To provide public comment as a physician, go HERE.
The FOMA is requesting a public hearing and will be submitting comment on behalf of the FOMA. We encourage FOMA members to submit comments directly to the Department of Health using the link above.
The proposal was published on August 24, 2026, and is currently in a public comment phase; comments and requests for a public hearing are due by September 14, 2026.
Contact information may be available to logged in members.
Professional Bio
Dr. Melissa Shaughnessy serves as the Deputy Director of Comprehensive Health, in the Office of Women’s Health at VHA. She also provides specialized outpatient services, including IUDs, contraceptive implants, colposcopies, endometrial biopsies, advanced menopause management, and cervical cancer screenings at the Orlando VA HCS. Her work at VA is pivotal in executing initiatives under the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 and the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act – ensuring breast and reproductive cancer risk assessments and screening align with current best practices and evidence-based recommendations. A proud alumna of Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine where she earned her Osteopathic Medical Degree, Dr. Shaughnessy further honed her expertise during her Family Medicine Residency as Chief Resident followed by a Women’s Health Fellowship at Advent Health in Orlando. She is Board Certified in Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment. With her rich background and heartfelt dedication to service, Dr. Shaughnessy champions the delivery of exceptional comprehensive care for women Veterans at the VA – a commitment reflective of her deep respect for their service to our nation.