Federal Policy and Advocacy Overview

The Academy’s Role in Policy and Advocacy

Legislative Process and Engagement

• Educate policymakers on the impact of legislation
• Advocate for evidence-based policy solutions
• Ensure member perspectives are reflected in federal policy

The Academy engages throughout the legislative process by:

• Providing technical assistance to lawmakers
• Submitting comments and testimony
• Supporting or opposing legislation aligned with our mission
• Mobilizing members to engage with Congress

Regulatory Process and Engagement

In addition to legislation, the Academy actively monitors and engages in the federal regulatory process, where laws are implemented and operationalized.

Regulatory decisions are critical because they:

• Define how legislation is applied in real-world settings
• Influence funding, compliance requirements, and program operations
• Directly affect professional practice and service delivery

Even when legislation remains unchanged, regulatory updates can significantly alter how policies affect members and the communities they serve.

The Academy engages in the regulatory process by:

• Submitting formal public comments on proposed rules
• Meeting with agency officials to provide subject matter expertise
• Advocating for policies that reflect evidence-based practices
• Identifying and addressing unintended consequences of regulations
• Keeping members informed about regulatory changes and compliance requirements

State Policy and Advocacy

In addition to federal advocacy, the Academy tracks and engages in state-level legislative and regulatory activity, where many policy decisions directly affect the professional and the communities we serve. Learn more about our state advocacy work.

Stay Informed and Get Engaged

Legislative developments change rapidly. The Academy provides ongoing updates, policy analysis, and advocacy opportunities to help members stay informed and engaged. To stay informed, Academy members can log into your MyAcademy profile (Communication Preferences section) to ensure you're signed up to receive the Public Policy Newsletter via email.

Content Update Notice:

This page has been reviewed and updated for accuracy as of 2026. While the core legislative process remains consistent, specific rules, leadership roles, and legislative priorities evolve over time. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources such as Congress.gov for the most current information.