In the Agencies  How Does ANA Work With Federal Agencies?
What Federal Agencies Does ANA Monitor?
 How Can Individual Nurses Impact Federal Rules and Regulations?
How Does ANA Work With Federal Agencies?
When Congress passes laws, they rarely contain enough specific language to guide their implementation completely. It is the responsibility of the federal administrative agencies to fill in the details of new or amended laws with rules and regulations. Regulations/rules are used to clarify definitions, authority, eligibility, benefits, and standards. Their development is shaped not only by the law but also with the ongoing involvement and input of professional associations like ANA, other providers, third party payers, consumers and other special interest groups.
The development of rules takes time and follows a defined process:
The publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register offers an opportunity for those with an interest in the particular rule to react to the draft rule before it becomes final. ANA routinely reviews the Federal Register for proposed regulations. ANA reviews regulations of particular interest to the nursing community, analyzing them and identifying concerns. If necessary, ANA submits comments to the agency recommending changes to the proposed regulation. Commenting on draft rules is one of the most active points of involvement in the entire legislative process. The agency reviews all public comments received within the comment period and may make changes to the proposed rule. After additional agency review the final rule is published and takes effect.
How Can Individual Nurses Impact Federal Rules and Regulations? Learn about the federal rule making process and how to make your voice heard. Become informed about the public policy and the health policy issues currently under consideration at the federal level of government. Check out the Federal Register. It is the very best source of information about proposed new rules and changes to existing rules for federal programs. It is printed every day and contains all complete directions on where to send your comments and the deadlines for the public comment period. Work with your state nurses association by offering your expertise to assist in developing new regulations or modifying existing regulations. - Work with your state nurses association to offer your expertise to help prepare comments on proposed regulations.
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