Certain key points should be considered before beginning the task of developing bylaws. Nursing administration must support the concept and allow the necessary time and effort to develop them. Individuals with access to both toplevel administration and to the professional nursing staff and who are committed to the group process are helpful as promoters or facilitators. It is critical to identify the individuals or groups who will ultimately approve the bylaws; these people must be involved early and kept involved, so that they are committed and knowledgeable. In addition, the nursing service committee charged with developing and implementing the bylaws must be willing to commit time and energy to the task. The committee should include all levels of nursing staff-staff nurses, clinical specialists, and first-, middle-, and top-level nursing management. This broad representation facilitates the education of the nursing staff and deepens their commitment by widening the decision-making base.