WASHINGTON, March 2 -- So-Yeon Kang, assistant professor of health management and policy at Georgetown University, and Michael J. DiStefano, assistant professor in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, have submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding the GLOBE and GUARD drug pricing models. The letter highlights several operational challenges and concerns that may impact M more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The QLaw Foundation of Washington, Legal Voice and Northwest Health Law Advocates have issued a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing opposition to two proposed rules that aim to limit access to gender-affirming healthcare for minors. The groups are urging the CMS to withdraw these proposals that they deem harmful and discriminatory. The proposed rules, known as the Medicaid and CHIP Ban and the Hospital Ban, seek to prohibit fed more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the agency's proposed changes to student loan borrowing rules. This letter addresses the potential implications of a revised definition of "professional degree" and urges that post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing, be explicitly recognized as profess more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Association of Community College Trustees has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, focusing on critical changes to Title IV programs under the Higher Education Act as proposed in the ongoing RISE Committee's negotiated rulemaking. This letter emphasizes the implications for community, technical, and junior colleges, which provide vital access to education and workforce development opportunities. In its communication, ACCT represents o more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Jennifer Vanderschaegen, a Doctor of Athletic Training Student at A.T. Still University, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the proper classification of athletic training in forthcoming educational regulations. The letter addresses concerns regarding proposed changes to graduate loan limits that could jeopardize the future of healthcare professionals in the athletic training field. Vanderschaegen emphasizes that a mast more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Aviation-Impacted Communities Alliance, a coalition representing over 90 organizations, has issued a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration expressing support for an interim final rule to impose permanent flight restrictions on non-essential helicopter and powered-lift operations in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The coalition advocates for aviation policies that prioritize the health and safety of local communities aff more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Breanna Haley, a Nutrition and Dietetics student affiliated with Buffalo State University, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs, including required internships, to be defined as "professional degree programs." This classification is deemed essential for ensuring adequate financial support for students pursuing careers as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). In the more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Stephanie Garcia, a dietetics student in Food & Nutrition at California State University - Sacramento, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education raising concerns regarding the classification of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs as professional degree programs. The letter highlights the educational and financial challenges faced by students striving to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), emphasizing the necessity of includi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Derek R. Riddle, Associate Professor of Teacher Education at California State University, Stanislaus, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging a reconsideration of the proposed "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" rule. The institution's perspective is driven by its experience in preparing educators for the California Central Valley, a region confronting severe teacher shortages and a demographic that is largely first-generation more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation & Innovation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for the inclusion of education students and educators within the professional definition framework. This request is part of a proposed rule (Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944). The Center, which aims to enhance the educator workforce and improve educational outcomes, highlighted its commitment to addressing teacher shortages through more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Medical Nutrition Therapy Associates of Colorado has expressed grave concerns in a public comment letter sent to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the implications of the recently proposed Repayment Assistance Plan for low-income borrowers. The organization argues that the plan's removal of income exemptions fundamentally alters decades of income-driven repayment policies designed to protect individuals based on their ability to pay. The letter highlights tha more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Council on Social Work Education has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing serious concerns about the agency's proposed definition of a professional degree, particularly its exclusion of social work degrees. This decision, CSWE argues, overlooks the necessary educational preparation and licensure pathways that social workers must navigate, which could have severe ramifications for patient care and the workforce across the United more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The County of Los Angeles, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing proposed rules that would bar federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for gender affirming care for minors. In a detailed letter to CMS, the County highlighted the critical need for continued access to gender-affirming services, stating that nearly 10 million residents rely o more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of Colorado Anschutz has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to delay the implementation of new federal student loan regulations until July 1, 2027. The proposed changes, which are set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, could disrupt the financing options available to current and future health profession students, according to CU Anschutz's leadership. With its reputation as a premier academic medical camp more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- CVS Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" proposed rulemaking, expressing concerns over the exclusion of Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant programs from the designation of professional degrees. The letter highlights the importance of these roles in addressing healthcare access issues, particularly in underserved areas. In the proposed regulations, the Department more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education backing proposed regulations intended to reshape the definition of "professional student" as part of broader efforts to address rising student debt. The proposed regulations, released on January 30, 2026, stem from the Department's initiative entitled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." DFI highlights its commitment to confronting the c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Jennifer Mueller, Dean of the College of Education at DePaul University, is advocating for the U.S. Department of Education to recognize accredited educator preparation programs as "professional programs" in order to adjust federal student loan limitations accordingly. Mueller emphasized that this recognition is crucial for improving access to teaching careers, particularly for underrepresented groups and individuals facing financial barriers. The public comment letter hi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Des Moines University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing serious concerns about the exclusion of occupational therapy from the regulatory definition of "professional degree." The letter cites a misinterpretation of certification eligibility requirements and the educational pathways necessary for entry into the profession. According to officials from the program, the occupational t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The U.S. Department of Education has received a public comment letter advocating for the official recognition of Nutrition and Dietetics as a professional degree program eligible for federal student aid. The letter was submitted by an organization representing Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), a group of clinical healthcare professionals who require supervised training and licensure prior to entering the workforce. The organization emphasizes that the educational more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Doane University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing deep concern over proposed regulations that would exclude Counseling and other behavioral health graduate programs from the "professional degree" classification. The letter emphasizes that this move would not only impact students seeking to enter critical mental health professions but also exacerbate the ongoing behavioral health crisis in the United States. In addressin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Institute for Health and Social Equity has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging for a significant revision in how advanced nursing degrees are classified within federal regulations. The organization emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees as professional degrees, reflecting the advanced level of education and training required to practice as advanc more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Essentia Health, a health system serving rural communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing major concerns about proposed changes to graduate student loan programs. In the letter, Essentia Health emphasized the necessity of reevaluating policies to ensure that access to healthcare remains viable in underserved rural areas. Essentia Health operates with a large workforce of over 15,0 more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Fairfield University Counselor Education Program has voiced objections to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education that would exclude master's-level counseling programs from being classified as "professional degrees." This public comment letter raises alarm over the potential negative impact on counselor education programs and the broader mental health workforce at a time when demand for these services is escalating. With a focus on improving student educat more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concerns over a proposed rule that seeks to redefine "professional student" and revise federal loan limits for professional degrees. The foundation emphasizes the importance of broadening the definition of "professional degree" to include critical programs such as nursing, social work, and occupational therapy, which play essential roles in the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the reclassification of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist students as professional students under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act". The letter raises concerns about the current classification of nursing programs, which limits federal loan options for these essential healthcare providers. Currently, OBBBA caps federal more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- PharmedOut, a group from Georgetown University Medical Center, submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration highlighting concerns regarding the use of testosterone for various health conditions. The organization emphasized a lack of evidence supporting claims of testosterone's benefits for cardiovascular disease, sexual health, musculoskeletal issues, frailty, and depression. In their letter, PharmedOut pointed out that while the TRAVERSE trial, a more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the agency to redefine professional degrees to include nurse anesthesia programs. The organization, representing 1,776 members, emphasizes the critical role of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in providing healthcare access to underserved populations. In the letter, the association highlighted the rigorous academic and clinical trainin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Education has raised concerns over a proposed rule that would exclude master's level counseling programs from the definition of professional degrees under federal student loan regulations. The letter, penned by a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, emphasizes the potential adverse effects of this exclusion on the mental health workforce and, consequently, on communities that rely on these essent more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Hawaii State Center for Nursing has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education (regarding Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944) advocating for the explicit inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, such as the Master's of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy in the list of professional degrees. The Center emphasizes that nurses are crucial to the healthcare workforce and stresses that a failure to recognize these  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Health Law Section of the American Bar Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the proposed rule aimed at reimagining and improving student education. The organization highlights potential adverse consequences for the nation's health care workforce stemming from the redefinition of "professional degree" and changes to loan structures within the proposed rule. In its letter, the ABA emphasizes  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The public comment letter submitted by Dr. Okey K. Enyia to the U.S. Department of Education outlines significant concerns regarding the department's recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" (RISE). Enyia, a health policy scholar and regulatory practitioner, critiques the proposed regulations for failing to consider the broader implications of financing structures on racial wealth disparities and the public health workforce. more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in the definition of "professional degrees" under federal student loan policy. The organization represents hospice and palliative nurses across the United States, emphasizing the need for nursing graduates to be exempt from restrictive loan caps proposed in current regulatory changes. In more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- ReadyKids, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting children's well-being through various support services, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education concerning the proposed rule "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." The organization operates from Charlottesville, Virginia, providing crucial home visiting services that support approximately 110 families and expectant parents each year in Central Virginia. The letter underscores the essential more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Illinois Physical Therapy Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns over proposed regulations regarding federal student loan borrowing limits and program classifications. The organization praised the Department's goal of mitigating rising educational costs while protecting students from excessive debt, but warned that the current proposals may inadvertently hinder access to care, workforce development, and more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Indiana Health and Family Services Secretary Gloria Sachdev submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging it to strengthen proposed regulations aimed at enhancing price transparency in healthcare coverage. The letter voiced support for the initiative but emphasized that additional measures are essential to meet the intended goals of transparency in coverage. The commentary comes following an independent analysis commissioned by t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Sweet Helicopters, an Indiana-based aviation firm, has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration urging the agency to withdraw its previous notice regarding the permanent closure of the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport. The comment letter was submitted in response to the FAA's November 2024 Intent Letter, which expressed the agency's intention to release federal obligations associated with the heliport and approve its closure due to a reported  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- John Brown University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding proposed rules that exclude Physician Assistant programs from the "professional degree" category. The institution emphasizes that this exclusion could jeopardize healthcare workforce development, particularly in the rural and underserved areas of Arkansas. The university highlights that Arkansas is grappling with a critical shortage of primary care more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has issued a public comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Energy's proposed direct final rule that seeks to rescind key regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In their letter, the organization emphasizes that the proposed changes threaten longstanding civil rights protections and undermine efforts to address racial discrimination in federally assisted programs. The DFR aims to remove several c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The LGBTQIA+ Cancer Network, Providence, Rhode Island, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed rule which would restrict access to medically necessary care for transgender youth and threaten broader hospital participation in Medicare and Medicaid. The network, which advocates for LGBTQIA+ cancer survivors and those at risk, stated that the proposal would create obs more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Stefanie Small, a licensed clinical social worker, issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education raising concerns regarding the limitations placed on federal student loans for graduates pursuing degrees in behavioral health professions. The letter, sent by a licensed clinical social worker, underscores the pressing need for these professionals at a time of increasing demand for mental health services across the nation. The current proposal under consi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Christina R. Ghaly, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed changes to federal student loan limits for graduate and professional degrees. This proposal provokes alarm as the department underscores its potential to exacerbate healthcare workforce shortages across the nation. In the letter, the department asserts that as the second largest public healthcar more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Latino grassroots organization in the United States, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing serious concerns over the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing, known as the GLOBE Model. Representing over 570,000 members across nearly 40 states and Puerto Rico, LULAC emphasizes that while drug prices must decrease, doing so should not co more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Sense the Possibilities PLLC, a mental health counseling firm based in Lutz, Florida, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging immediate action to prevent what they describe as a damaging proposed rule that would affect the funding and training of future mental health counselors. The organization warns that this rule, which seeks to exclude Master's-level counseling programs from being classified as "professional degrees," could severel more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Mass General Brigham has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns that proposed regulations under the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" initiative could hinder future health care professionals' education. The organization, which operates the largest private health care system in Massachusetts, warns that the proposed alterations will create barriers that may worsen existing workforce shortages. In the letter, Mass  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has filed a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy expressing strong opposition to proposed rule changes that could undermine accessibility standards for federally assisted programs. The MBTA's concerns are primarily directed at the direct final rules published under Docket Numbers DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024, which the authority argues would significantly roll back key provisions of the Rehabilitatio more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed changes to the definition of "Professional Degree." The organization representing Naturopathic Doctors argues that these changes exclude vital degrees, such as Naturopathic Medicine, which could jeopardize integrative healthcare in Michigan. In their letter, the organization highlights the comprehensive medical training required to  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- A doctoral student from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concern over a proposed rule that may jeopardize her educational pursuits and the broader counseling profession. The letter outlines how the changes could diminish financial resources for aspiring counselors, disproportionately impacting students from diverse and working-class backgrounds. In the letter, s more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The New Jersey Public Health Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concern regarding proposed changes to federal student loan programs under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The association is advocating for the explicit inclusion of public health degrees as professional degrees within the new framework. In their letter, NJPHA emphasized that the proposed rule currently more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Association for Music Education has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the inclusion of students in all education degree programs within the definition of "professional student." This change would allow these students to be eligible for higher loan limits under the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). NAfME, founded in 1907, has grown into a robust community of 58,000 members, including music e more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Association of Doctors of Public Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concerns over the exclusion of the Master of Public Health and Doctor of Public Health degrees from proposed changes to Federal student loan programs. The comment was part of the notice of proposed rulemaking regarding the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In its letter, NADrPH commended the Department for its attempt t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy has issued a public comment letter addressing concerns regarding a proposal by the U.S. Department of Education that would not classify master's and doctoral occupational therapy programs as professional programs. This change could have far-reaching effects on access to occupational therapy education and the availability of occupational therapy practitioners, particularly in underserved rural communities. NBCOT, more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the recognition of Orthotics and Prosthetics master's level clinical preparation programs as "professional programs" within the proposed Title IV student loan framework. This request comes in response to the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at reimagining and improving student education, published on January  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to revise its proposed rule to recognize post-baccalaureate nursing degrees as "professional" degrees. This change is critical to ensuring that nurse practitioner (NP) students have access to expanded loan limits, which are essential for supporting their education and ultimately improving healthcare access for women. In the p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National Society of Genetic Counselors has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Proposed Rule. The NSGC, representing the leading voice of genetic counselors, emphasized the importance of genetic counseling in providing equitable access to genomic healthcare. The organization asserted that the exclusion of accredited genetic counseling programs from the definition of profe more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- In a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) articulated significant concerns regarding the proposed RISE rule, which aims to exclude the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from the definition of a "professional degree." According to NUNM, this potential policy change could have dire economic implications for small, nonprofit medical institutions reliant on federal student loan funding. NUNM stresses  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The National University of Natural Medicine has conveyed pressing concerns in a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding a proposed rule that would exclude the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the definition of a professional degree. This potential change is seen as a critical issue that could substantially impact both students and small nonprofit medical institutions. NUNM's commentary highlights that the proposed exclusion of the ND degree more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Nebraska Board of Nursing has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed changes to student loan borrowing rules following the enactment of Public Law 119-21. The board has voiced its concerns over the impact of a new definition of "professional degree" that risks excluding essential nursing degrees, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhDs in nursing. In the letter, the Nebr more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Nebraska Nurses Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to classify post-baccalaureate nursing degree programs as professional qualifications under federal guidelines. The letter highlights the importance of recognizing the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) as essential to maintaining N more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- New America, a nonprofit policy and research organization, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy urging the agency to withdraw its proposed rule, "Rescinding New Construction Requirements Related to Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs or Activities." The letter expresses strong opposition to the rule, published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2025, arguing that it undermines civil rights protections essential for marginalized c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The New England Council has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its proposed rule aimed at reimagining and improving student education. The council, a non-partisan alliance of businesses and institutions across New England, emphasizes the critical need for a broader definition of "professional" degree programs in the federal graduate lending program. The letter highlights the council's appreciation for the department's efforts i more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The New England Wellness Group has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the preservation of the professional doctoral classification for accredited naturopathic medical education programs. The letter emphasizes that this classification is vital for healthcare workforce development, student access to financial aid, and ultimately, patient access to care, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The organization high more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Rochelle R. Graham, a Doctoral Student, Counselor Education & Supervision, in New Jersey, opposed a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education that would exclude Counseling from the definition of professional degree programs. The public comment letter highlights serious concerns about how these changes could limit financial access to education for future counselors, thereby exacerbating an ongoing shortage of mental health professionals across the nation. In the le more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Monique Ridosh, Associate Professor in the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for the explicit inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in the proposed rule regarding educational improvements. In the correspondence, the organization emphasized the substantial barri more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- McDermott Will and Schulte submitted a public comment letter on behalf of a group of non-profit health systems to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advocating for the complete withdrawal of a controversial proposed rule that seeks to prohibit sex-rejecting procedures for children under Medicare and Medicaid programs. The letter drafted by attorney Travis Jackson argues that the proposed rule exceeds CMS's statutory authority by categorically prohibiting specifi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The North Carolina Nurses Association has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in the list of professional degrees in light of significant concerns regarding a proposed cap on student loans for graduate nurses. The association warns that restricting financial aid could exacerbate the ongoing nursing shortage in North Carolina and across the nation. According to projections, North Car more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Charles D. Myers III, Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, at Northern Kentucky University, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the inclusion of nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees-such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), and PhD-as professional degrees in the forthcoming Reimagining and Improving Student Education proposed rule. The letter highlights the vital role that Cer more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Kristi R. Hylan, Program Director at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana Nurse Anesthesia Program, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees in the definition of professional degrees under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative. This request emphasizes the need for federal student loan caps to fully support nurse anesthesia programs. The Nurse An more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Kimberly Jensen, an Outpatient Oncology Social Worker at Northwest Community Hospital, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would not classify a master's degree in social work as a "professional degree." This policy change could severely limit federal student loan availability for aspiring clinical social workers, capping annual funding at $20,500, which is insufficient to cover the costs of ty more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Colorado Health Foundation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong opposition to proposed regulatory changes that could severely limit access to federal student loans for critical health professions. The proposed rule, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), is said to endanger the health workforce, economic opportunities, and equitable access to healthcare, especially among underserved communities. In the l more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The PA Education Association, representing 322 accredited physician associate/assistant education programs nationwide, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing concern about the proposed definition of "professional student" under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The association argues that the Department's draft could exclude physician assistant (PA) programs, despite their alignment with the criteria set forth by Congress fo more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Priority Health, a division of Corewell Health, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the proposed amendments to the 2020 Transparency in Coverage (TiC) regulation. The organization, which serves over 1.3 million members mainly in Michigan, expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes and outlined key points  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Kirsten E. Godwin, Senior Manager, Clinic Operations for Montana Region with the Providence Medical Group has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urging the agency to recognize Nutrition and Dietetics as a professional degree program for federal student aid purposes. The organization emphasizes that Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are licensed healthcare professionals whose education and training parallel that of other recognize more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- A public comment letter submitted by Katherine M. Curci, Director of Advanced Practice at Penn State Health, to the U.S. Department of Education has raised significant concerns regarding the proposed reclassification of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The letter argues that this shift from a professional practice doctorate to an "other doctorate" could create barriers for students seeking advanced nursing education at a critical time for the healthcare system. more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Penn State Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, addressing the recent reclassification of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. This change has transformed the DNP from a "professional practice doctorate" to an "other doctorate," a shift the organization argues carries profound implications for nursing education and patient care nationwide. According to Penn State Health, the reclassification undermines the status of nursing a more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Rep. Michael V. Lawler, R-New York, in a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, urged changes to a proposed rule titled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." The critical feedback focuses on the agency's interpretation of what constitutes a "professional degree," particularly as it relates to various graduate programs that require advanced coursework and licensure for practice. The letter highlights recent financial modifications under the Wor more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees in the definition of professional degrees within the proposed rule Reimagining and Improving Student Education. This proposal, identified under Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944, has raised concerns among the organization's 1,580 members regarding the exclusion of these crucial degrees. The more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Society of Trauma Nurses submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing education in the definition of "professional degree" programs for federal student loan purposes. In their correspondence, STN highlighted the importance of this designation to address significant gaps in trauma and critical care services available to communities across the United States. According to STN, only about 24 perce more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The South Carolina Nurses Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for post-baccalaureate nursing programs to be classified as "professional" degrees under new federal student loan provisions. The request comes as part of the agency's implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or H.R. 1), a measure aimed at improving access to higher education funding across the United States. In its letter, SCNA highlig more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Bradley Adams, Chief Operating Officer for South College, Knoxville, Tennessee, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, addressing critical issues raised by the agency's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning Title IV programs. The college, which has a history of serving over 20,000 students and preparing graduates for professional fields, expressed concerns about the proposed definition of "professional programs" and the accelerated im more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The South Dakota Academy of PAs has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education voicing their concerns regarding proposed rules affecting graduate student loan borrowing caps. The organization stresses that limitations on access to federal loans could have detrimental effects on the physician assistant workforce in South Dakota, particularly in rural areas that struggle with persistent healthcare access challenges. The Academy board of directors, more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of South Florida has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of athletic training within the regulatory definition of a professional degree program. The institution argues that the current proposal could lead to unintended consequences detrimental to athletic training education, workforce development, and the communities served by certified athletic trainers. Athletic training is recognized as a vit more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency to include nurse anesthesia degrees in the definition of professional degrees in its proposed rule. This appeal highlights the vital role that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play in healthcare, particularly in underserved areas, and underscores the impact of this definition on the future workforce in anesthesia care. In t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Elizabeth Reed, a licensed clinical social worker from Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing serious concerns over the agency's proposed rule "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" (ID ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001). Reed's feedback highlights significant issues with the language and structure of the proposed regulations, which she argues could undermine essential public services delivered by social workers. In her let more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Third Way has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking that emerged from the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) sessions. The organization expressed gratitude for the focus on legislative changes to Title IV of the Higher Education Act, as outlined in H.R. 1, stating that these efforts could address longstanding issues within federal student loan programs and improve student and t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of public health degrees in the definition of "professional degree programs" under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The institution, renowned for being the only fully accredited school of public health in Illinois for 55 years, emphasizes the critical role that trained professionals play in safeguarding community h more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- George Richardson, a Professor of Counseling at the University of Cincinnati, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed rules that would limit federal student loans for graduate students. This initiative aims to impose borrowing caps that could have profound implications for counselor education programs and the broader mental health workforce. The letter emphasizes that federal loans are critical for students pursuing degree more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of Denver has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing serious concerns regarding the agency's proposed definition of "professional" degree programs. The letter highlights potential implications for the social work profession, particularly how it may mischaracterize the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and its critical role in addressing community health needs. DU's Graduate School of Social Work is particularly ala more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Taylor Wilmoth, a Lecturer and the Coordinator of Clinical Education in the University of Miami Athletic Training Program has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education requesting the inclusion of athletic training within the definition of a "professional degree program." This appeal highlights the severe implications that a reduction in federal graduate loan caps could have on student enrollment and financial stability for those pursuing careers more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of Michigan School of Public Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, responding to a notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at reforming the Direct Loan Program. In their correspondence, officials at the School expressed concerns regarding the potential implications of the proposed changes on the nation's public health workforce and student support systems. The letter underscores the significant role of financial aid i more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Nancy Ares, professor emerita from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, New York, issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, expressing strong opposition to a proposed rule that could redefine the professional status of educators. The letter critiques the implications of the rule, "Reimagining and Improving Student Education," highlighting the serious ramifications for teacher preparation and student financial assistance.  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The University of Texas System has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education addressing concerns regarding the proposed rule aimed at implementing federal student loan program changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The UT System, which produces over 68,000 graduates yearly, emphasizes its commitment to reducing student debt while supporting the educational needs of Texas students. In its letter, t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Angelica Velasco, who is seeking a Master of Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs in the department's definition of a "professional degree program." The request stems from concerns regarding the financial implications for future students pursuing careers as Registered Dietit more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing support for a proposed rule that seeks to prohibit pediatric "sex-rejecting procedures" (SRPs) in hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid. The letter outlines the organization's commitment to protecting the dignity of children, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of moral and spiritual implications alongside potential  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Matthew R. Morgan, a PhD Candidate in Hospice and Medical Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education warning that proposed regulations under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative could severely undermine the healthcare workforce in social work and nursing. The letter comes from a health professional and PhD candidate who details the implications of the pr more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- Vertical Aviation International, a trade association representing the vertical flight industry, has submitted a public comment letter urging the Federal Aviation Administration to reconsider its decision to permanently close the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport. The heliport, located in Indiana's capital city, is regarded as a vital aviation asset that supports emergency services, business aviation, and the overall growth of the vertical flight sector. VAI cited its extensi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- We Work for Health, a coalition representing diverse stakeholders in the biopharmaceutical sector, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging the agency to reject the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) model for Medicare Part B. The organization argues that the model is fundamentally flawed and poses significant threats to American life sciences innovation, workforce stability, and patient access t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 2 -- The World Naturopathic Federation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing strong support for the recognition of naturopathic medicine as a professional degree. The letter, which was issued in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Reimagining and Improving Student Education, emphasizes the rigor and importance of naturopathic medical education in the United States. Established in 2014, the WNF serves as the global repre more ST