Regulation and Enforcement The healthcare sector has been the object of numerous regulations, for two main reasons: (1) The government is a major payer for individuals receiving health care services under Medicare, Medicaid, and other public programs. By committing a significant amount of tax dollars to the delivery of healthcare, the government retains a vested interest in how the money is spent by private organizations that deliver health care. (2) Healthcare in general and long-term care, in particular, provide services to the frailest and most vulnerable individuals in society. Many of them are physically and/or mentally incapacitated and have no one else to act on their behalf. The regulatory system is deemed obligated to protect vulnerable populations against negligence and abuse, to ensure that they receive needed services for which they are eligible, and to ensure that the services provided meet at least certain defined minimum standards of quality.