Make Your Voice Heard
Engaging with Government: The Importance of Public Comments on Proposed Regulations
The process of public commenting on proposed government regulations is a fundamental aspect of democratic engagement. This process, outlined in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) of 1946, ensures that citizens have the opportunity to participate in the development of rules and regulations that affect their communities. In this article, we will use the proposed Medicare Regulation regarding Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services in Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals as a case example to explore how public comments can be developed and submitted in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Importance of Public Comments
Public commenting is a critical opportunity for individuals to make their voices heard and influence government decisions. It allows citizens to provide input that can shape effective regulations, address community needs, and create a record that can be used in legal challenges against harmful rules. The Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation highlights several key points about the importance of public comments:
Influence Regulations: Commenting allows individuals to influence or change proposed rules and make their voices heard. Federal agencies are required to consider these comments before making final decisions.
Create Better Regulations: Comments ensure that legal requirements, facts, unintended consequences, or errors are not overlooked. They offer an opportunity to point out issues, suggest alternatives, and provide data and articles to support positions.
Share Expertise: Public comments allow people to share their expertise and on-the-ground experiences, which can be crucial for decision-makers to understand the full impact of proposed regulations.
Legal Record: Comments help create the administrative record that agencies must consider. If an agency fails to adequately consider public comments, a judge may invalidate the rule.
The Process of Public Commenting
What is a Comment? A public comment is input on certain proposed government actions. Federal agencies must provide an opportunity for public comment when proposing a new rule or regulation. Comments can be brief or detailed and address specific aspects or the entirety of a proposed regulation.
Who Can Comment? Anyone can comment; no special qualifications are needed. If a proposed regulation may impact you or your community, you have the right to make your voice heard.
When Can You Comment? The announcement of a proposed rule typically includes the duration for submitting comments, usually 30-60 days. Federal rules and regulations are announced in the Federal Register, accessible at www.federalregister.gov.
What Happens After? After the comment period closes, agencies must consider the comments before finalizing the rule. While they are not required to respond to all comments, they must address substantial and unique feedback.
Case Example: Medicare Regulation for Obstetrical Services
The proposed Medicare Regulation for Health and Safety Standards for Obstetrical Services aims to address the maternal health crisis in the U.S. This regulation includes measures such as requiring resuscitation equipment in delivery rooms, mandating staff training, and implementing transfer policies for patient safety. However, the language of the regulation can be complex, making it difficult for the general public to engage effectively.
Using AI to Simplify and Enhance Public Engagement Artificial intelligence can play a pivotal role in simplifying the public commenting process:
Simplifying Language: AI can translate complicated regulatory language into more accessible text, making it easier for non-experts to understand and engage with the content.
Reviewing Scientific Literature: AI tools can quickly review and summarize relevant scientific studies and data, providing robust support for public comments.
Drafting Comments: AI can assist in drafting well-structured comments that address key aspects of the proposed regulation, ensuring that feedback is clear, concise, and impactful.
Engaging with the CMS Proposed Regulation Moonshot Press, as part of The Democracy of Opportunity Moonshot, will undertake the following activities to support and enhance public engagement with the CMS proposed regulation:
Artificial Intelligence: Utilize AI to enhance communication between the government and citizens. Translate relevant sections of the regulation into user-friendly text.
Scientific Review: Review the scientific basis for the regulation, comparing it with existing guidelines and research.
Citizen Briefs: Create documents that describe optimal approaches to pregnancy, highlighting salutogenic outcomes.
Ecosystem and Stakeholders: Examine current factors and stakeholders involved in pregnancy and birthing, applying the salutogenic approach locally, such as in the Thriving in Montco PA initiative.
Whole Person Salutogenic Assistant: Develop and test an AI-driven assistant to provide holistic, salutogenic support to pregnant women.
Deliberative Process: Provide a framework for developing responses to the CMS public comments on the proposed regulation.
Conclusion
Public commenting is a vital component of democratic governance, allowing citizens to influence regulations that affect their lives. The CMS's proposed regulations on obstetrical services are a critical step toward improving maternal health and safety, but to truly make a difference, we must adopt a salutogenic approach that addresses upstream factors influencing maternal health. By leveraging AI to simplify the commenting process, we can enhance public participation and ensure that regulations are well-informed and effective.
Moonshot Press invites you to engage with the proposed regulation and participate in our activities to promote the Democracy of Opportunity Moonshot mission. Subscribe to Moonshot Press to stay updated and find ways to get involved. Your voice is essential in shaping a healthier future for mothers and their babies.