Publication Guidelines for ABA Health eSource

The goal of the ABA Health Law Section’s online e-zine, The ABA Health eSource, is to provide high quality, topical articles for lawyers practicing in health law. These guidelines are informational only and are not binding. All submissions will be given equal consideration based on quality and content. Submitting an article does not guarantee that it will be published. All articles need to be in compliance with the Health Law Section’s Editorial Policy.

Subject Matter

Articles need to be original, not previously published work, covering topics in health law that have broad appeal to the majority of membership. Examples would include articles that analyze current trends, legislation, or regulations, or that explain or analyze a subject area.

The Section encourages the expression of a variety of viewpoints on undecided or contested issues and seeks to publish thoughtful analysis when presented in a civil and courteous manner. Articles may take a position on a legal or other issue but only if the opposing view(s) is also presented fully, objectively, and fairly. No pure opinion/editorial or “advertorial” articles will be considered for publication. The Section will not publish any content or material that is defamatory or violates the law, nor that is partisan political advocacy for or against any political candidate or party. However, fair criticism, analysis, and comment consistent within the Section’s Editorial Policy will be considered for publication.  

Length, Format and Style

Articles typically are 4–8 pages (1,000–2,500 words), double-spaced, and conform to AP Style. Slightly longer articles may be selected. Articles should be in third person. While secondary sources are acceptable, original sources should be used/included whenever possible. 

Citations

While The ABA Health eSource does not require extensive references, articles should include citation to authority to the extent generally required in briefs and memoranda. Citations and URLs should be provided as endnotes, not in the body of the article. The endnotes should use Arabic numerals. Legal Bluebook citation format should be used, and specific page references are required. 

Conflict Identification and Disclosure

All conflicts of interest need to be disclosed. At a minimum, articles submitted for publication shall contain the identity of all authors and their professional affiliations, both to establish their qualifications and to reveal any potential conflicts of interest. 

Biography

Authors should include a short (2–5 sentences) biography, including area of practice, recent accomplishments, affiliation and contact information, including e-mail. Authors should also submit their own and their firm’s Twitter handles, if applicable.  

Articles by Students

Articles by law students are acceptable for The ABA Health eSource and will be considered. 

Copyright Agreements

Each author of an article accepted for publication must sign an ABA-approved Copyright Agreement. Questions about Copyright Agreements should be addressed to Ally Donnantuono, Program Specialist, Health Law Section, at [email protected]. 

Electronic Submissions

Articles should be submitted in Microsoft Word via e-mail to: Julie Chyna, Editor, The Health Lawyer & The ABA Health eSource, [email protected].