Submit Your Comments
Please review this resource page carefully and submit any comments as soon as possible. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, with a proposed effective date of October 1, 2026.
Take Action: Proposed Federal Grant Guidance Changes Impact on Academic Physiatry
AAP's Public Policy Committee is closely monitoring proposed changes to federal grant guidance that may significantly impact rehabilitation research, academic medicine, and physician-scientist development in physiatry.
As an academic organization with research at the core of our mission, AAP is committed to ensuring our members understand these proposed changes and have the resources needed to make their voices heard.
We are currently developing AAP’s formal comment letter and encourage you to take action and add your voice to this important conversation.
The public comment period is open through July 13, 2026.
Overview of Proposed OMB Changes
On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal financial assistance.
If finalized, these changes could affect how federal research grants are reviewed, awarded, managed, and potentially terminated.
Key proposed changes may:
- Reduce emphasis on independent peer review in grantmaking
- Increase uncertainty around continuity of awarded grants
- Restrict certain allowable grant expenditures
- Discourage international scientific collaboration
- Affect research dissemination and professional development activities
For academic physiatrists, these changes could impact rehabilitation research, scientific innovation, training, and collaboration across the PM&R community.
Key Talking Points/ Member Concerns
When considering your own public comments, these are key issues AAP believes members should understand and consider:
How Departments Can Prepare
Departments and academic institutions may wish to proactively assess potential impacts.
Consider discussing:
- Which research programs rely heavily on federal funding
- Whether current grants include support for travel, meetings, or professional development
- How trainees and junior investigators may be affected
- Opportunities to diversify funding sources
- Contingency planning for funding disruptions
Early planning can help departments better respond to uncertainty while continuing to support research and innovation.
Engage Institutional Leadership
Members may also wish to engage:
- Department Chairs
- Deans or institutional leadership
- Research administration offices
- Government relations/ public affairs teams
Institutions often submit formal comments or coordinate advocacy efforts, and your perspective can help shape those responses.