WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration addressing regulatory challenges surrounding compounded drugs. The organization argued that the MOU mandated by a 1997 statute should apply only to distributions of compounded drugs and not to patient specific dispensing. In its correspondence, APC emphasized the need for the FDA to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that strictly adheres to the st more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- American Drone submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Aviation Administration supporting a petition for exemption from Remnant Technology Inc. The organization argues that broader authorization for hazardous material spraying in structural and industrial settings would improve worker safety and expand commercial drone applications. American Drone, specializing in heavy-lift UAS operations, highlights the limitations of current regulations that restrict drone spr more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Lincoln, Nebraska, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing opposition to a proposed rule that would restrict Medicaid funding for gender-affirming procedures for children. The organization describes this rule as a politicization of healthcare and argues that it has detrimental implications for marginalized communities. AWN is a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating fo more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen has submitted a public comment letter to the Federal Railroad Administration. The letter addresses the Belt Railway Company of Chicago's request for amendments to its positive train control (PTC) system, which includes proposed temporary outages for maintenance. In their letter, the BLET expressed an interest in safety, not only for locomotive engineers but for the entire rail network in the United States. The organizat more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Center for Reproductive Rights, New York, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services voicing opposition to a proposed rule that seeks to prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care for children and youth. This proposed regulation could restrict access to critical healthcare services for transgender youth enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The C more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the program review of Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska under the Federal Subsistence Regulations. The Tribe urged to preserve and strengthen subsistence protections mandated by Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The letter highlighted the his more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMS) is facing backlash regarding proposed changes to Medicaid funding for gender-affirming procedures for minors, as conveyed in a public comment letter submitted by a coalition of pediatric bioethicists. The proposed rules are based on a report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) entitled "Treatment of Pediatric Gender Dysphoria," which the authors characterize as significantly flawed in ethical re more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Colorado Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the inclusion of nurse anesthesia degrees, specifically the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) and PhD, as professional degrees in its proposed rule regarding the definition of professional degrees. In the letter, the organization emphasizes that CRNAs undergo rigorous education and training, culminatin more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, advocating for the preservation of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The counselor, who specializes in working with nonbinary adults, emphasizes the critical role that comprehensive and affirming healthcare plays in improving mental health outcomes among this population. The letter highlights the alarming trend of government overreach and its impact on mental health, particularly more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting clarification on various points related to compliance program audits and the associated protocols. The letter addresses concerns about the requirements for annual independent auditor evaluations and seeks to confirm expectations given recent changes. In its correspondence, the organization questions whether there remains a requirement to conduct an annual Compliance Program Effective more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A letter from a has raised serious concerns regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) interim final rule related to how medication effects are assessed in disability ratings. The public comment letter, submitted amid the rule's implementation, outlines various issues that necessitate deeper investigation and clarity from the agency. The organization asserts that the rule marks a substantial interpretative shift in the evaluation process of disability severit more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter was submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing deep concerns regarding a recent federal rule related to pediatric transgender healthcare. The letter highlights how the rule contradicts America's historical commitment to scientific excellence and urges the government to encourage further research in this underexplored field. The organization asserts that the justifications for the federal rule lack a foundation rooted i more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has ignited significant concern regarding the agency's proposed regulations that could restrict Medicare and Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care. The letter, authored by a trans woman with a background in transgender youth medical care and biology, expresses deep apprehension about the implications of the proposed rule and the methods of justification used by the agency. The l more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports and Safe Infant Sleep have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urging to preserve and strengthen its publicly available consumer product safety information database, SaferProducts.gov, as part of a review under Docket No. CPSC-2010-0041. Over the past 15 years, SaferProducts.gov has become an essential resource, significantly influencing consumer behavior by providing early warni more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- In a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an advocate raised concerns regarding the evolving role of diagnostic imaging in behavioral health assessment and treatment. The correspondence emphasizes the critical intersection of technology advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, with potential legal and ethical implications for patient privacy. The organization highlights that while imaging has not traditionally bee more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Downtown Boathouse Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding proposed rules that impact human powered vessels in Regulated Area B. The organization raises concerns about restrictions that may hinder their operations during a critical time. In the letter, Downtown Boathouse highlights the significance of their programming, which includes a walk-up free kayaking initiative, tailored to serve diverse communities including youth and underser more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration showing support for Florida Power & Light Company's (FPL) petition for exemption. EEI emphasizes the critical need for reliable electric service and rapid infrastructure recovery in the face of extreme weather. The letter details how FPL's petition is well-founded, demonstrating a comprehensive safety case that meets FAA expect more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Empire Offshore Wind LLC submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard addressing proposed safety and vessel management measures tied to the July 2026 Sail 4th 250 International Naval Review in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The company raises concerns that portions of the proposed staging and spectator zones may intersect with the Empire Wind 1 submarine export cable and related offshore energy infrastructure. In its letter, Empire Offshore Wind emphasi more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) expressing concerns regarding changes to the enforcement policy. This letter addresses PHMSA's notice of applications for modifications to three permits published in the Federal Register on Feb. 2, 2026. The EDF argues that under current statutes, PHMSA is authorized to issue special permits only after a thorough safety analysis  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has submitted a public comment letter to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) expressing concerns regarding special permit actions related to hazardous materials. In the letter, EDF outlines the statutory authority granted to PHMSA, allowing the agency to issue, modify, or terminate special permits that allow variances from applicable laws and regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials. The  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Equality Federation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would prohibit federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for gender affirming care for minors. The letter highlights that the rule aims to misuse federal funding as a means to discriminate against transgender youth and their families, undermining the agency's mission of more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Ahtna region's rural communities are raising alarms regarding the potential weakening of federal protections for subsistence practices, as articulated in a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of the Secretary. The letter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Federal Subsistence Management Program (FSMP) and Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) to uphold the rural subsistence priorities established under the Alaska National  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- HLN Consulting LLC has 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 proposed HTI-5 draft rule. The firm expressed apprehensions that the proposed regulatory changes could complicate interoperability within the public health landscape. In its letter, HLN Consulting conveyed its belief that, contrary to the proposed aims, the draft regulations may detr more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Humana Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding proposed changes to the CMS Plan Benefit Package and Formulary 2027 requirements, warning that certain prior authorization and data entry revisions could impose major operational burdens on Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. In its commentary, Humana expressed support for CMS's ongoing efforts to streamline prior auth more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Independent Beauty Association has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging clearer standards and greater transparency in how the agency will interpret and implement its mandatory cosmetics recall authority under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, particularly regarding evidentiary thresholds, risk assessments and procedural safeguards for small and mid-sized businesses. Founded in 1974, IBA's membership consists of more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Manhattan Community Board 1 has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard advocating for operational accommodations for the downtown boathouse in light of proposed security restrictions related to the upcoming Sail 4th 250 event. The community board emphasizes the importance of the boathouse's free public kayaking program, which is set to be impacted by the restrictions. The proposed restrictions, scheduled from July 1 to July 9, would restrict human-p more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expressing opposition to the proposed rule which seeks to prohibit federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for certain medical procedures aimed at transgender and intersex children. In its commentary, the commission outlines several key concerns regarding the proposed rule's implications. It argues that the term "sex-re more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would bar the use of federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funds for gender affirming healthcare for minors. The coalition, which has been championing the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals since 2001, argues that  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education addressing the proposal for an extension of a currently approved information collection request related to the e-recognition system. In its letter, MSCHE acknowledges the Department's invitation for feedback concerning various aspects of the proposed collection, including its necessity, timely processing, accuracy of burden estimates, and potential im more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The National Immigration Forum has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressing support for an interim final rule designed to improve continuity for religious organizations and their employees. This rule aims to alleviate challenges faced by R-1 nonimmigrant religious workers by removing the requirement for these individuals to remain outside the U.S. for one year after reaching their maximum stay period. The Forum, a nonprofit  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Native Village of Afognak submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior expressing opposition to proposals that could weaken, restructure or eliminate the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB) or the Office of Subsistence Management or the federal rural subsistence priority established under Title VIII of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. In their letter, the Native Village of Afognak underscored that the federal government has  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has drawn scrutiny following its public comment letter requesting an independent administrative review process for adverse employment suitability decisions. This letter, submitted to OPM, indicates a contentious relationship between the agency and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), with implications for federal employment practices and national security. The OPM argues that the proposed changes are based on a need for clari more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has raised significant concerns regarding proposed regulations that would prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming procedures for children. The letter, sent by a concerned citizen and parent of a transgender child, argues that these proposed rules would not only deprive vulnerable populations of essential healthcare but also undermine the fundamental relationship between patients, families, a more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in opposition to a proposed rule that would prohibit federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming medical interventions for youth up to 19 years old. The letter critiques the proposal as detrimental to the mental health and well-being of transgender youth, highlighting the contradictions between the proposed rule and established medical practices. The proposed rule, labeled CMS-2451-P, contradi more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter issued by a Bloomington, Minnesota resident expresses strong opposition to proposed rule changes under 42 CFR Parts 441 and 457, CMS-2451-P, RIN 0938-AV73, which would prevent hospitals from receiving Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Fund (CHIP) funding if they provide gender-affirming care to minors. The letter was directed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), highlighting concerns from families utilizing these services.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Data Modernization Office has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Coordinator for Health Information Technology addressing proposed regulatory changes. The agency is scrutinizing deregulatory actions that could undermine health information technology standards, implementation specifications, certification criteria and certification programs tied to public health data exchan more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Partnership for Public Service has submitted a public comment letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) addressing the proposed rule which aims to enhance the recruitment and preparation of future leaders within the senior executive service in federal agencies. The Partnership commends the proposed focus on the Candidate Development Programs (CDPs), recognizing their role in equipping future SES candidates with vital executive skills. However, it highlights c more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A recent public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has condemned the agency's proposed rule CMS-2451-P, which seeks to prohibit Medicare coverage for certain "sex-rejecting procedures for children." Critics argue that the rule represents a substantial governmental overreach that could inflict harm on American families while providing limited benefits. The organization behind the letter asserts that while the HHS claims to ac more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter from a national medical organization is voicing strong opposition to proposed regulations that would prohibit federal funding for gender affirming treatments under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The letter, addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, stresses that medical decisions surrounding gender affirming care should remain in the hands of patients, their doctors, and parents of minors. The orga more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The organization's public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines a strong opposition to the proposed rule CMS-2451-P, which seeks to prohibit federal funding for what the agency describes as "sex-rejecting procedures" (SRPs) for children. The letter details multiple concerns surrounding the potential impacts of the rule on medical care and children's rights across the country. In the letter, the organization argues that the proposed  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Coast Guard has raised significant concerns over a proposed ban on human-powered boats during the upcoming SAIL 4th/International Naval Review (INR) 250 celebration scheduled for July in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The letter, submitted by a retired public school teacher and experienced kayaker, criticizes the decision to exclude paddlecraft and rowboats from a designated area for nine days, arguing that such a ban goe more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter from Hailey Greenstone has raised significant concerns regarding proposed rules CMS-3481-P and CMS-2451-P that may restrict access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. Greenstone, a future OB/GYN, emphasizes the need to protect the well-being of this vulnerable population, advocating against what she describes as harmful regulatory changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In her letter, Greenstone more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- Santa Cruz Community Health Centers (SCCH) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding a proposed rule that would prohibit federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for gender-affirming procedures for individuals under the age of 18 or 19. The proposed rule aims to restrict funding for medically necessary gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries.  more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A recent public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) highlights the urgent need for a partial 510(k) exemption for radiology computer-aided detection (CADe), diagnosis (CADx), and triage (CADt) devices. The letter, authored by a practicing radiologist, underscores the pressing challenges facing medical imaging practices amidst increasing workloads and limited staffing resources. The letter emphasizes how advancements in artificial intell more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasizes the importance of issuing Exempted Fishing Permits to North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The initiative is viewed as a crucial step towards establishing a long-term, state-led management strategy for a vital recreational fishery in the region. In the letter, the organization expresses concern over the current federal management measures for recreat more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter submitted by a leading health advocacy organization has raised significant alarms regarding the ongoing attacks by the Trump administration on transgender health care. The letter was addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and highlights the dire consequences of these policies on both domestic and global health initiatives. The organization stresses that the recent executive order prohibiting funding for gender-affirming healt more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) opposing the proposed reduction of his service-connected disability evaluation. The veteran argues that the agency's assessment relied heavily on the effects of medication rather than the actual severity of his condition. In the letter, Raynsford references a recent amendment to 38 C.F.R. Sec. 4.10, which addresses how veterans should be compensated for their disabilities. This amendment cla more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter has raised serious concerns regarding an interim final rule amending the disability rating process administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The public comment letter, which expresses strong opposition to the rule published on February 17, 2026, argues that the changes will negatively impact millions of veterans. Leach contends that the rule unfairly penalizes veterans who adhere to prescribed medical treatments by lowering their dis more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- A public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expressing strong opposition to an interim final rule that proposes basing disability ratings on veterans' impairment levels with medication. The organization asserts that this rule undermines the true nature of veterans' service-connected disabilities by relying on the effects of medication rather than evaluating the actual severity of their conditions. The organization argues that medications are n more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 -- The Wilderness Society has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Departments of the Interior and U.S. Departments of Agriculture expressing concerns about the proposed review of federal subsistence management regulations that affect public lands in Alaska. The Wilderness Society emphasizes its long-standing commitment to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), particularly Title VIII, which establishes a mandatory subsistence priority for rur more ST