|
Legal Context
Proceedings regarding conversions within the health industry require the making of policy decisions that can have a widespread impact. For this reason it is important that the decision makers take the community perspective into consideration when they act. Communities and consumers essentially own the assets of nonprofits involved in conversion. The law recognizes and protects the public’s investments in these nonprofits, requiring that the assets remain committed to the public good. Also, the statutes that govern these proceedings often provide for some form of public participation. Such statutory provisions vary from simple public notice requirements or mandatory public hearings to the granting of full party status and providing funding to encourage the participation of consumer groups. Laws that facilitate the participation of consumer groups ensure that agency proceedings result in sound policy development, foster consumer involvement and guarantee that the important work of protecting consumers and the marketplace can continue.
Publications
Questions to Ask When Evaluating Legislation (PDF)
Toolkit for Creating Consumer Participation in Policy Decisions (PDF). This Toolkit discusses different state laws that allow for consumer participation in agency decisions. It includes a workbook to help you draft a consumer participation program for your state.
Model Laws
Consumers Union’s Model Conversion Act (PDF)
NAAG Model Act for Nonprofit Health Conversions (PDF)
Also in this section:
|
