitable healthcare solutions. In its letter, ASCO commends HHS for its "OneHHS" approach, which aims to unify more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has received a public comment letter from a conservation biologist expressing concerns over current beaver management practices in Wisconsin. The letter highlights a perceived lack of effective education and a heavy reliance on lethal removal strategies endorsed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), suggesting these practices foster a negative public perception of beavers. In addressing the DNR's app more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Railroad Administration opposing a petition to amend an existing waiver that would expand the use of computer-based simulation in place of hands-on training for rail employees. In their letter, BLET expressed concerns regarding a petition filed by CN, which seeks an amendment to its existing waiver allowing the use of three-dimensional simulations for the hands-on portion more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Center for American Principles (CAP) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging it to withdraw its proposed "Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs" (GUARD) model. CAP contends that the proposed model imposes unlawful foreign price-control measures on Medicare's prescription drug benefit which would have effects on patient access and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector. In the letter, CAP argues that the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Center for American Principles submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed global benchmark for efficient drug pricing model, arguing that the plan exceeds the agency's statutory authority and would disrupt Medicare Part B drug markets. In the letter addressed to the agency, CAP highlights its concern that the GLOBE model exceeds statutory authority and could lead to significant distortions in physician-admin more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Center for Medicine in the Public Interest submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model, arguing that the plan would raise costs for seniors, restrict access to medicines and exceed the agency's authority. The letter argues that the GUARD model would contradict the goals of improving patient access and affordability. CMPI's analysis points out that despite more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Chicago Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo Ige has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for a three-year extension of the information collection authority for the Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA), which is set to expire on May 31, 2026. The department emphasizes that maintaining this data source is crucial for combating an alarming public health crisis that has seen maternal mortality rat more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Children's National Hospital submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for guidelines on the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care, particularly for pediatric patients. The organization emphasized that the integration of AI in healthcare must prioritize the unique challenges associated with treating children. In its correspondence, Children's National outlined several critical issues regarding AI's more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Cleveland Clinic has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizing the need for strategic policies to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care delivery. The institution articulated its position on the importance of AI in enhancing patient care and improving operational efficiency within the healthcare system. In the letter, Cleveland Clinic recognized that the current healthcare lands more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The College of American Pathologists submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to strengthen transparency requirements, clarify liability standards and revise payment policy to accelerate safe adoption of artificial intelligence in pathology and laboratory medicine. In its correspondence, CAP underscored its pivotal role in the field of pathology, emphasizing the importance of safety, test validity, and the need for we more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Health Data, Technology and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions to Unleash Prosperity (HTI-5) rule. The organization emphasizes the importance of patient safety and laboratory quality in its response to the proposed regulations. In the letter, CAP expresses support for the overall goals of the HTI-5 rule, w more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for a comprehensive strategy to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. In the letter, CHIME outlines the pivotal role AI is playing in reshaping healthcare, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and streamlining administrative workflows. They argue that as healthcare providers i more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Beaver Institute, Southhampton, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the Draft Wisconsin Beaver Management Plan 2025-2025. This letter emphasizes the ecological significance of beavers and advocates for comprehensive strategies to manage their populations and habitats effectively. The organization, which represents a diverse range of stakeholders-including wetland ecologists, researchers, more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Community Oncology Alliance submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in response to its request for information on accelerating the adoption and use of artificial intelligence in clinical care, calling for financial incentives, regulatory clarity and guardrails to protect patients. In its letter, COA highlights the challenges facing these independent practices as they attempt to adopt AI technologies. They stress that witho more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Corewell Health submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in response to the agency's request for information on accelerating the adoption and use of artificial intelligence in clinical care, urging clearer standards, accountability frameworks and payment policies to support responsible deployment. Corewell Health, the largest health system in Michigan with over 65,000 employees, urges the HHS to adopt a multifaceted approach th more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has requested a 60-day extension to the comment period regarding an exemption application from Grote Industries, LLC, submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The exemption pertains to the requirement that exterior lighting devices on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) be steady-burning, allowing motor carriers to operate CMVs with auxiliary rear or side lamps that flash or strobe as part of a new safety system. The C more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Dot Lake Village Council submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service requesting government-to-government consultation regarding proposed revisions to regulations governing mineral prospecting, exploration, development, mining, processing and reclamation on National Forest System lands. Dot Lake Village expressed appreciation for notifications regarding the rulemaking and the agency's goal of enhancing regulatory clarity. However, they emphasized the n more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Empower Pharmacy submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration outlining reforms for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) regulations. The pharmacy emphasized the need for evidence-based policies that enhance patient care and safety in the treatment of testosterone deficiency. In its comments, Empower Pharmacy highlighted the efficacy of TRT, supported by numerous studies and meta-analyses, which show substantial improvements in mental health, ph more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Fair Wisconsin has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would limit access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. The organization argues that the regulation threatens the mental health and well-being of vulnerable young people throughout the nation. The proposed rule aims to prohibit medical facilities from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they provide gender-affirming care  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addressing concerns related to the proposed "Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing" (GLOBE) Model. CMS is proposed to implement the GLOBE Model as part of its innovative payment testing authority, aiming to determine if international benchmarking of inflation rebates could help decrease Medicare spending while maintaining or improving the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model, arguing that the rule would undermine medical innovation, restrict patient access and fail to lower out-of-pocket costs. HINJ contends that the proposed GLOBE Model could introduce pricing constraints that alter the market's risk-reward balance for bringing innovative therapies to  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy advocating for regulatory reform aimed at accelerating the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare sector. The HLC emphasizes the need for a comprehensive federal policy that preempts conflicting state laws to facilitate the development and deployment of AI technologies, thereby reducing unnecessary barriers more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Highmark Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns regarding proposed information collection activities related to the Plan Benefit Package (PBP) and Formulary for the 2027 calendar year. The letter critiques the operational challenges and administrative burdens that the recommendations may impose on health plans within the short timeframe allocated for implementation. In the letter, Highmark point more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Hims and Hers Health Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration regarding testosterone replacement therapy for men. The organization emphasizes the importance of patient safety and appropriate oversight. The comments provided by Hims focus on age-old challenges associated with testosterone deficiency, which, according to the platform, affects many men and can significantly influence various aspects of health, including energy, mood, and more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The HIV Health Care Access Working Group, joined by 25 national and community-based organizations, submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would bar hospitals providing certain gender-affirming care to individuals under 18 from participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. HHCAWG, a coalition of 25 national and community-based organizations dedicated to HIV healthcare, articulated its concerns in t more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Incubate has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing opposition to the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model. The organization argues that the model's reliance on Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing policies threatens the vitality of the biotechnology sector in the U.S. Incubate represents a diverse group of venture investors who support hundreds of early-stage biotechnology companie more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Independent Health Association (IHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing concerns about potential changes to the Plan Benefit Package (PBP) and Formulary for 2026. In their letter, IHA highlights specific aspects of the proposed information collection request that could complicate administrative processes for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. The agency's suggestion to limit prior authorization (PA) cri more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The International Cancer Advocacy Network submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model, arguing that the plan would harm the pharmaceutical research pipeline and deliver minimal savings to patients. In its letter, ICAN expresses that while the goal of improving drug affordability is universally acknowledged, the strategies outlined in the GUARD model could lea more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The International Marine Mammal Project of the Earth Island Institute has submitted a public comment letter in strong opposition to the proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas lease sales in Southern California to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The organization emphasizes the detrimental impact of offshore oil drilling on marine life, particularly on whales and dolphins. In their letter, the organization outlines several concerns related to the potential envi more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Iovance Biotherapeutics has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model. The company emphasizes that the implementation of this model could jeopardize the development and availability of life-saving treatments for cancer patients. In its letter, Iovance outlines that the GLOBE Model aims to reduce drug prices by leveraging foreign pri more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Jefferson Health Plans (JHP) 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 Advantage Plan Benefit Package and Formulary for calendar year 2027. In the letter, JHP emphasized the necessity for clear guidance on several aspects of the proposed changes to facilitate effective implementation for healthcare providers and members alike. JHP, a subsidia more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Johnson and Johnson Services Inc. submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Global Benchmarking for Efficient Drug Pricing rule, arguing that the model exceeds the agency's legal authority and threatens the U.S. biopharmaceutical sector. In its submission, Johnson & Johnson articulates a dedication to advancing health solutions across a spectrum of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. The organization beli more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Malama Pupukea-Waimea has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration expressing opposition to Trident Adventures' request for an exemption to the "secured passengers" rule. The organization argues that Trident Adventures has violated state regulations by conducting unauthorized helicopter snorkel drops in a protected marine area. According to the letter, Trident Adventures has been cited for a $10,000 fine by more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Medicare Rights Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing opposition to the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model. The organization advocates for affordable healthcare access for older adults and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing that the proposed model could increase costs for beneficiaries rather than alleviate them. In its letter, the Medicare Rights Center high more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Midsized Biotech Alliance of America submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model for Medicare Part B and the Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model for Medicare Part D. Founded in 2025 to represent a critical segment of the biopharmaceutical industry, MBAA emphasizes that its member companies are no more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- MindCast AI LLC, a consultancy specializing in predictive law and behavioral economics, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding potential updates to guidance on business collaborations among competitors. The letter, filed under Docket ATR-2026-0001, outlines a series of proposals aimed at modernizing the approach to analyzing competitor collaborations in evolving market dynamics. In its comprehensive submission, MindCast AI emphas more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Movement Advancement Project submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing two proposed rules that would restrict hospital participation in Medicare and Medicaid and limit Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for certain gender-affirming care for minors. In its letter, MAP argues that these proposed rules represent overreach by the federal government into the  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Bureau of Fiscal Service addressing concerns over proposed changes to regulations governing child support offset procedures. The agency has raised objections on several fronts, emphasizing the potential impacts on both their operations and the families they serve. In the letter, NDCS specifically argues against the proposed time limitations more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The National Council of Child Support Directors has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Bureau of the Fiscal Service expressing concerns over proposed changes to the Treasury Offset Program. In its communication, NCCSD voiced strong support for the enactment of the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act and welcomed the proposed provisions to extend offset services to tribal child support agencies. However, the organization also reiterat more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The National Health Council (NHC) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns regarding the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Model. In their letter, the NHC emphasizes the complexities involved in balancing fiscal sustainability with beneficiary access, noting that the design of the GLOBE Model could introduce risks for patients, particularly in terms of affordability. They cri more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The National LGBTQ+ Bar Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would bar hospitals from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they provide certain gender-affirming medical care to individuals under 18. In its letter, the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association highlighted how the proposed rule directly contradicts established medical practices. The more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The National Rural Health Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging stronger regulatory standards, targeted reimbursement pathways and rural infrastructure investments as part of the agency's effort to accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence in clinical care. In the letter, NRHA highlighted the unique barriers faced by rural health care providers, including limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, a more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Oncology Nursing Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns regarding proposed drug pricing models under Medicare Part B and Part D. The organization highlights potential implications of the GLOBE and GUARD models on patient care, particularly for those undergoing cancer treatment. The ONS commends CMS for its goals to enhance drug affordability and ensure the sus more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Pacific Grove (California) Mayor Nick Smith has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), urging the agency to protect the Central and Southern California Planning Areas from new oil and gas leasing proposed in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The letter highlights concerns about potential environmental damage and public opposition to offshore drilling. The mayor of Pacific Grove emphasizes tha more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Pacific Research Institute submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model, arguing that the plan exceeds the agency's statutory authority and could undermine pharmaceutical innovation while failing to lower costs for seniors. The GUARD model, introduced on December 23, 2025, aims to modify the existing Inflation Rebate Program established by the 2022 Inflati more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging it to withdraw its proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) model. The organization claims that this model could affect the health of individuals living with chronic diseases, undermine patient access and threaten future medical innovation. PFCD comprises patients, healthcare providers, community organizations, and health p more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Payerset Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing support for the proposed rule which outlines recommendations for updating the transparency in coverage requirements aimed at enhancing healthcare pricing data accessibility and accuracy. In its commentary, Payerset highlights the organization's operational experience, which enables them to process and analyze transparency data at a national scale. The compa more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Personalized Medicine Coalition has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing opposition to the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) Model. The coalition has raised concerns regarding potential negative impacts on innovation and patient access to personalized medicine if the model is implemented. PMC emphasizes that the GUARD Model's reliance on international price benchmarks could lead more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing concerns regarding the proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement (CBA) for the enhancement of survival permit related to eleven bumble bee species. The Alliance, representing over 1,700 members across the state's oil and gas sector, argues that the draft CBA imposes excessive operational burdens that increase costs and could lead to reduced participation more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns regarding the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) model. PPTA emphasizes that the model's pricing methodology may negatively impact the availability of these critical therapies for patients. In its letter, PPTA acknowledges the government's goal of ensuring that Americans have access to necess more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging it to exempt plasma-derived therapies from the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs model. According to PPTA, while the administration is commendable for its commitment to ensuring access to prescription medications, the proposed GUARD model could disproportionately harm PDTs. more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Friends of the North Pikes Creek Wetlands, Bayfield, Wisconsin, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, voicing significant concerns regarding the agency's approach to managing beaver populations in Wisconsin. The organization, dedicated to the sustainable management of the North Pikes Creek wetlands, calls for a reconsideration of methods outlined in the Pre-Decision Environmental Asses more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Rocky Mountain Equality submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would bar hospitals providing certain gender affirming treatments to transgender minors from participating in Medicare and Medicaid. The organization argues that the proposed rule represents a dangerous politicization of healthcare. It maintains that the provision of gender-affirming care has b more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Rubrum Advising, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for necessary changes to overcome barriers hampering the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. The organization emphasizes that significant barriers still exist that impede private sector innovation in AI technologies meant to enhance patient outcomes. The letter highlights that fragmented and low-quality he more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Sanford Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for robust policies to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. The organization emphasizes the necessity for a balanced regulatory environment that fosters innovation while safeguarding patient safety. In the letter, Sanford Health outlines the barriers hindering AI adoption, particularly in rural settings where access to technol more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Seniors Speak Out has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing opposition to the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) model. The organization argues that this model could jeopardize both access to innovative treatments for Medicare beneficiaries and the future of pharmaceutical innovation in the U.S. SSO, a project of the Healthcare Leadership Council's Medicare Today, dedicated to empowering seniors more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Sierra Club Wisconsin Chapter, Madison, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regarding their Environmental Assessment on Beaver Damage and Conflict Management in Wisconsin. The chapter, representing 18,000 members, emphasizes the critical ecological benefits of beavers and opposes lethal removal strategies outlined in the proposed action. The organization argues that the current assessme more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing two proposed rules that would restrict Medicaid funding and hospital participation related to gender affirming care for minors. SAHM emphasizes that the implementation of these rules would effectively ban medically necessary gender-affirming care for adolescents, placing youth and their famil more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Consensus Cloud Solutions has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizing the need for a concerted federal approach to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare. This initiative aims to transform unstructured data into actionable clinical intelligence, which is crucial for enhancing patient care particularly in rural and underserved regions. The letter highlights that approximately 70% of healthcare data r more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Mary Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District has submitted a public comment letter to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS), expressing support for modifications to the agency's Environmental Assessment regarding beaver control and management in Wisconsin. Located in Townsend, Wisconsin, the Mary Lake P&R District encompasses approximately 50 private residential properties along half of Mary Lake's shoreline, with the remaini more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Taxpayers Protection Alliance has issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing deep concerns regarding proposed rules aimed at implementing the Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) and Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) Medicare payment models. This proposal comes amid growing apprehension over the impact of such models on the federal budget and taxpayers. According to the allia more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Transgender Law Center has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would condition federal Medicare and Medicaid funding on hospitals' refusal to provide gender-affirming healthcare to transgender youth. According to the letter sent to the federal agency, the proposed rule creates an unacceptable ethical dilemma for hospitals. They would be faced with the choice of either denying med more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- UnitedHealth Group submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model, expressing support for efforts to lower prescription drug costs while urging greater clarity on implementation details. In the letter, UHG emphasizes the importance of affordable prescription drugs for both healthcare payers and patients. The organization  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Vertical Aviation International submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration regarding the interim final rule on flight restrictions in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, raising concerns about how the directive could affect helicopter and powered-lift operations in D.C. airspace. With a mission to advance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of vertical aviation, VAI emphasizes th more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Volunteer Lawyers Project of Central New York Inc. has submitted a public comment letter opposing a proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the hospital condition of participation that aims to prohibit sex-rejecting procedures for children. The organization is urging the agency to withdraw this proposal, arguing that it poses a significant threat to transgender minors' access to essential medical care. In its letter, VLPCNY, a n more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- WellLink Health Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing concerns about the implications of the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model. The organization urges the agency to thoroughly assess the potential operational and system-wide impacts prior to implementation. The GUARD Model intends to reduce Medicare Part D drug costs by benchmarking U.S. drug prices against those in similarly more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model, urging protections for safety-net providers and continued access to high-value chronic disease treatments. The organization expressed support for Medicare drug price negotiation authority while warning that im more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Portland, Oregon, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing concerns about the proposed Nationwide Conservation Benefit Agreement (CBA) aimed at protecting vulnerable bumble bee species. The organization believes the agreement has the potential to significantly enhance habitat conservation across energy and transportation lands. The Xerces Society commended the plan's programmatic  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- The Sustainable Ocean Alliance Alaska Hub has issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) addressing their Request for Information and Interest concerning commercial leasing for outer continental shelf minerals offshore Alaska. The organization emphasizes the need for cautious consideration of the impacts of mineral extraction on the state's delicate marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. In their letter, SOA Alaska s more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 -- Zelis Healthcare submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging revisions to the proposed transparency in coverage rule, warning that certain changes could weaken the usefulness of pricing data for consumers and health plans. In its correspondence, Zelis commended the agency's efforts in enhancing the accessibility and accuracy of pricing information, aligning with the goals set forth i more ST