WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Rev. Gregory Briggs, pastor of the Edgewood United Church/United Church of Christ, East Lansing, Michigan, issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy expressing opposition to proposed changes to accessibility regulations (Docket DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024). The pastor, who leads a congregation with members requiring various accessibility accommodations, emphasizes that the existing regulations play a crucial role in ensuring inclusion for in more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, specifically the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in the definition of professional degrees under proposed rule (Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944, "Reimagining and Improving Student Education"). The organization emphasize more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Rebecca Groebner, a licensed acupuncturist practicing in Oregon and Washington, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education supporting the agency's proposal not to classify acupuncture and herbal medicine programs as professional degree programs eligible for higher federal student loan limits. The acupuncturist argues that the specific provision to keep AHM programs outside of professional degree status is essential for protecting students. The c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The American Enterprise Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed rule titled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" (RISE), which aims to implement loan limit and repayment plan provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). The organization expressed its strong support for the proposed regulation and the Department's definition of "professional student." The OBBB allows students enrolled in "p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Alaska Marine Community Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding a Request for Information and Interest on potential mineral leasing on the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf. The coalition, a community-based organization focused on preserving Alaska's marine ecosystems and fisheries, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ecological integrity of these vital areas. In their letter, AMCC outlined significant c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for changes to the classification of degrees in physical and occupational therapy. APTQI represents a vast network of outpatient rehabilitation providers employing over 30,000 physical and occupational therapists across the United States, serving numerous Medicare beneficiaries annually. In its letter, APTQI expressed appreciation f more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The American Hospital Association, Chicago, Illinois, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include a wider array of health care professional degree programs in its new definition of professional degrees. The letter articulates concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed definition on student loan borrowing limits, particularly in light of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) which established borrowing caps for g more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The American Nurses Association California has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to classify post-baccalaureate nursing programs as 'professional' degrees. In its letter, ANAC advocates for the inclusion of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), and Doctor in Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) within the definition of professional degrees. The organization emp more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The American Public Health Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging it to withdraw a proposed rule that would prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The proposed rule seeks to restrict Medicaid funds for procedures and treatments deemed necessary for transgender minors under 18 and young adults under 19. According to APHA and the signatories, the proposed rule exceeds CMS'  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The American Petroleum Institute has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding its call for information and nominations pertaining to proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Central California Outer Continental Shelf. This initiative, part of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, emphasizes the organization's push for expanded offshore oil and natural gas exploration in the region. In its comments more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Arizona State University, Tempe, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns about proposed regulations under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative. The university cites potential negative impacts on students who are enrolled less than full-time and the interpretations of professional degree definitions related to enhanced unsubsidized student loan limits. ASU is known for its large and diverse  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of accredited Master of Architecture and Doctor of Architecture degrees in the proposed regulations under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The letter underscores the imperative of recognizing these degrees as professional qualifications eligible for higher borrowing limits in federal student loan programs. According to more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed definitions of professional and graduate degrees. The letter outlines the potential negative impact of the definitions on students, institutions and the overall workforce development landscape within independent higher education institutions in the state. In the letter, AICUO, represe more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of aircraft manufacturers, aviation associations, operators and businesses submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration urging it to deny a request to release the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport from federal grant obligations. The letter asserts that the heliport not only supports emergency medical services and law enforcement but also enhances local economies by providing access to key urban locations. The coalition argues that the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the manufacturer submission of average sales price data. In its comments, BIO expresses concerns over the implications of recent regulatory changes that will require drug manufacturers to adhere to new submission requirements starting January 1, 2026, aimed at improving the transparency of drug pricing. BIO, which represents a wide arra more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Bright Star Solutions LLC submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlining recommendations to accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in clinical care. The company emphasized governance clarity, security architecture and economic alignment as central to scaling AI in health care settings. Bright Star identifies several challenges hindering AI adoption in clinical environments, including fragmented data  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of California environmental organizations submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Southern and Central California Outer Continental Shelf planning areas under the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The coalition argues that the proposed lease sales pose a significant threat to the region's pristine marine ecosystem more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The California Association of Colleges of Nursing 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. The organization expresses deep concern over the potential impact of proposed rule (Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944 - Reimagining and Improving Student Education) noting that the exclusion of these programs could severely hinder nursing education a more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Conor Maloney, community faculty in the School of Social Work at California State University, Stanislaus, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing proposed changes to the designation of professional programs and warning of workforce consequences for social work. In their letter, the faculty member presents a compelling case against the proposed changes, emphasizing that they could adversely affect student access to essential professio more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Noelle Won, interim dean and professor of teacher education at California State University, Stanislaus, opposing the proposed designation of professional programs and warning of consequences for the teacher workforce pipeline. The letter raises concerns that the proposed designation may adversely affect student access to essential professional preparation pathways, particularly for first-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds. The letter detai more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Jon McFarland, associate professor in the Single Subject Credential Program at California State University, Stanislaus, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to classify PK-12 teacher preparation programs as professional programs. The public comment emphasizes the extensive training that candidates undergo as part of their preparation, which includes a minimum of 600 hours of supervised clinical practice in classrooms. Candidates  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Danielle Kidd, a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Cappella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education voicing concerns about a proposed rule that would exclude counseling programs from professional degree status. The rule, which is poised to limit student loan access for aspiring mental health professionals, has implications for the future of mental health c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Sam Alsabti, a cardiology fellow at Corewell Health and founder of the AI-powered clinical reasoning platform Prosivo, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology regarding the Health Sector AI initiative. Alsabti argued that gaps in clinical reasoning represent a major driver of unnecessary healthcare spending and a high-impact opportunity for artificial intellig more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The City of Capitola, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing strong opposition to potential Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas lease sales in the Central and Southern California Planning Areas. The city emphasizes the need to protect the ecological and cultural integrity of the region in light of the Draft Proposed Program for the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The city argues that offshore le more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The City of Carpinteria, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, strongly opposing the inclusion of new offshore oil and gas leasing in the Pacific federal waters. The letter addresses concerns regarding potential leasing in the Southern California and Central California Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Planning Areas as part of BOEM's Call for Information and Nominations. The letter emphasizes that offshore oil and gas lea more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The City of Scotts Valley, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging it to protect the Central and Southern California Planning Areas from new oil and gas leasing. The city emphasizes the irreplaceable value of federal waters off the California coast, citing recreational, social, biological, cultural and commercial fishing benefits. In its letter, the city highlights several detrimental impacts that proposed oil and  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Geetha Gopalan, associate professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, City University of New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns over proposed revisions that could redefine graduate programs as "professional degrees." These changes could have implications for federal graduate loan limits, particularly affecting the future of social work education and access to vital behavioral health servic more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The American Clean Power Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the Call for Information and Nominations for proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Southern California Outer Continental Shelf. The association emphasizes the necessity of considering existing offshore wind leases in the region, which may conflict with proposed oil and gas development. In its correspondence, the organization pointed out that the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Community Association of Big Sur has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in opposition to the inclusion of California's Northern, Central, and Southern Outer Continental Shelf Planning Areas in the upcoming offshore oil and gas leasing program. CABS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the unique natural beauty and community character of Big Sur, emphasized the potential detrimental impacts of such leasing on the regi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Community Health Care Association of New York State submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education warning that proposed changes to the definition of "professional student" could weaken the health care workforce and limit federally qualified health centers' ability to recruit medical providers. CHCANYS advocates on behalf of over 70 FQHCs across New York, which serve as vital components of the primary care safety net, delivering a wide range of  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Connecticut Hospital Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed rule, "Reimaging and Improving Student Education". The proposed changes, particularly the reclassification of professional degree programs, could hinder access to federal student loan borrowing for critical post-graduate training in various essential clinical and social services fields. CHA argues that these reg more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Health Task Force has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warning that expanded use of artificial intelligence in clinical care poses serious risks for people with disabilities. The CCD emphasizes concerns that people with disabilities and their caregivers encounter numerous challenges associated with AI in clinical settings. They argue that these tools may exacerbate exist more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Jennifer Mueller, dean of the College of Education at DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to designate accredited education programs as "professional programs" for purposes of federal student loan limitations. According to the university, education jobs such as teacher preparation, school counseling, and educational leadership require rigorous graduate-level training and supervised practice, more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Disability Rights Arizona, the state's designated Protection & Advocacy agency, has submitted a public comment letter to the Department of Energy expressing strong opposition to proposed rule changes that could dismantle vital accessibility requirements for new construction projects. The proposed changes (Docket DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024) aim to rescind critical provisions ensuring compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates accessibil more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Disability Rights Attorney Caroline Jackson has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed changes to regulations that impact access for individuals with disabilities. The proposed rule changes threaten to rescind important aspects of the DOE's implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates accessibility in federally assisted programs and activities. The public comment letter (Docket DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and D more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Disability Rights South Carolina submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed direct final rules that would rescind portions of the agency's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The organization advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and argues that the proposed changes would roll back essential protections by allowing for new construction that is not fully accessible. The DOE's propo more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sean Deral Stradling, a student in the BASW program at Eastern Washington University, Cheney, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the removal of Social Work from the professional degree classification. The letter outlines how social work encompasses essential functions in society, including addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. It emphasizes that social workers are crucial in educating, assisting, and facilitating chang more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The global advocacy organization Ekr, which represents 22 million members worldwide, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the proposed authorization for deep-sea mining in Alaska's federal waters. The organization is urging the agency to reject any approval, leasing, or permitting decisions that would enable such activities in the ecologically sensitive Arctic region. Ekr emphasizes that the Arctic waters are crucial for more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern about proposed changes to federal graduate lending under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education rulemaking. The proposed changes include a $50,000 annual cap on borrowing and a $200,000 lifetime limit on unsubsidized direct loans for graduate and professional students  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of engineering organizations submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education encouraging recognition of accredited graduate engineering programs as professional programs for purposes of federal graduate student aid. The organizations emphasized that graduate engineering education is vital for preparing students for professional practice, contributing significantly to the nation's workforce and infrastructure needs. They argue that these p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of 24 national and 44 state or local epilepsy organizations submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs Model. The groups urged CMS to withdraw the GUARD Model, arguing that it would threaten access to anti-seizure medications covered under Medicare's Six Protected Classes policy and rely on cost effectiveness more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Equitas Health, Columbus, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its proposed rule for Reimagining and Improving Student Education. The letter expresses concerns about potential changes to the definition of professional students and their borrowing limits, emphasizing that these changes may inadvertently harm patient care and access to healthcare services. In its letter, Equitas Health outlines its mission to provide acce more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Kate Spence, Director of the Peter Sammartino School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of graduate education students in the definition of "professional students" within federal student loan programs. In the letter, Spence expressed concerns regarding the proposed exclusion and the potential financial implications on aspiring educators seeking licensure. Th more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is facing opposition from environmental organizations regarding its proposed calls for information and nominations for offshore oil and gas leasing in the Central and Southern California Planning Areas. The Animal Welfare Institute and Defenders of Wildlife recently submitted a public comment letter urging the agency to halt these plans, citing grave risks to vulnerable ecosystems and marine wildlife. Environmental advocates argue tha more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Stacey VanDyke, program director of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program at Florida State University, Tallahassee, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern that nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees are excluded from the definition of a professional degree. The letter highlights the importance of CRNAs as highly trained professionals integral to various healthcare settings, particularly in rural and underserved commun more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School Administrative Law Clinic, Arlington, Virginia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior urging regulatory revisions and structural changes to the Federal Subsistence Management Program. In the letter, the Clinic sets forth several proposals aimed at enhancing the management of subsistence resources for Alaska residents. Central to their recommendations is the assertion that current regu more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of health care institutions submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to reclassify healthcare post-baccalaureate students as "professional students" to enhance access to federal student financial assistance. The public comment letter emphasizes the importance of financial support for students in health care fields to ensure the availability of skilled professionals in the workforce. As health care delivery increasingly re more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Affordable and Accessible Housing Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed regulations that would rescind critical accessibility provisions for people with disabilities. These changes (Docket DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024) have sparked significant concern among advocates for disability rights and equal access. The proposed rules aim to eliminate foundational parts of the DOE's regulations implementing S more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Ann Marie P. Mauro, the Joan Hansen Grabe Dean of the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing at Hunter College, part of the City University of New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in the regulatory definition of "professional degree" under the proposed student loan rule. The proposed rule, identified as Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944, aims to classify nursing programs as "graduate more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Aisha Jimenez, a dietetics student in the distance dietetic and online master's program at Illinois State University, Normal, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education emphasizing the importance of including Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs in the definition of "professional degree programs." The letter highlights the financial and professional barriers faced by low-income individuals pursuing careers in nutrition, has called for urgent more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Ogechi Edoziem, a dietetics student in the distance dietetic internship program at Illinois State University, Normal, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to classify Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs, including the mandatory supervised practice or internship, as professional degree programs. The request comes in response to concerns about access to federal student loan funding and the potential barriers many aspiring Regi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Tamy Abernathy, an elementary education student at Indianapolis University, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of education programs in the professional degree definition In her correspondence, the student emphasized the financial burden of education programs, noting the cost of approximately $61,850 per year. While she is fortunate to benefit from academic scholarships, many of her peers rely on federal loans that c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Dr. Margarethe L. Garrett, a licensed veterinarian, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service urging a comprehensive update to the federal standards governing licensed dog breeding facilities. The letter highlights the need for new measures that align with modern veterinary understanding of canine welfare. In the letter, the veterinarian emphasizes that while current federal regulations establi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The University of Florida Institute for Child Health Policy, Gainesville, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding proposed updates to external quality review protocols for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program managed care. The organization urged CMS to refine reporting and validation requirements to enhance oversight while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden. more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Institute of Management Accountants has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the agency's proposed revisions to graduate loan limits and the definition of "professional student." In their submission dated February 17, 2026, IMA voiced concerns about how the proposed rule could impact accounting and finance programs and the professionals they serve. With a history spanning more than a century, IMA represents over 130,000 accou more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The International Association of Professional Numismatists has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of State Cultural Property Advisory Committee (CPAC) regarding proposed renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bolivia. Bolivia's request for an extension is limited to existing import restrictions without amendments. IAPN has voiced strong concerns about including Spanish Colonial and Republican era Bolivian coins in the designated list, as more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Colorado Disability Bar Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy expressing strong opposition to proposed rule changes that could significantly impact accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The association, which consists of legal professionals dedicated to improving the legal framework for disabled individuals, raised alarms over two specific dockets (DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024). According to the organization more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Beth Kotchick, interim associate provost and dean of graduate education at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns about proposed regulatory amendments affecting federal student loan programs under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule Under current regulations, graduate students and parents could borrow up to the full cost of attendance through the federal Parent PLUS  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Katheryne Puentes, a licensed marriage and family therapist and CEO/Owner of The Luminescent Mind, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the exclusion of marriage and family therapy from the proposed professional degree definition under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education Rule. The letter emphasizes that marriage and family therapy is a recognized professional degree that requires a master's or doctoral education, along more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Marin County Board of Supervisors has issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing strong opposition to any new oil and gas lease sales in the Pacific Region as part of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The Board emphasizes the need for respecting existing protections for marine ecosystems and the local economy, urging BOEM to fully exclude California's coastal waters from leasing considerations more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing concerns over potential offshore oil and gas leasing areas in Southern and Central California. The organization, which represents owners and operators of vessels operating at U.S. West Coast ports, focuses on the implications these leasing projects may have on maritime navigation and vessel traffic. The lease sales are part of the 11th Nation more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The MGH Institute of Health Professions has submitted 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 (Docket ID ED-2025-OPE-0944). This proposed rule focuses on reimagining and improving student education, but concerns have been raised regarding the exclusion of advanced nursing degrees such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP), more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Eve Dieringer, assistant professor and director of field placement at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding proposed policy changes affecting Social Work, Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling degrees. The letter articulates a challenge regarding the potential removal of the "professional" designation for these essential degree programs, which the universi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Helena, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to maintain the classification of the Naturopathic Doctor (ND) degree as a professional degree for federal student loan eligibility. The association emphasizes that this classification has been recognized since 1999 and is vital for supporting future practitioners in the state and beyond. In the letter, MANP outlines the comprehen more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Hillary Lampers, a naturopathic physician practicing at Hormone Health Montana, Bozeman, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree within the definition of professional degree under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. In the letter, Hormone Health Montana highlights that Naturopathic Physicians have become key players in the integrated healthcare movement more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Monterey Bay Aquarium has expressed its opposition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management public comment letter regarding the consideration of oil and gas lease sales in Central and Southern California's Outer Continental Shelf. The Aquarium's letter outlines significant concerns about the ecological and social impacts of any potential leasing in these biologically rich waters. The public comment letter emphasizes that the Aquarium, alongside many impacted partners  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, a regional economic development organization serving California's Central Coast, has issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing strong opposition to the inclusion of California federal waters in the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. MBEP highlights the necessity of safeguarding the state's coastal economy, which relies heavily on tourism, recreation, ara more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns about the proposed regulatory changes in the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" initiative. The letter highlighted how these changes could adversely affect nursing students and the overall nursing workforce in the state. The proposed regulations aim to redefine "professional degree," which would exclude nursing from this classification. As  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to recognize graduate students in education within the definition of "professional student." NCTR asserts that students pursuing post-baccalaureate certificates, master's degrees and doctoral programs must be included in this professional category to enhance access to necessary financial resources. In its comments, NCTR highlights the vita more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The National Congress of American Indians has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of Subsistence Management urging immediate reforms to the management of subsistence resources in Alaska. This letter is a response to the Program Review of Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska and highlights the critical importance of aligning federal regulations with the needs of Alaska Native communities. NCAI, the oldest and largest national organization repr more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The National Consortium of Academic Nurse Educators has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the recognition of graduate nursing pathways-specifically the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-as professional degree programs eligible for federal student loans. The letter asserts that reducing federal student loan eligibility will deteriorate the number of academic more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organization, has issued a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing concerns regarding the proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Central and Southern California Planning Areas as part of the Draft Proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. TNC emphasizes that California's coastal and marine ecosystems are not only ecologically vital but also significant for the more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, along with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Institute for Natural Medicine, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed rule that would exclude the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from the definition of "professional degree" under federal student loan regulations. Under the proposed regulation, students enrolled in naturopathic medic more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern regarding the exclusion of nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees from the proposed rule on Reimagining and Improving Student Education. In its letter, the Nebraska Association emphasizes the importance of acknowledging nurse anesthesia degrees, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP), and P more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Nemours Children's Health, Jacksonville, Florida, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding its proposed rule aimed at reforming student loan provisions through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The organization fears the proposed categorization of post-baccalaureate health care degrees as "graduate" degrees could further exacerbate ongoing shortages in pediatric health care staff. The organization highlights that the proposed student l more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Northern Chumash Tribal Council, Los Osos, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management voicing strong opposition to the proposed oil and gas lease sales in Central and Southern California. These lease proposals are part of the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program and raise concerns regarding the impact on the region's environmental integrity and cultural heritage. The Chumash People have a dee more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns about the agency's proposed definition of "professional degree" in light of potential impacts on the nursing workforce and public access to care. This response follows the recent notice of proposed rulemaking concerning student loan borrowing rules enacted under Public Law 119-21. In the letter, the Council emphasized the importance more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Connie Thornburg, executive director of nursing at West Tennessee Healthcare, Jackson, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include post-baccalaureate nursing degrees in the definition of professional degree under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. In the letter, the organization highlights that federal loan support is vital for many nurses seeking advanced degrees, particularly for those aspiring t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit marine conservation organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management urging the agency to discontinue its efforts related to proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Central and Southern California Planning Areas. The organization cites a combination of legal restrictions, environmental concerns, and community opposition as key reasons for this call to action. The current Nationwide Outer Contin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding proposed changes to federal student loan borrowing rules resulting from Public Law 119-21. The board specifically emphasizes the need for post baccalaureate nursing degrees-such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-to be explicitly defined as "professional degrees" under feder more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Open Commerce Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding proposed changes to the Consumer Response Intake Form. The OCA, a non-partisan coalition representing various lawful businesses, is advocating for enhancements that would better address systemic financial exclusion faced by certain industries. The coalition expressed that many businesses encounter barriers in accessing payment processing and banking servi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- AFSCME Local 2712 has expressed opposition to a proposal by the U.S. Department of Education that seeks to restrict access to federal student loans for certain advanced degree programs. The labor organization, which represents public service professionals in Los Angeles County, argues that the proposed rule would unfairly exclude essential workers such as nurses, social workers, and public health professionals from being recognized as "professionals" and limit their access more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions to Unleash Prosperity (HTI-5) proposed rule. The organization expresses support for innovation in health technology but emphasizes the necessity of maintaining trust and safety as the foundation for sustainable advancement. OHSU's letter outlines  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Hannah Beck, a clinical mental health counseling program student at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed rule that would exclude counseling programs from professional degree status. The institution's letter illustrates the plight of numerous aspiring counselors who are already facing substantial financial burdens as they pursue their degrees. One student, who is also a stay-at-ho more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- PathPoint, a California nonprofit disability provider organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed changes to vital accessibility regulations that impact individuals with disabilities. The organization, which supports thousands of individuals across several counties, expressed concerns regarding pending rules (Dockets DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024). The organization argues that the proposed changes would r more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- A coalition of patient advocacy groups have submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing their concerns regarding the proposed Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE) model. The letter articulates opposition to the model, suggesting that it could adversely affect Medicare beneficiaries' access to necessary medications. The GLOBE model is framed as a demonstration project but is argued to function as a Most Favore more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Katharine O. Strunk, dean of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to revise its proposed definition of "professional student" to include post-baccalaureate education programs. In her communication, the Dean of the Graduate School of Education highlighted how the current proposal categorizes programs, indicating that the Department believes no state  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Antonia M. Villarruel, professor and Margaret Bond Simon Dean of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging reconsideration of the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule citing concerns about the exclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing programs from the definition of professional graduate programs. In the letter, the Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Scho more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Independence Health System School of Anesthesia at St Vincent College has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, requesting the inclusion of nurse anesthesia degrees in the definition of professional degrees outlined in the proposed rule "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." The organization asserts that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in addressing healthcare access for underserved populations and more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Philippine Nurses Association of Central Minnesota has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the classification of post-baccalaureate nursing programs as "professional" degrees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The organization argues that excluding advanced nursing degrees from this classification undermines both congressional intent and the vital role that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play in t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Physician Assistant Education Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns regarding proposed changes to federal graduate loan limits and definitions of professional degree programs. The association warns that these policies threaten to restrict access to federal student borrowing for clinical programs at a crucial time when the healthcare workforce in the United States faces severe shortages. Recent reports more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Protect Borrowers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury urging it to revise proposed rules governing the Treasury Offset Program to ensure that federal agencies can verify the accuracy of debts before they are certified for collection. The organization argues that the current definition of "legally enforceable" debt in the proposed regulations does not adequately require creditor agencies to verify the accuracy of any debt certified for  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Qutekcak Native Tribe, Seward, Alaska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, expressing their concerns over proposed changes to the Federal Subsistence Management Program. The letter emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of rural and Alaska Native families who rely on subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering for their food security and cultural practices. The Qutekcak Native more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Regent Education Inc., Ballenger Creek, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding the proposed regulations stemming from the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Negotiated Rulemaking. The organization expressed concerns over the ambitious timeline set by Congress under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) and urged the department to provide clear technical guidance to ensure efficient implementation. In t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Kari Smith, Imperial, Missouri, a registered nurse enrolled in a doctoral nurse anesthesia program has submitted a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. She explained that there is growing concern among currently registered nurses who are enrolled in nurse anesthesia programs regarding the potential effects of a proposed rule that would categorize these programs as non-professional graduate programs. Under this proposal, federal student loa more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Responsible Offshore Development Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management addressing the proposed oil and gas lease sales in both the Central and Southern California Outer Continental Shelf. The coalition, comprising fishery-dependent companies and community members, expresses apprehension over the potential environmental impacts that such leasing activities could pose to marine ecosystems and the fishing industry. In the more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Michael D. Wallace, a retired professor and longtime advocate in the field of social work associated with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed rule that would exclude social work from the definition of professional degrees in federal student aid policy. In the public comment letter, Wallace from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stated that the proposal could limit access to federal student l more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education raising concerns that proposed graduate and professional student aid changes could disrupt education pathways for nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant students. The organization stressed that graduate and professional education in healthcare is critical for meeting the growing workforce demands outlined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statist more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Alison Wagner, program evaluation manager at Rush University Medical Center and field consultant at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to recognize the Master of Social Work as a professional degree under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. This proposed action could have severe consequences for future MSW students, as  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Russian Riverkeeper, California, submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing the draft proposal for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The organization highlights deep concerns regarding the potential risks that expanded offshore drilling poses to California's coastal ecosystems and regional economies. The letter articulates that the proposed leasing program would open vast federal waters, includi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Lisa Harrison Gulla, a public health leader and adjunct professor at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern that the proposed definition of a professional degree excludes key public health and allied health practice degrees. In her letter, Gulla emphasizes that the exclusion of degrees such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) could lead  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has voiced a firm objection to the Draft Proposed Program for the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, recently submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The comment letter emphasizes that no tracts in the Southern and Central California OCS Planning Areas should be included in any oil and gas leasing proposals. In their letter, the supervisory board, which represents a coastal county more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, an environmental nonprofit organization based in California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Southern and Central California Outer Continental Shelf. The organization asserts that these regions should be excluded from new oil and gas drilling due to their rich biodiversity, established tourism industries, and the considerable economic benefits provi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Heal the Ocean, a non-profit environmental organization based in Santa Barbara, California, is urging the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to abandon plans for new offshore oil and gas leasing off the coasts of Central and Southern California. The organization has submitted a public comment letter expressing strong opposition to the proposed leases, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel, a region that heavily depends on tourism and fishing for its economic vitality.  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Save Our Shores, a nonprofit organization based in Monterey Bay, has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing proposed oil and gas lease sales in the Southern and Central California Outer Continental Shelf. The organization has nominated no tracts or blocks within these planning areas and is advocating for their removal from consideration altogether. In the letter, Save Our Shores emphasizes the importance of protecting the Centr more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sam Danish, a clinical mental health counseling program student at Saybrook University, Oakland, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed rule that would exclude counseling programs from professional degree status. The proposed rule has raised considerable concern among students and educational institutions alike. Students fear that without professional degree status, they would be ineligible for federal financi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Lauren Haas, an elementary school counselor with the Redmond School District and a doctoral student in Counselor Education and Supervision, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing proposed federal loan policy changes that would cap graduate borrowing limits and eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program. In her letter, the counselor emphasized that graduate counseling programs already function with limited financial flexibility. Many stude more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, McLean, Virginia, has expressed opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Education that would exclude specific healthcare fields-such as nursing, social work and occupational therapy-from being classified as "professional" programs. SDBP, a national interdisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the developmental and behavioral health of children, particularly those with disabilities, strongly  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging revisions to proposed Direct PLUS Loan regulations to ensure students retain interim borrowing protections when continuing the same program after a campus reaffiliation. The proposed regulatory framework stipulates that graduate and professional students may not borrow a Direct PLUS Loan after the specified cutoff date. However, SCU more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Christopher E. Trombly, dean of the College of Education at Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing opposition to a proposed rule that seeks to differentiate the definitions of professional students and graduate students. The letter highlights the potential impacts on the education field and the preparation of future educators. Trombly's criticism centers on the belief that the prop more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Ginette Margarida Abreu, a speech-language pathologist and disability advocate, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed direct final rules that would rescind portions of the agency's regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act related to accessibility requirements in federally assisted programs. The correspondence emphasizes that the proposed rules would rescind crucial portions of DOE's regulations that upho more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Oteskwebeeksaki Shebala, an Environmental Systems Engineering student at Stanford University, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior opposing proposed deep sea mining activities in Alaska waters. According to Shebala, extractivism has a historical track record of exploiting and harming the communities it impacts. The proposed mining practices, she argues, overlook the long-term devastation they could inflict on ecosystems loca more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Summit Independent Living, Missoula, Missouri, has filed a public comment letter with the U.S. Department of Energy, expressing opposition to proposed regulations that could undermine accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The organization, which is dedicated to providing peer-delivered services and improving the lives of people with disabilities, expresses serious concerns regarding the DOE's plans to rescind essential provisions related to nondiscrimination in  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The San Luis Obispo Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management expressing strong opposition to the proposed inclusion of the Central and Southern California Planning Areas in the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2026-2031. The chapter, part of a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and coastal environments, calls for the exclusion of offshor more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Lara Vanderhoof, social work program director at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kansas, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposal that would exclude the Master of Social Work (MSW) from being classified as a "professional degree." The letter highlights concerns regarding the implications of this reclassification for the mental health workforce and public welfare. According to the letter, the MSW is recognized as the terminal deg more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Weatherly Hulsey, associate licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider in Tennessee, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the proposed exclusion of master's-level counseling programs from the definition of professional degrees In the letter, the counselor, who holds both a Juris Doctor and a master's degree in Counseling and Development, emphasized that the educational requirements for counseling exceed tho more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The Tennessee Disability Coalition has voiced opposition to proposed rule changes issued by the U.S. Department of Energy regarding accessibility standards for people with disabilities. The coalition's public comment letter (Docket DOE-HQ-2025-0015 and DOE-HQ-2025-0024) urges the agency to reconsider its position on accessibility requirements in new construction and existing facilities. TDC represents nearly 50 organizations aimed at improving the quality of life and civi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Nilda Soto Ruiz, assistant dean and chair of School Leadership Program at Touro University, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing opposition to proposed amendments to federal student loan programs. The letter concerns focus on access to graduate education and the equity across various disciplines impacted by these changes, particularly in fields dedicated to public service. The public comment letter highlights that the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Anna Toom, associate professor at Touro University Graduate School of Education, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 included in H.R. 1 that would impose strict loan limits on graduate students, phase out the Grad PLUS loan program and remove Education from the professional degree classification. The letter outlines the potential negative impact these reforms could have on  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Ellen Margolin, an associate professor at Touro University, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education objecting to proposed amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 that would lower loan limits for graduate and professional students and phase out the Graduate PLUS Program. The proposed amendments would reduce annual loan limits for prospective teachers to $20,500, a drastic cut that the university claims will severely impact the more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Trade associations representing lenders, servicers, and guaranty agencies in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education emphasizing the need for clear communication and support for borrowers amidst upcoming regulatory changes in student loan programs. The organizations, which include the Consumer Bankers Association and the Education Finance Council, expressed gratitude to the Department for  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sharan Schwartzberg, professor of occupational therapy at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include occupational therapy programs within the regulatory definition of professional degree under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. The association urges the Department to recognize occupational therapy within the regulatory definition of a professional degree p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Two members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors have expressed strong opposition to the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program draft proposal in a public comment letter submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. The letter highlights serious concerns surrounding the authorization of new offshore oil drilling along the California coastline. The letter, signed by Supervisors Katfina Foley and Vicente Sarmiento, states that Orange Co more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Vincent Au, a nurse practitioner student at the UCLA School of Nursing, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to recognize post-baccalaureate nursing programs as professional degrees within federal education policy. The letter outlines that post-baccalaureate nursing programs are not merely second bachelor's degrees; instead, they are rigorous, accelerated programs designed for individuals transitioning into nursing after obtainin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Aubrey Wilson, a critical care nurse and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student at UCLA, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing proposed changes under HR1 that would remove nursing from professional classification and limit federal student loan eligibility, including potential cuts to the Graduate PLUS program. The letter expresses concern not only about the professional title associated with nursing but also about  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Isa Ribadu, professor of Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling at UMass Global University, Aliso Viejo, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling degrees in the proposed professional degree definition. The institution emphasizes that excluding these degrees would have dire consequences for access to mental healt more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- University Hospitals submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the proposed exclusion of postbaccalaureate nursing degrees from the definition of "professional degree" under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. In the letter, University Hospitals highlighted that the current proposal would categorize certain degrees, such as medicine and law, as professional while excluding nursing, which is essential for meeting the c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Michael J. Radcliffe Jr., a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling program at University of Bridgeport, West Haven, Connecticut, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include counseling programs within the definition of "professional student" under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. Radcliffe expresses concern that the current interpretation of the proposed rule restricts the definitio more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Joel Key, associate director of talent and human resources at Envision Education and a doctoral candidate in the LEAD EdD program at the University of California, Berkeley, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of graduate education programs in the definition of professional degree programs. The letter articulates concerns regarding proposed reductions in borrowing limits for part-time students, which directly affects e more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Carvis C. Durr, adjunct professor and social and data decision scientist at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education raising concerns about proposed amendments to federal student loan programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The public comment letter highlights that the proposed elimination and restrictions of the Graduate PLUS Loan Program could impede access to advanced degrees, particularly  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The University of Dayton has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns over the proposed rule that seeks to limit the definition of "professional program" for federal student loan borrowing limits. The institution highlights that the narrow definition risks excluding critical doctoral and master's level healthcare programs essential for addressing increasing demands in the healthcare workforce. In its letter, UD criticizes the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- The University of Denver Civil Rights Clinic has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy opposing proposed direct final rules concerning nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs. The clinic, known for advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities, raises serious concerns regarding the potential rescission of vital regulations designed to ensure accessibility in new construction and alterations as mandated by the Rehabilitation Act.  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Gena M. Welch, Nurse Anesthesia Program Director at the University of Michigan-Flint, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of nurse anesthesia degrees in the definition of professional degrees in the proposed rule regarding student education. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in the healthcare system, especially for underserved populations. According to the program director, these anesth more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Mark Trodden, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education raising concerns that proposed graduate and parent loan limits would reduce access to advanced education and narrow pathways into research and workforce-critical fields. According to the letter, these proposed changes could negatively impact a significant population of graduate and professional learners, as well as  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The University of Pennsylvania Department of Neurosurgery, Philadelphia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressing barriers to the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The letter outlines the challenges faced by innovators in bringing AI solutions to clinical settings and proposes regulatory changes to facilitate integration. The primary challenge identified by the Penn team is the disco more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Eileen K. Fry-Bowers, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions at University of San Francisco, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing and public health degrees in the definition of "professional degrees." The letter urges the agency to reconsider the proposed rule that presently excludes Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD, more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Michelle Canale, assistant dean and program director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesiology Program at the University of South Florida College of Nursing, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to classify nurse anesthesia doctoral degrees as professional degrees. In the letter, USF highlights the rigorous training that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) must undertake to practice safely and independent more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed regulations affecting federal student loan programs for professional degree programs. The letter highlights concerns over the definition and classification of professional programs influenced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. USAHS argues that the proposed rule, which aims to refine the criteria for identifying professional degrees, deviates f more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Daniella Rios, a dietetics student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education requesting that Nutrition and Dietetics graduate programs be included in the definition of "professional degree programs." The high costs associated with graduate programs in Nutrition and Dietetics often exceed current federal loan caps unless recognized as professional degrees. Without this designation, future s more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Alan J. Kuperman, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin and coordinator of the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Energy raising concerns about a proposed categorical exclusion for advanced nuclear reactors from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. In the letter, the organization emphasizes that the U.S. has a troubled history with radioactive contamination due to more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Jessica Maynard, a licensed acupuncturist practicing at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah Health system, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the proposed exclusion of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine programs from the definition of "professional degree programs" under the Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. According to the acupuncturist, who is associated with the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Vaccinate Your Family has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed changes to the Direct Loan Program. The organization expresses concerns about the exclusion of certain nursing professionals-specifically those with Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees-from the definition of professional degrees. The letter highlights that limiting access for these nursing professionals could jeopardize public hea more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Alyssa Formyduval, clinical assistant professor of occupational therapy at Valparaiso University, Indiana, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include occupational therapy in the regulatory definition of a professional degree program for federal student loan purposes. The letter highlighted that obtaining graduation from an accredited occupational therapy program is essential for National Board for Certification in Occupation more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Kristi Grenda, an advanced practice registered nurse with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the exclusion of several healthcare graduate programs from the professional student designation under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. The agency's proposed rule, part of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) initiative, has ignited concerns regarding more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns about borrowing limits proposed under rule titled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." In the letter, WSHA emphasizes that the proposed rule could unintentionally restrict access to critical health profession education programs. Starting July 1, the Department's new borrowing cap would allow graduate students only $20,500 more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Washington State Board of Nursing submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to revise its proposed rule defining "professional degree" for federal student loan eligibility and explicitly include post-baccalaureate nursing programs such as MSN, DNP and PhD degrees. In the letter, the board underlines the potential negative impact that the new regulations could have on the nursing workforce and public access to quality care. With ne more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Pamela Stover, a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Washington State University, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to classify post-baccalaureate nursing programs as professional degrees under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. The AANP points out that not recognizing post-baccalaureate nursing degrees, such as the Master of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, limits federal financi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- WellSpan Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed rule entitled "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." The organization argues that the proposed regulation fails to recognize post-baccalaureate health professional degrees, specifically nursing, as "professional degrees." This omission, they assert, could have detrimental effects on the healthcare workforce and patient care c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- WellSpan Health York Cancer Center submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to recognize the Master of Social Work degree as a professional degree under a proposed rule governing federal student loan eligibility. The organization emphasized that such a restriction would impede the ability of future social workers to acquire the necessary training to address pressing societal issues. The letter highlighted critical challenges facing t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Women Lawyers On Guard Action Network Inc. submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging to reconsider a proposed rule that would revise how certain graduate programs are classified for federal student loan eligibility, arguing that the change could restrict access to education in fields tied to public health and safety. At the heart of WLGAN's objections is the belief that the proposal's rationale-suggesting decreased tuition as a result of more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education advocating for the classification of post-baccalaureate nursing programs as "professional" degrees. In the letter, the WNA emphasizes the importance of such recognition as the department implements federal graduate student loan provisions under H.R.1, which aims to provide financial support for students pursuing various advanced degrees. The WNA represents thousa more ST