The "Accardi" decision requires that government officials follow agency regulations. The Accardi doctrine has since become a foundation for the rule of law that requires governmental agencies to observe their rules even when it is not expedient. Unpublished agency guidelines are not viewed as binding rules under the Accardi doctrine because guidelines do not characteristically have the force and effect of law and suppression is not required to remedy violations of agency rules. Agency guidelines establish uniform governmental policies and purport to establish self-imposed constraints on agency actions. Many departures from agency guidelines are not sufficiently significant to merit external concern. Some guidelines, however, not only set internal policy, but also establish procedural and substantive restraints that protect persons from arbitrary or capricious treatment by government officials. Consistent application of these rules is especially important in cases where the rights of individuals are affected. Such guidelines should be covered under the Accardi doctrine. 63 footnotes