Specificity is not always helpful

Before

The healthcare industry is highly regulated. The Company is subject to various local, state, federal, foreign and transnational laws and regulations, which include the operating and security standards of multiple federal, state and local agencies, the DEA, the FDA, the NRC, HHS, various state boards of pharmacy, state health departments and other comparable agencies. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries may be required to register for permits and/or licenses with, and comply with operating and security standards of these agencies as well as foreign agencies and certain accrediting bodies depending upon the type of operations and location of product distribution, manufacturing and sale.

Before, with commentary

The healthcare industry is highly regulated. The Company is subject to various local, state, federal, foreign and transnational laws and regulations, which include the operating and security standards of multiple federal, state and local agencies, the DEA, the FDA, the NRC, HHS, various state boards of pharmacy, state health departments and other comparable agencies. Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries may be required to register for permits and/or licenses with, and comply with operating and security standards of these agencies as well as foreign agencies and certain accrediting bodies depending upon the type of operations and location of product distribution, manufacturing and sale. [It is helpful to talk about specific agencies and their specific requirements, if relevant. In this example, the company used a blend of specificity (trying to name every possible agency) and generality (we might need a permit, we might need a license, there might be regulatory requirements…). The long list of vague possibilities does not convey any useful information.]

After

The healthcare industry is highly regulated. ABC Company is subject to laws in a multitude of jurisdictions, and rules issued by a wide range of regulators. Many of our subsidiaries are required to register for permits or licenses with, and to comply with operating and security standards of, regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies.