Active public standards
Each page explains what the standard is, why it matters, and how Quick Policy helps teams draft and govern policies against it.
Browsing all 404 standards. Search by name, code or plain-English purpose.
US EPA Clean Water Act
The Clean Water Act (33 USC §1251+) is the federal law regulating discharge of pollutants into US waters + water quality standards. NPDES permits required for point-source discharges; stormwater + industrial pretreatment programs; spill prevention (SPCC). State-implemented; EPA + state enforcement.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US USDA National Organic Program (7 CFR Part 205)
USDA rules governing the production, handling, labelling + sale of organic agricultural products in the US. Requires a certified Organic System Plan, prohibited substance list, 3-year transition + accredited certifying agent inspections.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US DEA Controlled Substances Act
The Controlled Substances Act + DEA regulations (21 CFR Part 1300+) govern the manufacture, distribution + dispensing of controlled substances. Schedules I-V drive registration, recordkeeping (DEA Form 222 for Schedule II), inventory, security (DEA-approved safes / vaults / cages), reporting losses + theft (Form 106), suspicious-order monitoring + secure disposal. Applies to pharmacies, hospitals, prescribers + manufacturers. Diversion-control enforcement increasingly intersects with the opioid crisis — DEA inspection + suspension of registration + DOJ prosecution.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR §§171-180)
PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR, 49 CFR §§171-180) govern the safe transportation of hazardous materials in commerce in the US. Cover classification, packaging, labelling, marking, placarding, hazmat employee training (every 3 years), shipping papers + incident reporting. Aligned with UN Model Regulations + ICAO TI + IMDG Code for international transport. PHMSA enforcement + civil + criminal penalties.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
ESSA (Pub L 114-95) reauthorized + replaced NCLB. Governs federal K-12 education funding via Titles I-IX. Sets state accountability requirements, annual standardised testing in reading + math (grades 3-8 + once in HS), graduation rates + English language proficiency. State accountability plans approved by US Department of Education. Subgrants flow to LEAs based on state plans.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FAA Federal Aviation Regulations
The Federal Aviation Administration regulates US civil aviation. Title 14 of the CFR (Federal Aviation Regulations — FARs) covers airworthiness (Parts 21-39), pilot certification (Part 61), flight operations (Parts 91, 121, 135, 145), maintenance (Part 145) + safety management (Part 5 — SMS). FAR Part 121 governs scheduled airline operations; Part 135 governs on-demand/commuter; Part 91 governs general aviation. Air Carrier Certificate (Part 121) + Operations Specifications + FAA oversight by Certificate Management Office (CMO). FAA Compliance Action / enforcement via warning letters, civil penalties, suspension + revocation.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US False Claims Act
The False Claims Act (FCA) imposes liability on persons + companies who defraud federal programs — including Medicare + Medicaid. Treble damages + civil penalties per claim ($13,946-$27,894 in 2024). Qui tam provisions allow whistleblowers (relators) to bring suits on behalf of the government + share in recovery (15-30%). Healthcare is the largest source of FCA recoveries — covering billing fraud, kickbacks-as-FCA-predicate (post-2010 ACA), worthless services, off-label promotion + DSH gaming. Driving force behind hospital + physician + pharma compliance programs.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FCC Rules + Regulations
The Federal Communications Commission regulates US interstate + international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite + cable. 47 CFR contains the FCC rules covering equipment authorisation, spectrum allocation, broadcasting (Parts 73 + 74), cable (Part 76), telephone (Parts 51, 52, 64) + emerging areas (5G, satellite, broadband). Enforcement Bureau investigates + issues NALs (Notice of Apparent Liability) + Consent Decrees. Companion: Communications Act 1934 + Telecommunications Act 1996 + recent reforms.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FERC Reliability + Market Standards
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates interstate transmission + wholesale sales of electricity + natural gas + oil pipelines + hydropower in the US. Reliability Standards developed by NERC subject to FERC approval are mandatory + enforceable. FERC also enforces market manipulation prohibitions, capacity market rules + Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). Civil penalties up to $1.3M per day per violation. ISO/RTO rules sit beneath FERC.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FERPA — Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
FERPA (20 USC §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) protects the privacy of student education records at any school that receives funding from the US Department of Education. Gives parents rights to inspect + review education records, request amendment + control disclosures (transferring to the student at age 18 — "eligible student"). Limits non-consensual disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records; permits disclosure to "school officials" with legitimate educational interest. Enforced by the US Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office; loss of federal funding is the ultimate sanction.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Fair Housing Act
US Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental + financing of housing on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, familial status + disability. Enforced by HUD + state/local fair housing agencies.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
EPA-administered framework regulating the distribution, sale + use of pesticides in the US. Requires pesticide registration, labelling + worker protection (40 CFR 170). State agencies enforce + license applicators.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FLSA Tipped Employee Provisions
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) tipped employee provisions allow employers to take a "tip credit" against the federal minimum wage for tipped employees. The 2021 Dual Jobs / 80/20/30 rule + 2024 court rulings continue to evolve. State laws often more protective. Tip pooling permitted with restrictions; managers cannot keep tips.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FMCSA Hours of Service + CMV Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the US. Hours of Service (HOS) rules at 49 CFR §395 limit driving hours (11h driving / 14h on-duty per day; 60h/7d or 70h/8d cycle) + require Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). Companion FMCSRs cover driver qualification (Part 391), drug + alcohol testing (Part 382), vehicle maintenance (Part 396), CDL (Part 383) + hazardous materials (Parts 397). Compliance enforced via roadside inspections + Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) BASICs + new entrant audits + civil penalties + Out of Service orders.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FDA Food Code
The FDA Food Code is the model regulatory standard adopted with amendments by state + local jurisdictions for restaurants + retail food establishments in the US. Covers food employee health, safe food temperatures, cleaning + sanitising, equipment standards + management. Underpins state retail food inspection + Person in Charge requirements + Certified Food Protection Manager.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US IRS Form 990 — Annual Information Return
Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax) is the IRS annual information return required of most tax-exempt organisations. Versions: 990 (gross receipts >$200k or assets >$500k), 990-EZ (between $50k-$200k), 990-N e-postcard (<$50k), 990-PF (private foundations), 990-T (UBIT). Detailed disclosures on governance, executive compensation, related-party transactions, lobbying + functional expenses. Publicly disclosable. Failure to file 3 consecutive years revokes exempt status automatically.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Federal Railroad Administration Regulations
The Federal Railroad Administration regulates the US railroad industry. 49 CFR Parts 200-272 cover track safety, train control + positive train control (PTC), locomotive + freight car safety, hazmat rail transport, hours of service + Railroad Safety Risk Reduction (RSRRP). PTC mandated for Class I rail under Rail Safety Improvement Act 2008 (implemented 2020). Enforcement via inspections + civil penalties + emergency orders.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
USDA FSIS regulates meat, poultry + processed egg products under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act + Egg Products Inspection Act. Mandatory HACCP-based inspection + verification across all US meat + poultry establishments. Recalls + import re-inspection. Distinct from FDA-regulated foods.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FDA Food Safety Modernization Act
FSMA is the most sweeping reform of US food-safety laws in 70+ years, shifting the FDA approach from responding to contamination to preventing it. Seven major rules: Preventive Controls (human food), Preventive Controls (animal food), Produce Safety, FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification), Sanitary Transportation, Mitigation Strategies (intentional adulteration) + Accreditation of Third-Party Certification Bodies. Risk-based + science-based with significant industry obligations including food safety plans + supply chain controls.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FSMA Preventive Controls for Human Food (21 CFR Part 117)
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act subpart establishing current good manufacturing practice, hazard analysis + risk-based preventive controls for human food. Requires a written food safety plan, hazard analysis, preventive controls (process, allergen, sanitation, supply chain), monitoring + verification + a qualified individual.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FSMA Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 112)
FDA rule setting science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing + holding of fruits + vegetables grown for human consumption. Covers agricultural water, biological soil amendments, sprouts, domesticated + wild animals, worker health + hygiene, equipment + tools.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US FTC Act — Unfair + Deceptive Acts + Practices
Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 USC §45) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices (UDAP) in or affecting commerce. The FTC enforces consumer protection laws including the FTC Act, MagnusonMoss Warranty Act, COPPA, CAN-SPAM, TCPA, Truth in Lending + others. State Attorneys General also enforce state UDAP statutes. Civil penalties + disgorgement + consent orders. Companion: state Little FTC Acts.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US GAAP — FASB Accounting Standards Codification
US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, codified into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The single source of authoritative US accounting + reporting standards for nongovernmental entities, including all SEC registrants. Continuously updated via Accounting Standards Updates (ASUs). Adoption is mandatory for SEC registrants + widely required by US private-company lenders + auditors. Key topics include Revenue (ASC 606), Leases (ASC 842), Stock Comp (ASC 718), Income Taxes (ASC 740), Business Combinations (ASC 805), Fair Value (ASC 820), Financial Instruments (ASC 815, 825, 326).
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US GLBA Safeguards Rule for Higher Education
The FTC Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314), part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, applies to higher education institutions that engage in financial activities (administering federal student aid, originating loans, processing payments). Requires a written information security program with administrative, technical + physical safeguards; designated Qualified Individual; risk assessment; access controls, encryption, MFA, change management; incident response + service-provider oversight. Department of Education enforces via Title IV audits + cybersecurity scrutiny.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US HEA Title IV — Federal Student Aid Compliance
Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) governs federal student financial aid programs — Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study + supplemental grants. Participating institutions must execute a Program Participation Agreement + comply with administrative capability + financial responsibility standards + return of Title IV funds calculations + 90/10 rule + Gainful Employment + Borrower Defense regulations. Audited annually + subject to program reviews. Loss of Title IV eligibility is institutional death-sentence for most providers.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA (20 USC §§1400-1482) is the principal federal special education law in the US, ensuring children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Parts A + B (school-aged), Part C (early intervention 0-2), Part D (national activities). Drives the IEP (Individualised Education Program), procedural safeguards, evaluation timelines + due process. Enforced by US Department of Education OSEP + state SEAs. Companion to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US IOLTA + Lawyer Trust Account Rules
Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA) + state-equivalent rules govern the handling of client funds by US lawyers. Funds held in trust must be in a separate IOLTA account; interest funds legal aid in most states. Trust account integrity is among the most heavily disciplined areas of US legal ethics — commingling, conversion + careless overdrafts trigger near-automatic suspension or disbarment. State bar rules (e.g. ABA Model Rule 1.15) drive specifics.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Education)
McKinney-Vento (42 USC §11431+) ensures the enrolment, attendance + success of children + youth experiencing homelessness. Requires LEAs to identify homeless students, designate a homeless liaison, allow immediate enrolment without typical documentation + provide transportation to school of origin. Federal subgrants support implementation. Enforced by Department of Education + state coordinators.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US NRC Regulations (10 CFR)
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates commercial nuclear power, research reactors, fuel cycle facilities + materials uses. 10 CFR sets out requirements covering reactor licensing (Part 50/52), operating reactors (Part 50 Appendices), materials (Parts 30-40), security (Parts 73-74), emergency planning (Part 50 Appendix E) + radiation protection (Part 20). Generic Letters, Bulletins + Information Notices supplement. Inspections via Reactor Oversight Process (ROP).
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US PPRA — Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
PPRA (20 USC §1232h) gives parents certain rights regarding surveys + analyses + evaluations conducted on minor students by federally-funded programs. Requires written parental consent (or opt-out for non-DOE-funded) before students participate in surveys covering specified "protected information" (political beliefs, mental health, sex behaviour, religious practices, family income + more). Inspected by Department of Education Student Privacy Policy Office.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US EPA RCRA — Resource Conservation + Recovery Act
RCRA (42 USC §6901+) governs the management of hazardous + non-hazardous waste in the US. Subtitle C creates the cradle-to-grave hazardous waste management system — generator categories (VSQG, SQG, LQG), manifesting + tracking, treatment / storage / disposal facility (TSDF) standards. Subtitle D covers solid waste + landfills. State-authorised programs implement RCRA. EPA + state enforcement; civil + criminal penalties.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US RESPA + TILA (incl. TRID)
US Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act + Truth in Lending Act (with TRID — TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures) govern mortgage origination disclosures + practices. Prohibits kickbacks (Section 8) + requires standardised disclosure forms (Loan Estimate + Closing Disclosure).
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Sales Tax Economic Nexus (post-Wayfair)
Following the US Supreme Court's 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision, US states can require sellers without physical nexus to collect + remit sales tax based on economic activity in the state (typically a revenue + transactions threshold). All 45 sales-tax states + DC have adopted economic-nexus rules with varying thresholds (typically $100k revenue or 200 transactions, but recent trends drop the transaction prong). Marketplace facilitator laws shift collection to platforms in many states. Compliance complexity is significant: ~46 jurisdictions with different rules, rates + filing cadences.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act
The Safe Drinking Water Act (42 USC §300f+) regulates public drinking water supplies in the US. EPA + state primacy agencies enforce National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) including MCLs, treatment technique requirements, monitoring + reporting + Consumer Confidence Reports. AWIA (America's Water Infrastructure Act) 2018 requires Risk + Resilience Assessments + Emergency Response Plans for community water systems serving >3,300. Penalties + emergency orders.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act 1973
Section 504 (29 USC §794) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. In K-12, drives the 504 Plan for students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP but need accommodations. Broader than IDEA in coverage (functional impairment threshold) + applies to higher ed too. Enforced by Department of Education OCR + HHS for healthcare-affiliated education. 2024 HHS rule strengthened web accessibility + telehealth equivalence.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
ServSafe + ServSafe Alcohol Programs
ServSafe is the leading US food safety + responsible alcohol service training + certification administered by the National Restaurant Association. ServSafe Manager + Food Handler are widely used to meet state CFPM + food handler card requirements. ServSafe Alcohol covers responsible alcohol service compliant with state requirements. Programs are ANSI-CFP accredited.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Standards for Excellence (Nonprofit)
The Standards for Excellence is a voluntary nonprofit ethics + accountability framework administered by the Standards for Excellence Institute + state nonprofit associations. 27 standards across 6 categories (Mission + Strategy, Leadership, Legal Compliance + Ethics, Finance + Operations, Resource Development, Public Awareness + Engagement). Accreditation involves rigorous peer review. Widely referenced by funders + donors as a benchmark of nonprofit accountability.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US State Charitable Solicitation Registration
Most US states require charitable organisations soliciting contributions to register with the state attorney general or secretary of state + file annual reports. Multi-state registration commonly facilitated through the Unified Registration Statement (URS). State registration is in addition to federal §501(c)(3) recognition + Form 990. State enforcement includes registration revocation + civil penalties + injunctions.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US State Student-Data Privacy Laws (SOPPA / SOPIPA / CSDPA)
A patchwork of state student-data privacy laws sits alongside federal FERPA + COPPA. California SOPIPA (Student Online Personal Information Protection Act) was the first comprehensive law (2014); Illinois SOPPA (2021) imposed contract + breach-notification requirements; Connecticut, Colorado, NY (Education Law 2-d), Texas + 20+ other states have similar laws. Common themes: prohibitions on targeted advertising + selling student data + creating profiles for commercial purposes + requirements for data security + contractual flow-down. Applies to EdTech operators + districts contracting with them.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US TCPA — Telephone Consumer Protection Act
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (47 USC §227) regulates telemarketing calls, automatic telephone dialing systems (autodialers), prerecorded voice messages + faxes. Significant litigation source with $500-$1500 per call statutory damages. FCC + courts have interpreted "autodialer" expansively (Facebook v. Duguid 2021 narrowed). Express written consent required for calls to mobile phones + autodialed calls. Companion: Do Not Call Registry + state mini-TCPA laws (Florida, Oklahoma).
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US Title IX of Education Amendments 1972
Title IX (20 USC §1681) prohibits discrimination based on sex in any federally-funded education program or activity. Covers admissions, employment, athletics + sexual harassment / assault. Regulations at 34 CFR Part 106 are amended periodically (most recently 2024 with significant changes to definitions, grievance procedures + non-binary protections; partial rollback in 2025). Requires Title IX Coordinator, written grievance procedures, notice + investigation + decision + appeal. Enforced by US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) + private right of action.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US TSCA — Toxic Substances Control Act
TSCA (15 USC §2601+) gives EPA authority to require reporting, record-keeping, testing requirements + restrictions relating to chemical substances. The 2016 Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act significantly strengthened EPA's ability to evaluate + manage chemical risks. TSCA Inventory + PMN process for new chemicals; CDR every 4 years; risk evaluation + management for existing chemicals.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
US VAWA Campus Provisions
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2013 amendments to the Clery Act require post-secondary institutions to include dating violence, domestic violence + stalking in their Annual Security Reports + crime logs + prevention + response programs. The 2022 reauthorization strengthened campus advocate roles + survivor support. Closely integrated with Title IX though distinct in scope + procedure.
Jurisdiction: US
Lifecycle: Active
WOAH (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) Code providing standards for animal health, welfare + zoonotic risk management. Used by national veterinary services + as the SPS Agreement reference for international trade.
Jurisdiction: GLOBAL
Lifecycle: Active