Comment from Marianna Rubino
Marianna RubinoOpposeAcademic
Summary: An emerging researcher in speech-language pathology opposes the proposed changes because they believe the regulation could restrict research collaborations with rural areas. The commenter argues that researchers need the ability to collaborate across state and international lines to ensure all Americans, regardless of location, have access to effective treatments.
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to comment on 200.111.I am an emerging researcher in the field of speech-language pathology, which is dedicated to helping Americans following major life circumstances such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or a disease such as Parkinson's disease. Research in my field continues to uncover better treatments for these problems, which are especially relevant for veterans and the Baby Boomer generation.
Newer, more effective treatments may never become available to sick people who need them just because they happen to live in a rural, farming area, for example or because they are stationed abroad. It's important for researchers to help all Americans and not only people who happen to live in cities, for example.
Research collaborations help effective treatments make all Americans heathy and America strong.
The proposed changes may cut off researchers from important collaborations with other researchers just because they are located in a rural area, for example. But, people with health conditions such as strokes, brain injuries, and Parkinson's disease could live in the city or in a rural area. It's important that researchers be able to collaborate across state lines, nationally, or internationally so that they may be able to help Americans who live outside of cities or who are stationed abroad. My field focuses on the health of all Americans, and when we are healthier, we are stronger as a nation.
Thank you for your consideration.