How Nurses Can Engage in Regulation
- ANA California Staff
- Mar 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 5
Part 5 of the Nursing Regulations Guide.
What You’ll Learn
When and how nurses can participate in the rulemaking process.
How to identify opportunities to submit public comments or testify at hearings.
How to write effective, evidence-based input that influences regulation.
How to collaborate with ANA\California and other organizations to amplify impact.
Why It Matters
Advocacy does not end when a bill becomes law. In many ways, it begins there.
The regulatory phase is where ideas become operational. It is where agencies decide how a law will function and what it means for practice.
For nurses, this is a powerful opportunity to ensure that regulations are clear, practical, equitable, and aligned with real-world care.
By engaging in the rulemaking process, nurses bring expertise, data, and patient-centered perspectives that agencies depend on to make informed decisions.
The Power of Public Participation
California’s Administrative Procedure Act (APA) guarantees every member of the public the right to participate in the development of state regulations.
This includes:
Submitting written comments during open comment periods.
Speaking during public hearings.
Joining advisory committees or workgroups.
Collaborating with professional associations to influence agency priorities.
Every nurse — regardless of position or setting — can participate.
Your voice helps regulators understand how proposed rules will affect patient care, nursing workflow, and public safety.
When to Engage
Regulatory engagement opportunities appear at multiple points during the process:
Stage | Engagement Opportunity |
Drafting | Agencies may seek informal feedback from stakeholders before publishing a proposal. Nurses can join advisory groups or submit early suggestions. |
Notice of Proposed Action (NOPA) | The formal public comment period opens (at least 45 days). Anyone can submit written or oral comments. |
Public Hearings | Agencies may host hearings to collect in-person or virtual testimony. |
Revision (15-Day Comment Period) | When agencies revise a proposal, the public gets another chance to comment on changes. |
Implementation | After final approval, agencies may host stakeholder meetings to guide rollout and evaluate impact. |
Each step offers a chance to shape outcomes before a rule becomes permanent.
How to Track Opportunities
You can find open or upcoming engagement opportunities through these resources:
Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) Website
Visit the “Laws and Regulations” page.
Review “Rulemaking Projects” for active proposals.
Subscribe to BRN meeting notices and newsletters.
Office of Administrative Law (OAL) Z Register
Published every Friday at www.oal.ca.gov.
Lists all current proposed rules and public comment deadlines.
ANA\California Policy Alerts
ANA\California regularly issues calls to action for nursing-related rulemakings.
Members can join advocacy campaigns and submit unified comments.
Agency Public Calendars
California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and other agencies post public meeting schedules where new regulations are discussed.
Pro Tip:
Add the BRN meeting calendar and OAL Z Register to your monthly professional review. Staying informed ensures you can act before a comment window closes.
Writing Effective Public Comments
Public comments are one of the most direct ways to influence regulation.
A clear, well-supported comment helps agencies refine rules, avoid unintended consequences, and improve implementation.
Elements of an Effective Comment:
Identify the regulation by name and section number.
State your position (support, oppose, or suggest revision).
Provide evidence or examples from professional experience.
Offer a specific recommendation or alternative language if possible.
Maintain a professional tone that reflects nursing expertise.
Sample Public Comment Template
Subject: Comment on Proposed Amendments to Title 16, CCR § 1451 — Continuing Education Requirements
To: Board of Registered Nursing, Attn: Regulation Unit
Email: brn.regulations@dca.ca.gov
Dear Board Members,
I am a registered nurse practicing in [City, CA], writing to provide input on the proposed changes to Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1451.
I support the goal of strengthening continuing education standards but recommend revising subsection (b)(2) to include language that allows asynchronous online CE formats.
This approach would improve accessibility for nurses in rural regions and align with California’s goals for equitable access to professional development.
Research supports the effectiveness of online CE delivery in maintaining competency and compliance. The current proposal may unintentionally limit participation for nurses working night shifts or in resource-limited facilities.
Thank you for considering this feedback. I encourage the Board to adopt language that expands, rather than restricts, CE access while maintaining educational rigor.
Sincerely,
[Your Name, Credentials]
[Title / Employer, if applicable]
[City, State]
Tips for Submitting Comments
Be concise. One page is usually sufficient.
Avoid emotional appeals. Focus on evidence and impact.
Submit early. Do not wait until the last day; late submissions may not be included.
Include your credentials. Identify yourself as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse to strengthen credibility.
Cite evidence. Reference data, reports, or professional standards when possible.
Speaking at Public Hearings
Many agencies hold public hearings before finalizing major regulations.
These hearings allow individuals and organizations to provide testimony directly to decision-makers.
How to Prepare:
Review the proposed rule and your written comment.
Prepare a short (2–3 minute) statement summarizing your main points.
Include at least one personal example or data point.
Remain respectful and professional, even if you disagree with the proposal.
Thank the agency for considering your perspective.
Example Statement:
“Good afternoon. My name is [Name], and I’m a registered nurse practicing in acute care. I support the BRN’s goal to modernize CE requirements but urge the Board to retain flexibility for online learning. As someone who works night shifts, access to asynchronous courses is critical. This change will help nurses maintain compliance without compromising patient care.”
Public testimony creates a lasting impression. Decision-makers often recall personal stories that highlight the real-world effects of their rules.
Joining Advisory Committees and Workgroups
Many agencies establish advisory committees or task forces to help develop regulations or evaluate their impact. These groups often include practitioners, educators, administrators, and public members.
Ways to Get Involved:
Check the BRN and CDPH websites for open calls for committee members.
Apply to serve as a nursing representative or subject matter expert.
Participate in workgroups that focus on topics like workforce development, telehealth, or education standards.
Serving on a committee not only gives nurses a direct voice in shaping regulations but also builds professional connections and leadership experience.
Collaborating Through ANA\California
Individual comments are important, but collective advocacy amplifies influence.
ANA\California coordinates unified responses on behalf of nurses across the state.
Through collaboration, members can:
Review draft regulations together.
Share data, stories, and examples that strengthen comment letters.
Sign onto formal ANA\California submissions representing thousands of nurses statewide.
Receive policy alerts when new regulations are posted for public comment.
Advocacy Tip:
Joining ANA\California’s campaigns ensures your voice is counted within a larger nursing coalition. Unified comments often carry greater weight than individual submissions.
Running Example: CE Regulation Engagement
Let’s revisit the continuing education regulation used throughout this guide.
The BRN publishes a proposed rule increasing CE requirements.
Individual nurses submit comments highlighting barriers to access.
ANA\California consolidates member input and submits a formal comment letter with data on workforce impact.
During the public hearing, nurses provide testimony emphasizing rural access and equity.
The BRN revises the regulation to allow online and hybrid CE options, improving accessibility statewide.
This example illustrates how both individual and collective action can directly shape outcomes.
Checklist: How to Engage in Regulation
Identify a regulation that affects your practice.
Read the full proposal and understand its purpose.
Mark deadlines for written comments or hearings.
Draft your comment and include evidence or examples.
Submit your feedback on time.
Share updates with colleagues and professional networks.
Follow up to see how your input was addressed.
Advocacy in Action
Nurses have firsthand insight into how policies translate into patient outcomes.
That experience is invaluable to regulators, who may not see how a rule functions in practice.
When nurses participate in rulemaking:
Regulations become more realistic and effective.
Barriers to care are identified earlier.
Equity improves across settings.
Every nurse who speaks up adds clarity, context, and compassion to California’s regulatory process.
Think About It
When was the last time you saw a regulation change that affected your daily work?
How could you have contributed feedback to improve it?
Are there upcoming rulemakings where your experience could help shape better outcomes?
Bookmark This
Key Terms:
Public Comment: A formal opportunity for the public to provide input on proposed regulations.
Advisory Committee: A group of experts and stakeholders that advises an agency on specific regulatory topics.
Stakeholder Engagement: The process of consulting affected groups before and during rulemaking.
Testimony: Oral comments presented during public hearings.
Comment Letter: A written document submitted to express support, opposition, or suggestions for a proposed rule.
Next Up
Part 6: Connecting the Dots — From Bill to Regulation to Policy
In the final module, we bring everything together. You will learn how advocacy continues after regulation adoption, how agencies monitor implementation, and how nurses can influence institutional policies shaped by these rules.
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