WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Abridge submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing support for efforts to modernize health information technology policy while urging clearer recognition of artificial intelligence systems in data access and interoperability frameworks. In its communication, Abridge expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this pivotal discussion, highlighting the organization's role in supporting more than 80 million p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Coalition, Centennial, Colorado, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education arguing that graduate programs in acupuncture and herbal medicine should qualify as professional degree programs under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. In the letter, the coalition highlights the role of nearly 30,000 licensed acupuncturists who provide essential health services, particularly in pain manag more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Allina Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed rule titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions to Unleash Prosperity." The letter expresses apprehensions over the potential weakening of crucial certification standards that ensure compliance, security and privacy in health information technology. In its letter, Allina Health highlights that the proposed more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The American Bankers Association (ABA) has submitted a public comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration regarding proposed changes to regulations governing advertising and notice of insured status. The letter addresses concerns over the NCUA's recommendation to eliminate the requirement for credit unions to include an official advertising statement in their promotions, despite ongoing shifts in the financial services landscape. In its correspondence, the  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The American College of Physicians (ACP) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing appreciation for the efforts to advance health data interoperability while raising concerns regarding proposed regulations. The organization emphasized the necessity for reforms that are clinically practical and patient-centered. In its letter, ACP recognized the importance of modernizing health information technology policies but cauti more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The American Federation of Teachers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education warning that provisions in a proposed rule tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could limit access to higher education financing and discourage careers in teaching, nursing, and other public service fields. According to the organization, current provisions threaten to make higher education less accessible and affordable, particularly for those pursuing advanced degr more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for regulatory reform aimed at improving accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery. The letter highlights concerns around current regulatory barriers that hinder pharmacists from fully participating in patient care. APhA represents a broad coalition of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working across various settings more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Ascension submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Health Data, Technology and Interoperability rule, stating that efforts to reduce regulatory burdens in the health information technology sector should not transfer compliance risks and operational challenges onto healthcare providers. In its letter, Ascension highlighted the agency's commitment to modernizing the Health IT Certification Program, especial more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Avania Clinical has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supporting the petition from Rubrum Advising LLC seeking partial exemption from certain premarket notification requirements for radiology computer-aided detection and diagnosis devices. The request pertains to devices listed under multiple product codes, emphasizing the need for updated regulatory frameworks that facilitate broader patient access to these essential diagnostic too more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Better Markets has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency expressing opposition to the agency's proposal to increase the threshold for heightened supervisory standards for large banks from $50 billion to $700 billion in assets. The organization argues that the proposed change poses risks to financial stability and undermines essential risk management protocols for banks. In their letter, Better Markets highlights that the OCC's  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Corrine Y. Jurgens, department chairperson and professor at the Boston College Connell School of Nursing, Massachusetts, 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 programs under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. In her correspondence, Jurgens emphasized the critical role that graduate nursing students play in the healthc more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Sierra Martinez, a critical care nurse in Ventura, California, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include post-baccalaureate nursing programs in the definition of professional degrees under proposed federal student aid regulations. The letter highlights that advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) fill crucial roles in improving healthcare access for communities, both rural and urban. These professionals serve vital func more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues submitted a public comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration supporting proposed changes to federal credit union advertising rules while urging continued efforts to maintain consumer awareness of federal share insurance protections. The proposed rule is part of the NCUA's broader Deregulation Project, intended to streamline regulations identified as outdated or overly burdensome. The amendments seek to elimin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology expressing concerns regarding proposed updates outlined in the HTI-5 rule. The organization highlighted the potential risks associated with the elimination of specific certification requirements that play a crucial role in maintaining effective health information exchange. The letter emphasizes the importance of the Consolid more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding proposed changes to student loan limits and definitions of professional degree programs. The proposed rule proposes to set new annual and aggregate loan limits for graduate and professional degree programs. Under the new guidelines, students in graduate programs would face an annual loan limit of $20,500 and a lifetime cap of $100, more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Century Foundation submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging changes to a proposed rule implementing student loan provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing the measure could restrict access to higher education and increase financial strain for borrowers. With soaring costs of living, including housing, healthcare, and education, many families are finding it increasingly difficult to access higher education. According to more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the Administration for Children and Families urging the withdrawal of proposed rule changes related to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The organization contends that the modifications would undermine protections crucial for families in high-cost states like California. CCALA argues that the proposed removal of the 7% cap on family co-payments would exacerbate financial more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce addressing proposed information collection activities for the American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey administered by the Census Bureau. The coalition, joined by numerous civil rights, research and advocacy organizations, urged the department to adopt policy and research steps that would improve demographic data collection and ensure a more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Connected Health Initiative submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supporting proposed deregulatory changes to federal health information technology rules while urging stronger enforcement of data access protections and clearer guidance for interoperability policy. In its detailed commentary, CHI emphasizes the necessity of fostering an environment where innovative digital health solutions can thrive. The organization ass more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency urging it to reconsider its guidelines that establish heightened standards for large insured national banks and federal savings associations. CBA supports the OCC's initiative to raise the asset threshold for compliance from $50 billion to $700 billion but advocates for the removal of prescriptive risk governance expectations for all institutions, r more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Consumer Technology Association, Arlington, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed rules aimed at updating technology standards and certification criteria for health information technology. The CTA emphasizes the need for revisions that enhance the interoperability and efficiency of health technology solutions. In their letter, the CTA acknowledges HHS's ongoing leadership in promoting tec more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Contexture submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging adjustments to information blocking provisions and certification policies to ensure continued stability for health information exchange networks. In the letter dated February 27, Contexture acknowledged the agency's FHIR-first direction as a positive step towards enhanced data exchange, yet it emphasized the necessity for certain adjustments to the proposed rules. The o more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Digital Quality Implementers Community (DQIC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed deregulatory actions under the Health Data, Technology and Interoperability initiative. The letter addresses the agency's efforts aimed at fostering interoperability in healthcare technology amidst ongoing concerns about regulatory burdens. In the letter, DQIC expressed its support for the agency's plans to moderniz more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Educational First Steps submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families expressing concern that a proposed rule affecting the Child Care and Development Fund could weaken stability for child care providers and limit access to care for families. In the letter, Educational First Steps noted that while the intent behind the proposed rule is commendable, there is a significant risk that increased f more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- EMI Advisors submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing support for the agency's deregulatory approach while urging a stronger focus on application programming interface performance and modern data exchange infrastructure. In the letter, EMI highlighted that while the current electronic health record certification framework has established a baseline for interoperability, it has inadvertently stifled innovation and con more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Environment America Research and Policy Center has submitted a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration urging rejection of The Metals Company USA, LLC's applications for deep seabed mining exploration licenses in the Clarion Clipperton Zone. The letter highlights concerns over the potential environmental impacts of proposed mining activities on deep-sea ecosystems. The organization asserts that the mining plan poses a significant threa more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Essentia Health submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging caution in implementing proposed deregulatory changes to federal health information technology certification requirements under the Health Data, Technology and Interoperability rule. In the letter, Essentia Health acknowledged the agency's intent to streamline the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology certification program by removing more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Garner Trucking, Findlay, Ohio, submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration supporting continuation of the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Program through an exemption that would allow trucking companies already approved for the initiative to continue participating. The Ohio-based carrier said extending the program would preserve a structured pathway that allows drivers ages 18 to 20 to gain interstate trucking experience while operating more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Greenpeace USA has issued a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expressing opposition to TMC USA's applications for deep seabed mining exploration licenses. The organization argues that the potential environmental and cultural risks associated with deep sea mining are too severe and that the science surrounding these impacts is uncertain. As a part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations, Greenpeace emphasizes  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Health IT End-Users Alliance submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology addressing a proposed rule titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions To Unleash Prosperity," warning that several proposed changes could increase burden on healthcare providers who rely on health information technology systems. In the letter, th more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Health Students Taking Action Together submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing opposition to a proposed rule that could impact the health and stability of immigrant families. The organization contends that delays in work authorization for asylum applicants would create barriers that could lead to severe economic and health repercussions. According to H-STAT, the proposal aims to delay work authorizations, which could thrust more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Ibis Reproductive Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing opposition to the proposed rule titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions To Unleash Prosperity." The organization argues that the rule, if enacted, could have detrimental effects on ongoing health research and exacerbate existing disparities faced by marginalized groups. The proposed rule seeks to remove  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- International Business Machines Corp., Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to take decisive action in promoting the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. The letter highlights ongoing barriers to AI adoption, including regulatory fragmentation, reimbursement challenges and insufficient infrastructure interoperability. According to IBM's findings, a majority of heal more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The International Foodservice Distributors Association submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration urging approval of a five-year exemption requested by the American Trucking Associations that would allow continued participation in the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot program for carriers already approved for the initiative. The association said the program provides a controlled training pathway for drivers ages 18 to 20 seeking to  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Invest for Progress submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to preserve transparency, security and reporting safeguards while pursuing deregulation in health information technology policy. The letter emphasizes the implications of the proposed updates by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASTP), particularly focusing on the removal of certain certification criteria for health informati more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Dewey Lawrence, a limited permit holder in mental health counseling in Rochester, New York, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed rule that would exclude clinical mental health counseling programs from the definition of professional degrees under federal student aid policy. The committee emphasizes that classifying Mental Health Counseling as a standard graduate degree limits federal borrowing options for students, impos more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The MetroHealth System has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing support o modernize the certification program and reduce redundancies in health data management. However, the organization has raised concerns regarding specific provisions in the proposed rule that they believe could increase operational risks and costs for hospitals. The proposed rule, officially titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperabilit more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Kelley Finders, a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice student and registered nurse in Imperial, Missouri, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing a proposed policy that would exclude advanced practice nursing programs, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist education, from the definition of professional degrees under federal student aid regulations. In the letter, the organization emphasized that entry into nursing roles, p more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for the accelerated adoption and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care settings. The organization emphasized the importance of integrating AI technology to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes across the U.S. In its detailed response to HHS's Request for Information on AI in he more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The National Association of Community Health Centers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding proposed revisions to federal health information technology certification rules under the Health Data, Technology and Interoperability initiative. In its letter, NACHC expressed appreciation for the Administration's intent to decrease regulatory burdens, especially as CHCs grapple with ongoing financial instability and workfo more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The National Wildlife Federation submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior urging it to maintain the current governance structure of the Federal Subsistence Management Program and to preserve protections for rural subsistence users established under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. According to NWF, the FSMP is critical for safeguarding the rights and practices of rural and Alaska Native communities, which are constitutio more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to refine its proposed rule for Health Data, Technology and Interoperability (HTI-5). NCQA emphasizes the importance of promoting interoperability and reducing administrative burdens within the healthcare system. In its letter, the NCQA praised the agency for its efforts to create a FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability R more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The New Jersey Primary Care Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability rule aimed at reducing regulatory burden in health information technology systems. The association said the proposal could shift compliance responsibilities onto safety net providers while weakening safeguards that protect patient data, clinical oversight, and reporting capabilitie more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- O'Neill Sea Odyssey has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing the nomination process for offshore oil and gas leasing in the Central Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area. The organization expressed concern over the implications of expanded offshore drilling on marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and public health. In its letter, O'Neill Sea Odyssey highlighted the well-documented risks associated with offshore oil and gas e more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Ocean Conservancy has issued a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration urging it to reject applications from The Metals Company USA LLC (TMC USA) for deep seabed mining exploration licenses in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ). The organization expressed concerns about the ecological impacts and legal implications of granting these licenses under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). In the letter, Ocean Conservancy emph more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Ohio Association of Community Health Centers submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging caution in implementing deregulatory changes to federal health information technology certification rules, warning the proposal could weaken patient safety protections and shift compliance burdens onto safety net providers. The letter details the pressing financial challenges and workforce shortages faced by CHCs, exacerbated by unc more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Pacific Islands Heritage Coalition submitted a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration opposing exploration license applications filed by The Metals Company under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act, warning that deep sea mining could cause irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems and coastal communities. The coalition argues that deep-sea mining poses serious and irreversible risks to marine environments, emphasizing a growing more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Parkview Health has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) regarding the proposed rule "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions To Unleash Prosperity." The organization is voicing its concerns over the suggestion to remove certification criteria for health information technology. The Certification Program for Health Information Technology has been instrumental more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care. The society emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the integrity of the physician-patient relationship as AI technologies are implemented. In its letter, PAMED outlines crucial points addressing the integration of AI within healthcare delivery, underscoring the impo more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Pew Charitable Trusts has submitted a public comment letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration urging it to reject exploration licenses sought by The Metals Company USA, LLC (TMC) under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). Pew emphasized that the issuance of licenses in ABNJ, especially in regions already contracted out by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), would undermine established international rules governing oceanic min more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed Health Data, Technology and Interoperability rule, urging the agency to preserve core interoperability, privacy and security capabilities during the transition toward application programming interface-based data exchange. In its letter, PCMA expressed support for the agency's objective of streamlining the certification more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Physical Activity Alliance has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to adopt the U.S. Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) version 4 in place of version 3.1, emphasizing the importance of including physical activity assessment within certified electronic health record technology. The organization argues that the inclusion of physical activity data is vital for improving interoperability and scalability acros more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Physicians Advocacy Institute submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to ensure regulatory changes do not increase financial and operational pressures on small, independent and rural physician practices. The organization highlighted concerns over rising administrative challenges faced by independent medical practices. According to PAI, more than 3,300 rural medical practices closed between 2019 and 2024, represen more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Rhode Island Dental Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emphasizing the importance of community water fluoridation in preventing oral disease and minimizing healthcare costs. The association highlights that removing fluoride from public water supplies would lead to an increase in tooth decay among children, resulting in increased educational and economic challenges for families in Rhode Island. In its letter, t more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- Real Time Medical Systems submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the proposed regulation titled "Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: ASTP/ONC Deregulatory Actions to Unleash Prosperity." The company emphasized the importance of addressing information blocking and enhancing access to patient data, highlighting the potential benefits to patient health outcomes. In its comments, Real Time outlined concerns a more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Amanda Giles, a occupational therapist and educator in Charleston, South Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to revise a proposed rule implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to include occupational therapy within the definition of professional degree programs eligible for higher federal student loan caps. The letter details that a graduate degree from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (AC more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- SCAN Health Plan recently submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care. The organization emphasized the necessity of a thoughtful approach to AI development that prioritizes the needs and comfort of older adults. In the letter, SCAN outlined its belief that AI can significantly enhance healthcare delivery if employed responsibly. The organization highlight more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Sexual Medicine Society of North America has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration detailing recommendations regarding testosterone use and its regulation. The organization has highlighted various points raised during a recent FDA Panel on Testosterone, where members of the SMSNA participated actively. The SMSNA has made four primary requests for the FDA to consider. Firstly, the organization urges that testosterone not be classified  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Society of Hospital Medicine submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to adopt a risk-based framework for evaluating artificial intelligence tools used in clinical care. In the letter, SHM highlighted the rapid growth of AI tools in healthcare and expressed concern that policy discussions have not kept pace with technological advancements. Hospitalists play a crucial role in leveraging their expertise to evaluate  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- SonderMind Inc., Denver, Colorado, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressing the agency's request for information on accelerating the adoption and use of artificial intelligence in clinical care, urging federal policymakers to address payment structures, liability rules and regulatory fragmentation that limit innovation in behavioral health. In its letter, SonderMind pointed out that the current reimbursement models c more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The South Carolina Primary Health Care Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing concerns regarding the proposed deregulation in health data and technology outlined in the HTI-5 proposed rule. SCPHCA emphasized the critical importance of maintaining robust safety and security standards within health information technology (IT) systems as deregulation progresses. The letter highlighted that South Caroli more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Tempus AI has submitted a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging it to adopt a partial 510(k) exemption pathway for certain radiology and pathology medical devices. The proposed framework aims to facilitate innovation while ensuring patient safety through regulated oversight. The company emphasizes the potential benefits of implementing a well-structured partial 510(k) exemption for radiology Computer-Aided Detection, Diagnosis, and Triage  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Texas Medical Association has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressing the complexities surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical care. The association emphasizes a cautious approach to AI adoption, advocating for augmented intelligence rather than full automation in healthcare settings. In its communication, TMA differentiates between "augmented intelligence," which assists human dec more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- Dayna Heater Muehlberger, a Master of Occupational Therapy student at Trinity Washington University, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging inclusion of occupational therapy in the regulatory definition of a professional degree program under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. The letter emphasizes that the current proposal to cap federal student loans at $20,500 per year fails to consider the unique financi more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Turtle Island Restoration Network has submitted a public comment letter to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management opposing the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program. The letter indicates that the proposed program could lead to up to 34 offshore lease sales across a staggering 1.27 billion acres, including several sites off California's coastline. TIRN argues that the environmental risks associated with offshore  more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued a public comment letter to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) urging modifications to the agency's guidelines for large banks. The Chamber supports the OCC's proposal to raise the threshold for determining which banks are considered "covered" from $50 billion to at least $700 billion in total consolidated assets. This change is anticipated to alleviate compliance burdens on smaller financial institutions while enhanc more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Utah Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Salt Lake City, Utah, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging it to include naturopathic doctoral degrees within the definition of "professional degree" under the proposed Reimagining and Improving Student Education rule. UANP, which has supported licensed Naturopathic Physicians in Utah for over a decade, emphasizes the vital healthcare services its members provide across urban, suburba more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Utah Credit Union Association has submitted a public comment letter to the National Credit Union Administration expressing support for the proposed amendments aimed at modernizing advertising requirements for federally insured credit unions. The association emphasized the importance of regulatory relief to enhance operational flexibility in marketing practices. The proposed rule is a part of the NCUA's broader Deregulation Project, which was initiated in response to E more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Vanguard Group Inc. submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service supporting the federal Trump accounts savings program while urging adjustments to improve participation, reduce costs and clarify tax rules governing the accounts. Vanguard, which operates as a unique mutual fund company owned by its investors, has a longstanding tradition of minimizing fees and maximizing returns. The firm has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, claiming th more ST

WASHINGTON, March 5 -- The Winter Wildlands Alliance has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Forest Service expressing concerns regarding the agency's proposed rule revising the Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process. This proposed regulatory change aims to streamline procedures but has raised alarms over its potential to limit public engagement and participation. WWA represents the interests of human-powered winter recreationists and has a grassroots network comprisin more ST

WASHINGTON, March 4 -- The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urging it to expedite the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within clinical care. Founded in 1991 and recognized as a formal advisor to HHS, WEDI represents a broad array of stakeholders including health plans, providers, and state agencies. The organization emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in enh more ST