Health Care Laws and Regulations

Health Law and Regulations Paper
Tim Anderson
HCS/545
October 28, 2013
Shawna Butler

Health Law and Regulations Paper
Federal regulation is one of the basic tools government uses to carry out public policy, agencies create regulations when Congress provides the authority to do so (Department of Health and Human Services, 2013).
Regulation is a crucial part of the healthcare industry and healthcare insurance coverage. Health care regulations are carried out by state. Local, and federal governments. State regulators govern day-to-day activities. When such things involving defense, foreign relations and interstate commerce take place the federal, regulators step in (Field, 2008).
Oversight of participants in the healthcare system, such as physicians, hospitals, and insurance companies are done at the state level. Federal authorities coordinate all the programs. Public health, which includes sanitation, restaurant inspections, and epidemic investigations are the responsibility of state and local regulators, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the resource on the federal level (Field, 2008).
The American Medical Association is a private regulator that has helped create organizations that are essential in the oversight of the medical profession, such as those who accredit medical schools, administer licensures, and certify specialists. These organizations enhance the work of government regulators (Field, 2008). Nonetheless, it is important to understand the role of each agency and its effect on the healthcare industry.
Role of Federal Regulatory Agencies
Operating divisions are made up of sub-divisions making the health care system complex. Main operating agencies are:
Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
This agency promotes economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. Services are provided by state, county and local agencies (Department of Health and Human Services, 2013)....