AAMC Urges Census Bureau to Withdraw Proposed Residence and Demographic Rule

The AAMC submitted comments on Oct. 20 (PDF) to the Census Bureau in response to its proposed rule that would narrow the residence criteria for state population counts (Part 60) and eliminate race and ethnicity questions from the 2030 census, while also barring questions about sexual orientation (Part 70). 

In its comments, the AAMC urged the bureau to withdraw the proposed rule, explaining that it would bias the population data used for health research and federal funding. The association also noted that eliminating race and ethnicity questions conflicts with the Office of Management and Budget’s revised Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15), which federal agencies must implement by Sept. 28, 2029 [refer to Washington Highlights, April 21, 2023]. It also highlighted the proposal’s potential effect on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, since census data are used in the formula that sets each state’s federal matching rate for these programs. If the bureau proceeds with the proposal, the AAMC recommended that it first complete an impact analysis and allow the public a meaningful timeframe for stakeholders to comment on the findings.