OME Advocate Newsletter
Delivered twice-monthly right to your in-box, AACOM's OME Advocate keeps you informed and involved in policy discussions and legislation around healthcare, medical students and osteopathic medical education.
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AACOM in Action : What You Need to Know : AACOM Advocates : Policy Update : Engagement & Resources
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ED Finalizes Sweeping Overhaul of Higher Education Accreditation Rules
On October 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released its Accreditation, Innovation and Modernization (AIM) final rule. The rule implements the directives of Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and is the result of a negotiated rulemaking session earlier this year that included AACOM nominee Brian A. Kessler, DO, DHA, MS, as an alternate negotiator.
Notably, the final rule strengthens requirements separating accrediting agencies from affiliated professional or trade associations, including a ban on shared personnel, services, technology and office space. Other changes are focused on assessing student outcomes, including licensure exam results, lowering barriers for new accreditors, allowing institutions to change accreditors or hold multiple accreditations without prior ED approval and directing accreditors to evaluate institutional policies on academic freedom and intellectual diversity.
AACOM submitted comments on the proposed rule in September recommending safeguards for osteopathic medical education (OME). Preliminary analysis suggests the final regulations largely mirror the draft, with limited incorporation of AACOM’s recommendations. The regulations take effect July 1, 2027, and accreditors may implement them beginning January 1, 2027. AACOM is reviewing the final rule, and a detailed summary will be forthcoming.
Register for AACOM Health Affairs Webinar – Getting Research Funded in the MAHA Era
Join AACOM Government Relations and Health Affairs on December 2, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 PM ET for the first session of our new webinar series connecting the OME community with federal officials and subject matter experts.
This webinar will explore the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities and related research funding opportunities, with practical guidance for all researchers, including early-career investigators, institutions new to the federal funding application process and established researchers and colleges of osteopathic medicine.
Election Day Is Here: Make It Count!
Election Day is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3, 2026! If you haven’t already voted early or returned your ballot, be sure to head to your polling place. This year’s midterms include congressional, gubernatorial and many other state and local races and initiatives. The outcomes of these elections will impact osteopathic medicine and shape our communities for years to come.
Physicians and medical students see firsthand how policy decisions affect patients, and casting your ballot is one of the simplest ways to make sure your voice is heard. Midterm turnout has been historically lower than in presidential years, which means every vote carries even more weight. Make a plan, bring a friend and help shape the future for your community!
Save the date: Join AACOM on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM ET for a post-election webinar on what the results could mean for OME and health policy. Registration details are coming soon.
Advocacy Doesn't End with Advocacy Day!
Osteopathic medical students across the country are making their voices heard! During AACOM Advocacy Day 2026, students from ATSU-SOMA demonstrated their commitment to advocating for the future of osteopathic medicine.
Build on their social media activity by visiting AACOM's Action Center and supporting key legislative priorities, including the FAIR Act and Community TEAMS Act. Take Action Today: Visit AACOM's Action Center! |
Trump Administration Issues Executive Order to Advance Women’s Health Research and Care
- On October 19, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at improving women’s health outcomes across the lifespan by strengthening federal research coordination and accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
- The order directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a Women’s Health Division within 90 days to advance research on conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women, improve their representation in clinical trials and strengthen consideration of sex as a biological variable in federally funded research. It also establishes a White House Women’s Health Task Force to coordinate federal efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and access to patient-centered care.
- The initiative emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, updated clinical education and integration of preventive and coordinated care across primary care, specialty care and behavioral health settings. Read the full announcement here.
Administration Drops Legal Fight Over PSLF Restrictions
- On October 21, 2026, the Trump administration moved to dismiss two of its three appeals challenging federal court rulings that blocked its changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
- Finalized last fall, the rule would have allowed ED to exclude employers from PSLF if their activities were deemed to have a “substantial illegal purpose,” potentially affecting borrowers working at nonprofits, schools and public hospitals.
- A federal court vacated the rule just hours before its scheduled July 1, 2026, effective date, finding that the rule exceeded the administration’s statutory authority and violated the First Amendment.
- The administration is expected to drop its remaining challenge, potentially finalizing the court’s June decision. While ED could pursue new rulemaking, its options are limited by the court’s findings.
Senate HELP Committee Chairman Releases Draft Legislation on AI in Healthcare
- On October 29, 2026, Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released draft legislation aimed at expanding access to artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in healthcare while establishing safeguards for their responsible use. The proposal would direct HHS to identify opportunities to leverage AI to improve healthcare outcomes and operations and develop training resources to help healthcare professionals effectively implement AI tools.
- The draft also outlines a Food and Drug Administration review process for AI-enabled medical software and a pathway for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to make coverage determinations for AI-based services. Stakeholder feedback on the proposal is requested by December 1, 2026. View the full draft here.
Engagement & Resources
Register for the NIH Nutrition Education Challenge Winners’ Announcement: NIH has rescheduled the winners’ announcement for its Integration of Nutrition Training into Health Care Education Challenge to November 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM ET. The live webinar will recognize winning institutions and their innovative approaches to advancing nutrition education. The event will also feature messages from Challenge sponsors and insights from members of the expert Evaluation Panel. Register here. |
Apply for the NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program: The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program offers eligible final-year medical, dental, nursing and physician assistant students up to $120,000 in tax-free loan repayment in exchange for three years of service at an NHSC-approved site in a Health Professional Shortage Area. Eligible maternity care providers may receive an additional $40,000 supplemental award. Applications are due November 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET. Learn more. |
Explore NIH’s $2.5 Million Menopause Education Challenge: The NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health has announced the COMpetency in Menopause & Integrated Therapy (COMMIT) Challenge, a national prize competition expected to launch in fall 2026. The challenge offers seven prizes of up to $200,000 each for core menopause curricula (Track 1) and 11 prizes of up to $100,000 each for specialty-specific curricula (Track 2). Learn more. |
Complete the FY27 Service Area Competition Application Process: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)’s FY27 Service Area Competition (SAC) provides funding for organizations to deliver comprehensive preventive and primary healthcare in service areas currently served by the Health Center Program. The initial application deadline was October 19, 2026, and the HRSA Electronic Handbooks submission deadline is November 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Additional FY27 SAC funding notices open November 30 and December 9, 2026. Learn more. |
Apply for the VA MISSION Act GME Pilot Program: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is accepting proposals for its Pilot Program for Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Residency. Model A provides funding for resident stipends and benefits for rotations during academic years 2027–2030, while Model B supports new residency programs at Indian Health Service, Tribal, Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Department of War facilities. Applications for both models are due November 30, 2026. Learn more. |
Prepare for the Teaching Health Center GME New Program Competition: HRSA has forecasted a Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) funding opportunity to support new primary care medical and dental residency positions in community-based ambulatory care settings. The anticipated funding would provide $160,000 per resident full-time equivalent to eligible programs that have not previously received THCGME payments. Eligible applicants include FQHCs, community mental health centers, rural health clinics and Tribal health centers. Learn more. |
Explore NIH’s New RM1 Funding Opportunity for Interdisciplinary Research Teams: NIH has announced a new Collaborative Program Grant for Interdisciplinary Teams (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity to support collaborative research addressing complex scientific challenges. The opportunity brings together multiple NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices to advance integrated team science. Learn more. |
