Content created by Immediate Office of the Secretary (IOS)
Federal regulation is one of the tools the government uses to carry out public policy. Agencies issue regulations (also known as "rules") that detail how to implement and enforce laws passed by Congress
You can play an important role in the Department’s decisions by commenting on proposed rules. Your comments can help shape the Department’s decisions.
View all HHS rules open for comment on Regulations.gov
How to comment on regulations
You can help shape regulations by commenting on the Department’s proposed rules published in the Federal Register. You can submit comments:
- Online at http://www.Regulations.gov
- By mail
- The proposed rule published in the Federal Register will provide details on where to send comments.
Tips for submitting effective public comments
The most helpful comments clearly communicate and support your position, whether you are for or against the proposed action. Here are some tips:
1. Plan Ahead. The comment period closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the date comments are due. Planning ahead helps to ensure that you submit your comments well before the deadline.
2. Contact the Agency. If you have questions or do not understand a part of the regulatory document, reach out to the agency contact person listed on the document before submitting your comment.
3. Identify the Issues. In your comment, clearly identify which issues you are commenting on within the regulatory action. Provide the page number, column, and/or paragraph from the Federal Register if you are commenting on a particular word, phrase, or sentence.
4. Selection is Fine. You do not have to comment on every issue in a rule. You may select the issues on which you wish to comment or provide a general comment.
5. Address Specific Agency Requests. The Department often requests comments on specific parts of proposed rules. This may be a helpful place to focus your comments.
6. Add Detail. Constructive, detailed comments (whether positive or negative) are the most helpful. If you agree with a proposed action, your comments are helpful to show the Department that the public wants or needs the proposed action. If you disagree with a proposed action, suggest an alternative (including not regulating at all) and include an explanation of how the alternative might meet the same objective or be more effective. Evidence-based information is particularly helpful.