ACORD receives many questions regarding its forms, form usage, and what's next with them. One of the people responsible for answering those questions is Daneen Carroll, compliance manager at ACORD. She answers several industry questions here.

Q: Can users alter an ACORD form to meet their needs whether it's for entry, additional details, or to fit in a window envelope?

Daneen Carroll: The simple answer is no, they can't change ACORD forms and there are several reasons. First, they are copyrighted and for that reason they can't be altered. Second, ACORD forms are filed with the individual states where required. That means a regulator has looked at the specific form and layout and determined that form in that format is acceptable. There are only two reasons that ACORD forms change and that's by a regulatory change or through the ACORD Standards Process. If a regulator or other governmental agency requires a change that impacts a form, that change is made automatically to remain compliant. The ACORD Standards Process is where individuals or an ACORD working group request changes to forms. Those changes are submitted for vote by the membership and if approved, become the new version of a form.