The Rule Making Process

The process of making a regulation (called a "rule") -- in its traditional and electronic forms -- consists of 5 basic steps. Formal public participation in this process begins when a Notice of Proposed Rule Making -- a proposed rule -- is published in the Federal Register.

5 Steps

1. Publication of Proposed Rule. A Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) is published in the Federal Register and on the AS Home Page.
2. Comment Period. Each NPRM is followed by a period set aside for public comment. Comments will be accepted through this website, by electronic mail, and by postal mail for 60 days following publication. The purpose of the comment period is to provide an opportunity for the public and interested and affected parties to influence the outcome by raising issues and questions that can be addressed before the rule is finalized.
3. Public Inspection of Comments. Comments received are made available for public inspection. Traditionally, comments submitted by mail are available for public viewing in a room at HHS Headquarters in Washington, DC. Comments will also be available for public viewing at this website after the comment period has ended.
4. Analysis of Comments. Comments are analyzed and summarized, and responses are prepared by the Implementation Teams responsible for the content.
5. Publication of Final Rule. The Final Rule is published in the Federal Register and on the AS Home Page. The Final Rule includes a summary of the comments and responses to the comments, including any changes that were made to the proposed rule as a result of the comments.

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Updated 5/5/98.