Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
Here's a look at public comments on proposed Federal Register rules
Featured Stories
Deans for Impact Submits Recommendations to Education Department on Grant Priorities for Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Deans for Impact has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education outlining its feedback on the proposed supplemental discretionary grant priorities. The organization, which focuses on addressing teacher recruitment and retention challenges, expressed support for the proposed priorities while offering recommendations to enhance them.
Patrick Steck, representing DFI, stated, "We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Department's proposed priorities and offer specific feedback." He emphasized the need for strong partnerships between educator-preparation
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Deans for Impact has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education outlining its feedback on the proposed supplemental discretionary grant priorities. The organization, which focuses on addressing teacher recruitment and retention challenges, expressed support for the proposed priorities while offering recommendations to enhance them.
Patrick Steck, representing DFI, stated, "We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Department's proposed priorities and offer specific feedback." He emphasized the need for strong partnerships between educator-preparationprograms (EPPs) and PK-12 schools, particularly regarding evidence-based literacy instruction. Steck advocated for the Department to define the role of EPPs in providing effective reading instruction, noting that "teachers trained in evidence-based literacy practices are better equipped to meet students' unique learning needs."
DFI's public comment letter highlights several recommendations for both proposed priorities under consideration. For Priority 1, DFI requests enhanced language to strengthen the collaboration between EPPs and schools. "This addition could provide support to EPP, PK-12 partnerships that lead to meaningful shifts in the teacher workforce's ability to provide rigorous, grade-level instruction," added Steck.
Under Proposed Priority 2, DFI urged the Department to expand access to high-impact tutoring by mobilizing aspiring teachers. "We recommend strengthening the Department's commitment to high-impact tutoring by utilizing the nation's more than 600,000 aspiring teachers as tutors," Steck said. The organization believes this approach can provide necessary practical experiences for future educators while making education more affordable.
"We support the inclusion of pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and work-based learning priorities," continued Steck. However, he cautioned that more is needed to address the ongoing shortage of effective educators across the nation. He noted that there are at least six million students currently in classrooms staffed by underprepared teachers, stating, "New research shows that students taught by uncertified teachers lose up to four months of learning compared to their peers."
Steck concluded the letter with a call for further discussion on these recommendations, inviting the Department to connect with him directly. Alongside Steck, the letter included contributions from various members of DFI, reinforcing the organization's commitment to advancing educational excellence through strategic proposals.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-OS-0020-1395
Council for Exceptional Children Criticizes Education Department's Proposed Policies, Citing Risks to Students with Disabilities
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, raising serious concerns regarding the proposed priorities and definitions put forth by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The letter outlines the potential negative impact of the federal agency's recent initiatives on educators and students with disabilities.
"The proposed changes threaten the progress we have made in supporting children with disabilities," Rummel stated. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining robust public funding
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education, raising serious concerns regarding the proposed priorities and definitions put forth by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. The letter outlines the potential negative impact of the federal agency's recent initiatives on educators and students with disabilities.
"The proposed changes threaten the progress we have made in supporting children with disabilities," Rummel stated. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining robust public fundingfor public education, criticizing private school choice programs that often exclude students with disabilities. "Public school choice programs keep public funds in public schools, which are held accountable for ensuring the rights of children with disabilities."
The letter also addressed the implications of potentially reducing the federal role in the education system, specifically in relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Rummel highlighted that the federal government's support is crucial for the effective implementation of IDEA at local and state levels. "IDEA sets the minimum standards for what all states must do to support the education of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities," he noted.
Rummel's commentary on "Returning Education to the States" stressed the need for upholding statutory requirements of IDEA, voicing disapproval of proposed budget cuts that would eliminate essential regulatory and support programs. He warned that such measures would significantly increase local administrative burdens and leave a gap in the preparation of the next generation of special educators. "The elimination of the IDEA Preschool Program would result in more children entering kindergarten without early interventions," he added, urging the department to view IDEA funding as an investment rather than a burden.
In conclusion, Rummel underscored the importance of maintaining a federal presence in educational research, asserting that the cancellation of key contracts could hinder educators from implementing evidence-based practices. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide feedback and called for prioritization of the needs of individuals with disabilities in the educational landscape.
The letter was submitted on behalf of CEC, an organization representing over 36,000 educators dedicated to the success of students with disabilities, and illustrates the sustained advocacy for effective educational policies.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-OS-0020-1397
Comments Submitted to U.S. Department of Education Highlight Needs of Students with Disabilities
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- The Center for Learner Equity, a national nonprofit organization focused on enhancing educational access for students with disabilities, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education concerning proposed priorities and definitions for discretionary grant programs. The organization aims to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are adequately reflected in the Department's framework.
In the letter, Jennifer Coco, interim executive director of CLE, expressed strong support for recommendations made by the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- The Center for Learner Equity, a national nonprofit organization focused on enhancing educational access for students with disabilities, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education concerning proposed priorities and definitions for discretionary grant programs. The organization aims to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are adequately reflected in the Department's framework.
In the letter, Jennifer Coco, interim executive director of CLE, expressed strong support for recommendations made by the Consortium for Citizens with DisabilitiesEducation Task Force (CCD). Coco stated, "In short, CCD's recommendations prioritize the needs of students with disabilities in advancing evidence-based literacy; advance public school choice options that increase access and retention of students with disabilities; oppose diverting public funds to private or religious schools that are not required to adhere to the IDEA and other federal education and civil rights statutes."
The public comment letter addresses three proposed priorities, emphasizing the importance of promoting evidence-based literacy. CLE recommended, "Ensure stakeholders advancing Evidence-Based Literacy are incentivized to invest in high quality instructional materials that are adaptable for diverse learners, including students with disabilities."
The letter also highlights the organization's support for expanding public school choice options that cater specifically to students with disabilities. Coco added, "CLE reiterates CCD's recommendations, which clarify that the only form of school choice the disability advocacy community supports is public school choice because they are required to uphold all requirements of ESEA, IDEA, 504 etc."
Additionally, the CLE outlined concerns regarding the inclusion of proposed language on education savings accounts. "Based on our expertise in maximizing quality school choice for students with disabilities, CLE opposes using federal funds to support the development or implementation of education savings accounts, scholarships, or other voucher-type mechanisms," the letter stated.
Coco expressed the importance of keeping federal education structures intact, asserting that "the Department should maintain current federal education statutory requirements, including providing funding as required under all education statutes."
The public comment letter represents a concerted effort by CLE to advocate for educational equity for all students, especially those with disabilities.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-OS-0020-1405
Code360 Urges CMS to Prioritize Tech Advancements for Comprehensive Health Technology Ecosystem
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Code360 Inc., Leesburg, Virginia, a digital services firm, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services emphasizing the importance of technological advances in building a comprehensive Health Technology Ecosystem. The letter outlines strategic recommendations aimed at promoting data interoperability, enhancing health management, and leveraging emerging technologies to improve patient care.
"In our response, we outline actionable recommendations around seamless data exchange through open APIs and FHIR-enabled services," states Makesh
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Code360 Inc., Leesburg, Virginia, a digital services firm, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services emphasizing the importance of technological advances in building a comprehensive Health Technology Ecosystem. The letter outlines strategic recommendations aimed at promoting data interoperability, enhancing health management, and leveraging emerging technologies to improve patient care.
"In our response, we outline actionable recommendations around seamless data exchange through open APIs and FHIR-enabled services," states MakeshPitchaipillai, the president of Code360. He emphasizes the need for a unified, standards-based, and patient-centered digital infrastructure, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can significantly contribute to.
The letter discusses several key areas including the responsible use of artificial intelligence for clinical insights and greater interoperability to reduce the burden on healthcare providers. "We believe that empowering both providers and patients through scalable health data systems is crucial for addressing healthcare disparities," Pitchaipillai adds.
Also included are specific features that healthcare management apps should implement, such as alerts for medication timing and annual check-ups, as well as tools for tracking vital signs and health progress. The letter argues for a national model where high-impact treatment approaches can be validated and shared across various healthcare settings, improving coordination and patient outcomes.
Code360's initiative is part of a broader trend advocating for digital transformation within the healthcare industry, which is critical in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency in healthcare systems.
"This isn't just a public health imperative-it's a business opportunity," Pitchaipillai concludes, reinforcing the idea that closing the gaps in healthcare technology can lead to not only improved health outcomes but also economic benefits for providers and technology developers alike.
Code360 is committed to advancing the conversation on health technology ecosystem development and looks forward to collaborating with CMS in implementing these transformational strategies.
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Contact information: Makesh Pitchaipillai, President, Email: makesh@code360.io, Phone: (571) 443-9331, https://www.code360.io
Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/CMS-2025-0050-0924
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Advocates for Inclusion of Dental Data in Health Technology Ecosystem
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, June 29 -- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's Request for Information on the future of digital health and value-based care. The organization expresses its appreciation for the opportunity to provide input, emphasizing the critical need to enhance dental data collection and sharing in improving interoperability and healthcare effectiveness for all stakeholders.
Rebekah Mathews, vice president of health transformation at CareQuest Institute, stated, "As an organization
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WASHINGTON, June 29 -- CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's Request for Information on the future of digital health and value-based care. The organization expresses its appreciation for the opportunity to provide input, emphasizing the critical need to enhance dental data collection and sharing in improving interoperability and healthcare effectiveness for all stakeholders.
Rebekah Mathews, vice president of health transformation at CareQuest Institute, stated, "As an organizationcommitted to making oral health care accessible and integrated, we respectfully offer observations and recommendations to ensure that oral health is more fully incorporated into the national health information technology (IT) and future policy frameworks." She underlined that oral health is crucial to achieving CMS's objectives of empowering patients and enhancing care coordination.
The letter identifies ongoing issues within the dental sector, such as limited interoperability of electronic dental records and the absence of certified APIs for dental systems, which hinder effective data exchange. Mathews highlighted, "Despite strong evidence linking oral health to chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, dental data often remains siloed away from broader digital infrastructure."
In response to the current challenges, the public comment letter includes several recommendations. These include expanding the U.S. Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI) to incorporate key oral health data elements, incentivizing EHR and EDR vendors to enable FHIR-based API exchanges for dental data, and promoting the development of user-friendly tools and interfaces for patients across various technology comfort levels.
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a national nonprofit entity focused on improving everyone's oral health, advocating for policy changes, and supporting community health initiatives. The public comment letter contains signatures from Rebekah Mathews along with contributions from other members not explicitly named in the communication.
In closing, Mathews urged CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to actively engage with oral health stakeholders. "Addressing the current data and interoperability gaps will help realize the promise of whole-person care," she remarked. The organization continues its commitment to advocating for meaningful changes in the health technology ecosystem.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/CMS-2025-0050-0976
