NANS Guidelines follow a rigorous, evidence-based methodology that includes a systematic review of the scientific literature and a structured consensus process.

NANS uses the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) framework to evaluate the strength of evidence and assign recommendation grades.

NANS requires full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest (COI) from all individuals involved in drafting, reviewing, and approving guideline recommendations.

The organization sets limits on financial relationships that Guideline Development Group (GDG) members may have with companies that could reasonably be affected by guideline recommendations. The NANS Conflict of Interest Policy for Clinical Practice Guidelines outlines procedures for disclosure, review, and management of potential conflicts.

NANS does not accept direct support from for-profit healthcare companies for the development of guidelines. All funding for NANS-led guideline projects is provided by NANS.

Draft guidelines are released for open public comment prior to finalization and publication. This process allows stakeholders to review the draft, identify potential errors or gaps, and provide feedback. Public comment enhances transparency in the guideline development process and aligns with standards from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS).

Public Comment Process

• Draft guidelines are available for public comment for 2–3 weeks.
• Feedback is submitted through an online survey form.
• Reviewers must electronically agree to a non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement before accessing the draft recommendations.
• Reviewers must provide their name and professional affiliation; anonymous comments are not accepted.

All comments are reviewed by the Guideline Development Group (GDG) Executive Team, and any revisions resulting from public feedback are reviewed and approved by the full GDG prior to final publication.

Comments submitted during open comment are advisory only. NANS is not required to make changes based on submitted feedback and does not provide individual responses to reviewers.

NANS welcomes ideas for future guidelines topics from anyone with an interest in advancing the field of neuromodulation.

To submit an idea, click on the button below and complete the form. The information you provide will help the NANS Guidelines Oversight Committee (GOC) assess the importance, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed topic.

The GOC reviews topic nominations on a rolling basis and determines which projects to initiate based on organizational priorities, available capacity, and final Board approval.

While all submissions are carefully considered, submission of a proposal does not guarantee selection, participation in the resulting workgroup, or follow-up communication.

For questions regarding NANS Guidelines, please contact:

Adrienne Dunavin
NANS Associate Director of Education

• adunavin@neuromodulation.org