Regulatory & Healthcare Resources Toolkit

Healthcare is governed by multiple regulatory and governmental agencies who provide a vast amount of proactive information and standards to ensure healthcare organizations are providing high quality and safe patient care. There are also specialized healthcare professional societies who provide best practice guidance in many areas of healthcare. The toolkit provides national and state resources in regulatory and governmental standards and best practices from healthcare professional societies.

Federal Health Regulations & Governmental Resources

This section of the toolkit includes multiple links for nationwide public access to numerous regulatory and governmental resources on public health, emergencies, prevention and treatment of disease, standards, regulations, safety, security, accreditation bodies, public assistance, and guidelines.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ASPR Tracie

    The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response offers guidance in public health emergencies. This program provides resources to assist in the development of health care preparedness and response. Tools, templates, and webinars are among the sources available.

  • Articles

    Articles

    CDC Center for Disease Control

    CDC is the Center for Disease Control of the Department of Health and Human Services. It is a national institute whose aim is to protect the public's health and prevent and control the disease. This website offers numerous resources for updated information on infectious disease processes that threaten public health.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

    This site is for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. It is a governmental website that provides tools and links on guidance, data, forms, education, and numerous materials about Medicare and Medicaid Services.

  • Articles

    Articles

    CMS-Conditions of Participation

    This network defines the health and safety standards for health care organizations. It provides access to the required conditions for facilities to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. This link also consists of various components to increase the user's knowledge of the conditions of participation.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Department of Homeland Security

    This webpage focuses on improving the security of the United States. Identified areas include customs, immigration, emergency response, anti-terrorism, and cybersecurity. It has relative agencies for further resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    DNV GL Healthcare Accreditation and Certification

    The DNV is a healthcare accreditation and certification body. This service's goal is to provide safe and high-quality care to patients while complying with CMS requirements. This database includes detailed information on this accreditation, standards, webinars, healthcare notices, and more information.

  • Articles

    Articles

    FEMA-Federal Emergency Management Agency

    This forum for the Federal Emergency Management Agency offers assistance for federal disasters. The agency is part of the Department of Homeland Security. This division's purpose is for those individuals requiring financial aid that is no longer available through local and state resources. View the website for additional information.

  • Articles

    Articles

    FDA-U.S. Food & Drug Administration

    The United States Food & Drug Administration provides regulatory processes in many facets, including food, drugs, medical devices, radiation-emitting products, vaccines, blood and biologics, animal and veterinary, cosmetics, and tobacco products. The website has ample resources: guidance, alerts, announcements, and hot topics.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ISMP Institute for Safe Medication Practices

    This Institution is the leader in safe medication practices through research, education, and advocacy. The ISMP allows access for providers with a resource site, workshops, self –assessment, error reporting, and updated newsletters.

  • Articles

    Articles

    The Joint Commission

    A healthcare and accreditation body that concentrates on providing safe patient care. The Joint Commission is composed of standard regulations available to all members. The agency performs scheduled surveys to assess member compliance with requirements. The site incorporates event reporting, education, webinars, and up-to- date materials.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Medicare CoPs and Interpretive Guidelines

    This link refers to Medicare Conditions of Participation and interpretative guidelines associate with the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Guidelines are offered for hospitals, Critical Access, and Ambulatory Surgery Centers. CE opportunities, advocacy, and policy, member resources are sources available on this site.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NCPS-National Center for Patient Safety

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shares a National Center for Patient Safety. The primary goal is to reduce and prevent patient harm. The program comprises a multi-disciplinary team based on a systems approach, including root cause analysis, confidential reporting systems, and patient safety training. Visit the website and browse the many features available.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NFPA National Fire Protection Association

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shares a National Center for Patient Safety. The primary goal is to reduce and prevent patient harm. The program comprises a multi-disciplinary team based on a systems approach, including root cause analysis, confidential reporting systems, and patient safety training. Visit the website and browse the many features available.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NIOSH-National Institute of Occupational Health

    The CDC shares topics for workers in collaboration with the National Institute for Occupations Safety and Health. This link keeps viewers abreast of PPE, workplace safety guidance, evaluations, regulations, and recent news.

  • Articles

    Articles

    U. S. Department of Labor

    This database includes forms, coronavirus resources, a wage and hour division, guidance on Federal Pandemic Unemployment, worker's compensation, FMLA, and contact information. Visit the site to explore supplementary knowledge about the U.S. Department of labor.

  • Articles

    Articles

    U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    This site consists of many avenues on health topics, treatments, wellness programs, research, and through the VA healthcare system. There is a focus on crisis prevention, mental health, PTSD, and opioid disorder treatment due to patients' milieu within this setting.

  • Articles

    Articles

    World Health Organization

    The World Health Organization database provides public knowledge on vaccines, up-to-date news and events, research and developments, and emergencies worldwide. Visit the website to explore these many options.

Louisiana Health Regulations & Governmental Resources

This set of regulatory and governmental resources center around the state of Louisiana. Guidance is available on the following subjects: patient compensation, the state workforce, Louisiana law, and law enforcement.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal

    The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections specifies a website specific to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal. The site offers information on inspections, investigations, safety, plans, code review, education, and training.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana's Patient Compensation Fund

    The Louisiana Patient's Compensation Fund allows the provider financial responsibility while also protecting the healthcare system. This website includes information relative to worker's compensation. It delves into statutes, rules and regulations, strategic plans, instructions on filing and request, and FAQs.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

    The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners is responsible for the licensing, regulations, and protecting the rights and privileges of physicians and allied health professions. These are addressed for both practitioners and the consumer. Laws, rules, news, minutes, and many resources can be found on the link.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana State Board of Nursing

    The goal of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing is to promote regulations effectively, maintain patient safety in response to nursing care, define roles of registered nurses, and advance practice registered nurses. This can be achieved through the many avenues available for users: education, licensure, practice discipline, complaints, monitoring, and the Recovery Nurse Program.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners

    The forum for the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners includes assistance for its members through a nurse portal, licensure information, and scope of practice, forms, disciplinary response, education, and resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana State Legislature-Laws

    The Louisiana State Legislature provides a searchable site on Louisiana laws and access to bills and sessions through legislative committees. The accessible content involves revised statutes, codes, rules, orders, Louisiana register, and reports.

Directory of Professional Healthcare Societies

The following is a list of Professional Healthcare Societies providing numerous resources for specialties in healthcare. Each one’s mission is to improve the quality of care given to patients. View each organization to review specific information relative to each service.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AAAHC-Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare

    The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care is an institution for quality improvement. It offers benchmarking studies and data reporting, toolkits on patient safety and disease management, recognizes exemplary care, and coordinates with national organizations.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

    AHRQ focuses on healthcare research systems, practice improvement, and data & analytics to provide high quality, affordable, and accessible care for all. This site includes featured programs, funding & grants, news, events, and research on quality and patient safety.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association for Respiratory Care AARC

    This forum consists of the latest news related to respiratory care. A member can join this Association for education, advocacy, and many resources for respiratory therapists.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association of Critical Care Nurses

    A nursing society dedicated to excellence by promoting healthy work environments, complying with standards, endorses ongoing education. The AACN holds its members accountable, honors leaders, advocates innovation and supports collaboration between patients and families.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants

    This group provides nursing expertise on legal matters relative to medical issues. The Association is dedicated to its members' professional enhancement and provides networking opportunities, education advancement, and professional development. Browse the website for additional information.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

    A professional organization designed specifically for nurse anesthetists. This website offers governance, policies, practice, news, and a portal for anesthesiology patients and affiliates.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association of Nurse Attorneys

    TAANA provides many resources available to both healthcare and the legal community. It is a searchable database for traditional areas of practice. A nurse attorney has a multitude of avenues available to them. Join this site to enhance your knowledge in both nursing and law.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Association of Nurse Practitioners

    The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is an organization established for or all nurse practitioners. This web page provides legislative updates, educational opportunities, practice management by the state, advocacy and events, and NP's clinical resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American College of Healthcare Executives

    This site is a professional website for healthcare leaders. It offers strategies for leaders, and governance collaborates with corporate partners. Visit the site for further resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American College of Nurse Midwives

    The American College of Nurse-Midwives Association established education and sets standards for practice for women on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. Visit the website for the latest news, and to learn more about this society.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ACOG-The American College of Obstretricians and Gynecologists

    ACOG is a membership organization for obstetricians and gynecologists. The site offers clinical information, practice management, education events, and much more.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Diabetes Association

    This link has a wealth of information defining diabetes, discussing the risks of diabetes, healthy living options, advocacy, research, and many resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AHIMA-American Health Information Management Association

    This society ensures that the health needs of the public are addressed. Advocacy efforts include policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, judicial matters, data, education, news, and events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Hospital Association

    This society ensures that the health needs of the public are addressed. Advocacy efforts include policy development, legislative and regulatory debates, judicial matters, data, education, news, and events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Medical Association

    A physician network consists of the AMA Journal of Ethics, resources, physician profiles, educations, coding, delivery of care, and practice management.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Nephrology Nurses Association

    The American Nephrology Nurses Association is a membership of health care professionals whose focus is on conservative nephrology management, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapies, transplantation, industry, and government/regulatory agencies.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Nurses Association

    A dedicated resource center for nursing, including practice and policy, certification, organizational programs, news, and other books, tools, and courses to assist the nursing profession.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Nurses Credentialing Center

    This certification program offers nurses specialties in many fields. It provides practice exams, test preps, and Blogs BY the American nurses Credentialing Center.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AOTA-American Occupational Therapy Association

    AOTA sets standards and provides education on occupational therapy practice through advocacy and research. The website is up to date on hot topics, legislation, and events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Organization of Nurse Executives

    The American Organization of Nurse Executives is a national organization that is a subsidiary of the AHA. It assists nursing leaderships with influencing legislation providing support and facilitating research.

  • Articles

    Articles

    APNA-American Psychiatric Nurses Association

    This link provides psychiatric nurses with a resource center, continuing education, a discussion forum, and news and updates on psychiatric and mental health.

  • Articles

    Articles

    American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses

    This society serves nurses practicing in all phases of pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia care, ambulatory surgery, and pain management. It offers these clinicians information on clinical practice, education, research, events, resources, and forums.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ASHE-The American Society for Health Care Engineering

    ASHE is one of the largest associations in optimizing health care facilities. They are dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe environment, both clinically and structurally. Visit the site for the many resources available to its members.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ASHRM-American Society for Healthcare Risk Management

    The American Society for Health Care Risk Management is accessible 24/7 for members. This Association organizes an annual conference, which includes the educational session, networking, and vendors. Visit the site to view the many available resources, access to continued education, and upcoming events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ATA-American Telemedicine Association

    This is the only organization solely focused on telehealth. Data on this site includes initiatives to adopt telehealth, policies, and numerous resources to assist providers on the appropriate use of this platform.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ASPF-Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

    The ASPF, Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, prioritizes no one patient to experience harm under anesthesia. This site focuses on patient safety and provides many resources, including videos initiating safety protocols and providing recommendations to maintain safety during anesthesia.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ASC Quality Collaboration

    Partner with this collaboration to provide quality care to all patients who experience ambulatory surgery. This web page is composed of a detailed guide to quality measures, reinforces public reporting of data, and provides resources to support quality care in ambulatory surgery centers.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AHEPP- The Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals

    This Association provides resources to prepare healthcare professionals with strategies, education, and planning to succeed in emergencies. Become a member to join events and webinars offered.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AORN-Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses

    AORN represents perioperative nurses. The focus is on providing safe surgery through management, teaching, and the practice of perioperative nursing. This site offers guidelines and clinical resources, education, government policy, and current events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    AST- Association of Surgical Technologists

    The Surgical Technologists' goal is to ensure quality surgical care, safe equipment, ongoing education, legislative news, and public policy.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing

    This Association entrusts nurses who provide family care. It provides education, research, professional development, and advocacy on women’s health and their families.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Credentialing Resource Center

    The center provides privileging forms, processes, and regulatory requirements. Additional resources include tools, networking, and data analysis.

  • Articles

    Articles

    CSPS-Council on Surgical & Perioperative Association

    This organization provides information on hot topics for surgical and perioperative staff. These include burn out and surgical fires. Keep up to date with the latest new and safe surgery resources for both patients and staff members by visiting this site.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ENA Emergency Nurses Association

    The Emergency Nurses Association provides an information page w with the latest information on the pandemic. Learn more about emergency nursing with educational opportunities, practice resources, and government relations offered on this webpage.

  • Articles

    Articles

    HIMSS: Healthcare Information and Management Systems

    This organization and an agency of HHS. It supports the community, including laypersons and healthcare professionals, financially to provide healthcare resources. Visit the site for the many avenues they offer and to apply for grants, loans, or scholarships.

  • Articles

    Articles

    HRSA-Health Resources & Services Administration

    This organization and an agency of HHS. It supports the community, including laypersons and healthcare professionals, financially to provide healthcare resources. Visit the site for the many avenues they offer and to apply for grants, loans, or scholarships.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

    This Association provides resources for palliative care. This site includes education, certification, advocacy, leadership, and research to transform and deliver expert care in serious illness.

  • Articles

    Articles

    IHI-Institute for Healthcare Improvement

    This institute's mission is to provide the best healthcare worldwide. Many sources are available on medical management and ongoing education, including upcoming conferences and certifications.

  • Articles

    Articles

    IRM-Institute of Risk Management

    The IRM is a professional organization that leads to excelling in risk management. They collaborate with partners in the industry to provide risk management support, education, and training. Visit this website to learn more.

  • Articles

    Articles

    IAHSS-International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety

    The Internal Association or Healthcare Security and Safety provide resources, training, and events to manage and direct healthcare facilities' safety and security programs. Visit their home page for these guidelines.

  • Articles

    Articles

    ISID-International Society of Infectious Disease

    The ISID internet site provides quick links and a viral feed on emerging news related to infection control, diseases, research, educations, advocacy, and upcoming events.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Johns Hopkins University

    JHU is a teaching and research university that shares knowledge and discoveries to improve healthcare for all. Visit their network to explore the resources of the programs available.

  • Articles

    Articles

    The Leapfrog Group

    The Leapfrog Group reports data and ratings publicly to improve patient safety quality and transparency. These programs include hospitals and ambulatory surgery surveys, safety grade, and value-based purchasing programs. View the website for current news.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators NDNQI

    NDNQI is a national database that measures nursing quality. This forum provides nursing indicators related to structure, process, and outcomes and core measures and hospital, compare data.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NAMI-National Alliance on Mental Illness

    The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a national health organization that works to improve mentally ill patients' lives. Knowledge is available on support, education, advocacy, and news.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NAMSS National Association of Medical Staff Services

    This website works with experts to share education, advocacy, and patient safety for medical staff services. View the tabs for the many resources available @ NAMSS.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS)

    This website works with experts to share education, advocacy, and patient safety for medical staff services. View the tabs for the many resources available

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses

    NALPN, National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, offers nursing advocacy and continuing education to further learning and provide safe care to all patients served.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Association of Neonatal Nurses

    This society focuses on neonatal nurses, patients, and families. It provides industry support, professional development, education, and research to make a difference in neonates' care.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses

    National Association of Orthopedic Nurses provides tools and resources, education, event to advance orthopedic care. Visit the site for the latest news updates.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NIMH-National Institute of Mental Health

    understand mental illness treatment. It provides resources for treatment and education on featured topics.

  • Articles

    Articles

    NHS National Health Service

    The National Health Service provides information to support the patient in healthy living. There is a complete guide for medications and illnesses. NHS offers an app to assist with appointments, services, prescriptions, and much more.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Quality Forum

    View this webpage for recommendations from professionals to improve the quality of healthcare in the United States. Read more for objectives and actions to meet this goal.

  • Articles

    Articles

    National Student Nurses Association

    This organization is to mentor students and instill core values in the nursing workforce. It promotes advocacy, leadership, autonomy, professionalism, care, diversity, and education. Visit the site for resources, links, calendar events, and more membership information.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Oncology Nurses Society

    The Oncology Nursing Society provides professional development, resources, and networking to improve cancer quality. Visit the site to connect with the ONS community.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Society of Pediatric Nurses

    The SPN, Society of Pediatric Nurses, the database includes professional development, community engagement, education, and practice resources to advance the specialty.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Society of Trauma Nurses

    This foundation is to ensure optimal trauma care to all patients. This forum includes education, resources, and membership to collaborate with peers to provide high-quality care.

  • Articles

    Articles

    SAMHSA-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

    These services offer treatment for substance abuse and recovery. It is a community-based program. View to find a treatment facility, programs, medication assistance, training, and grants.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society WOCN

    WOCN is a nursing community devoted to providing skilled medical management to patients with wounds, ostomy, and continence care needs. This page offers educations, the latest news, resources, hot topics, and much more member-only benefits.

Directory of Louisiana Healthcare Professional Organizations

Louisiana has a wealth of professional organizations supporting many aspects of the healthcare arena. Listed are the organizations found in the state of Louisiana.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Association for Healthcare Quality

    LAHQ provides quality resources for healthcare organizations through networking, education and advocacy in the state of Louisiana.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Association Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians

    LANREMT- enhances the EMS profession through education and awareness in the state of Louisiana.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners-LANP

    LANP organization supports nurse practitioners and is focused on advancing, supporting and promoting excellence in healthcare.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Board of Pharmacy

    The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy manages the licensure and professional practice of pharmacists in Louisiana.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association

    LEPA is a non-profit state organization focusing on emergency preparedness and response and improving public safety in emergencies.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum

    This organization is a private not-for-profit organization focused on clinical quality improvement, patient centered care, health information technology and end of life resources for healthcare providers and patients in Louisiana.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Health Information Management Association LHIMA

    LHIMA is the association of health information management professionals providing resources to benefit patients and healthcare providers. It is recognized as a leader in health information management processes, education and research.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Hospital Association

    LHA is a non-profit association representing hospitals and healthcare systems in the state of Louisiana. Their goal is to foster collaborative efforts through out the healthcare arena.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency

    LOPA is a non-profit organ and tissue recovery agency in Louisiana and manages the states donor registry.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Organization for Nursing Leadership

    LONL is a nursing executive leadership and nurse managers society providing resources that affect the health status of individuals and communities across the state.

  • Articles

    Articles

    LHA Trust Funds

    LHATF provides insurance solutions for healthcare facilities and physicians throughout the state of Louisiana. The insurance solutions consist of professional liability, general liability and workers' compensation resources and patient, employee and physician resources.

  • Articles

    Articles

    LSNA Louisiana State Nurses Association

    LSNA provides resources for Registered Nurses consisting of information, events, professional development and health policy.

  • Articles

    Articles

    Louisiana Medical Group Management Association LMGMA

    LMGMA provides resources for medical practices and their leadership in Louisiana including educational events, networking opportunities and problem solving solutions.