Rules and Regulations
Advancing Public Health and the Profession through the Federal Regulatory Process
Through the federal regulatory process, the Academy leverages the expertise of members and various Academy units to substantially influence public policy for the benefit of the public and the profession. Accordingly, the Academy values and depends upon the effective engagement of our members.
Development of Regulations
Differences Between Legislation and Regulation
| Introduced by | Altered by | Can be stopped by | Finalized when | Has the effect of | |
Legislation |
Lawmakers Any senator or congressperson can introduce legislation. |
Congress Committees in either chamber can alter proposed legislation through the amendment process. |
Stalling/Falling in Congress Legislation may be stopped in its tracks if it stalls in the committee phase, fails a vote or cloture motion, is vetoed, or is not brought up by the other chamber. |
Signed by the President or Congress Overrides Veto The president can sign the bill into law, or congress can override a presidential veto by two-thirds majorities in both chambers. |
Law Finalized legislation has the binding force of law. |
Regulation |
Federal Agencies A federal agency may draft a regulation after reviewing or finding ambiguity in a law and realizing a clarifying regulation is necessary; regulations must be based in laws already passed. |
The Public The public and interested parties may attempt to change a proposed regulation by submitting comments, which require consideration and response by the agency. |
Congress/The Public A proposed regulation may be stopped in its tracks by strong, nearly unanimous or very influential public comments, or a resolution of disapproval by Congress (which can be vetoed by the president). |
Published A regulation becomes a rule when it is published into the Federal Register after final consideration of comments and adjustments. |
Law |
Differences Between Legislation and Regulation
| How legislation is introduced | How a regulation is introduced |
| Lawmakers Any senator or congressperson can introduce legislation. |
Federal Agencies A federal agency may draft a regulation after reviewing or finding ambiguity in a law and realizing a clarifying regulation is necessary; regulations must be based in laws already passed. |
| Introduced by | Altered by | Can be stopped by | Finalized when | Has the effect of | |
Legislation |
Lawmakers Any senator or congressperson can introduce legislation. |
Congress Committees in either chamber can alter proposed legislation through the amendment process. |
Stalling/Falling in Congress Legislation may be stopped in its tracks if it stalls in the committee phase, fails a vote or cloture motion, is vetoed, or is not brought up by the other chamber. |
Signed by the President or Congress Overrides Veto The president can sign the bill into law, or congress can override a presidential veto by two-thirds majorities in both chambers. |
Law Finalized legislation has the binding force of law. |
Regulation |
Federal Agencies A federal agency may draft a regulation after reviewing or finding ambiguity in a law and realizing a clarifying regulation is necessary; regulations must be based in laws already passed. |
The Public The public and interested parties may attempt to change a proposed regulation by submitting comments, which require consideration and response by the agency. |
Congress/The Public A proposed regulation may be stopped in its tracks by strong, nearly unanimous or very influential public comments, or a resolution of disapproval by Congress (which can be vetoed by the president). |
Published A regulation becomes a rule when it is published into the Federal Register after final consideration of comments and adjustments. |
Law |