President Bush has signed an executive order that could lessen the issuance of federal guidance for long-term care.
Under the order, the White House has more authority over guidance that federal agencies issue to regulated industries, such as the nursing home profession. It requires federal agencies to submit any guidance with an impact of $100 million or more on the economy to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. The order also requires federal agencies to identify the “specific market failure” that leads to the need for new regulations.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair Henry Waxman (D-CA) criticized the order, saying it would allow the administration’s political staff to make decisions related to guidance that are more influenced by special interests than experts.
