AMA Format Examples for Government Publications

Explore detailed examples of AMA format for government publications, enhancing your research paper writing skills.
By Jamie

Understanding the AMA Format for Government Publications

The American Medical Association (AMA) format is a widely used citation style, particularly in the medical and health sciences fields. However, it can also be applied to various types of publications, including government documents. This guide presents three diverse examples of how to correctly format references to government publications in AMA style. Each example includes a clear title, a context explanation, the actual formatted citation, and relevant notes for better understanding.

Example 1: Health Report from a Government Agency

Context

This example illustrates how to cite a health report published by a government health agency. Such documents often provide critical data and findings relevant to public health research.

Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public use data release. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/data-release/index.htm. Accessed October 1, 2023.

Notes:

  • Ensure to include the full name of the agency, the year of publication, and the title of the report in italics.
  • The access date is crucial for online documents as it indicates when the resource was retrieved.

Example 2: Legislative Document

Context

This example showcases how to cite a legislative document, such as a bill or act, issued by a government entity. These documents are often used in legal and political research.

Citation:
U.S. Congress. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Pub L No. 111-148, 124 Stat 119. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office; 2010. Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/3590/text. Accessed October 1, 2023.

Notes:

  • Include the name of the Congress, the title of the act (in italics), the public law number (Pub L No.), and the publication year.
  • The citation should also reflect the source from which the document can be accessed and the access date.

Example 3: Statistical Data from a Government Database

Context

This example demonstrates how to cite statistical data retrieved from a government database. Such references are crucial for research that relies on quantitative data from reputable sources.

Citation:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey. Washington, DC: US Department of Labor; 2023. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/cps/. Accessed October 1, 2023.

Notes:

  • When citing statistical data, it’s important to specify the bureau and the specific data set title.
  • The access date reinforces the reliability of the data being referenced, especially in a rapidly changing statistical landscape.

By utilizing these examples of AMA format for government publications, researchers can ensure their citations are clear, precise, and aligned with professional standards. Proper citation not only enhances the credibility of the work but also assists readers in locating the original sources.