Change an Attribute Name

Over time rules naturally change, either due to legislative changes or business policy. There are three different scenarios that a policy modeler may face regarding attribute name maintenance:

1. If the meaning of the attribute associated with the attribute name stays the same but the rule proving the attribute changes - there are no changes required to the attribute name.
2. If the meaning of the attribute changes - if this occurs, and the attribute name was specific enough then the attribute name attached to the attribute is probably out of date. A new attribute name which is associated with the meaning of the attribute should be attached to the attribute. The old attribute name should be either moved to a corresponding new attribute or deleted.
3. If a new level of proof is needed for the input attribute so that it no longer is an input - sometimes an input attribute will need to become an inferred attribute due to rule changes. Attribute names are typically only associated with questions, which are at the user input level of an interview. In this scenario follow these steps:
   1. Add a new proof to the current input rule.
   2. If the attribute name can now be moved to a new input attribute that is used to prove the newly inferred rule, move the attribute name.
   3. If the attribute name cannot be moved onto a new identical attribute then delete the attribute name.
   4. Add any new attribute names that are necessary for any new inputs that have been created by the new rule proof.