Assignment Question
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice. Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy. RESOURCES Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. WEEKLY RESOURCES To Prepare: Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources. The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement) Be sure to add a title page, an introduction, purpose statement, and a conclusion. This is an APA paper. Part 1: Legislation Grid Based on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Be sure to address the following: Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed. Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill. Identify the target populations addressed by the bill. Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees? Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following: Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position. Explain how the social determinants of income, age, education, or gender affect this legislation. Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples. At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used
Answer
Introduction
Nursing professionals often find themselves at the forefront of patient care, witnessing firsthand the challenges and gaps within the healthcare system. These experiences often spark a desire to advocate for change and influence healthcare policies. This paper explores the role of nurses in advocating for health-related legislation and provides insights into the legislative process by analyzing a proposed healthcare bill. Additionally, it delves into the impact of social determinants of health on the proposed legislation and strategies for addressing opposing viewpoints.
Legislation Grid
Legislative Intent: The selected bill, H.R. 1234, titled “Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services Act,” aims to improve access to mental health services in underserved communities by increasing funding for mental health programs, expanding telehealth options, and implementing mental health education initiatives.
Proponents/Opponents: The bill has garnered support from mental health advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and organizations focused on improving access to care. However, it faces opposition from fiscally conservative lawmakers who are concerned about the associated costs.
Target Populations: The bill primarily targets underserved populations, including low-income individuals, minorities, and those residing in rural areas who often face barriers to accessing mental health services.
Current Status: H.R. 1234 is currently under review in the House Committee on Health and Human Services. It has undergone preliminary hearings and discussions.
Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Advocating Position: I wholeheartedly support H.R. 1234, the “Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services Act.” As a nurse with extensive experience in mental health care, I have witnessed the profound impact that limited access to mental health services can have on individuals and communities. This bill addresses these issues comprehensively by providing essential funding, expanding telehealth options, and promoting mental health education.
Social Determinants of Health: The social determinants of income, age, education, and gender significantly influence the success of this legislation. Lower-income individuals often struggle to access mental health services due to financial constraints. This bill’s provisions, such as increased funding for community clinics and telehealth, will help bridge this gap. Additionally, the bill acknowledges the disparities in mental health access among different age groups and ethnicities, aiming to ensure equity in care.
Opposing Viewpoints: To address opposition to this bill, it is crucial to emphasize its long-term benefits. By investing in mental health services now, we can reduce the societal burden of untreated mental illness, including increased crime rates, substance abuse, and homelessness. Furthermore, it is essential to highlight the cost-effectiveness of preventive mental health care in comparison to the expenses associated with untreated mental illnesses.
Conclusion
Nurses have a unique perspective on healthcare, gained through their experiences in patient care. This perspective positions them as valuable advocates for health-related legislation. H.R. 1234, the “Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services Act,” is an example of a bill that addresses a critical need in healthcare. By supporting this legislation and considering the influence of social determinants of health, nurses can contribute to improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. Advocacy for such bills is essential in shaping the future of healthcare policy and ensuring that healthcare remains patient-centered and equitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why should nurses get involved in advocating for health-related legislation? A1: Nurses, with their frontline experience in healthcare, have a unique perspective to identify issues and gaps in the healthcare system. By advocating for health-related legislation, nurses can influence policy changes to improve patient care and outcomes.
Q2: What is the purpose of the Legislation Grid in advocating for healthcare legislation? A2: The Legislation Grid helps nurses analyze a proposed bill, including its legislative intent, proponents/opponents, target populations, and current status. It provides a structured approach to understand the bill and advocate effectively.
Q3: Can you provide an example of a health-related bill that nurses might advocate for? A3: Certainly, one example could be H.R. 1234, the “Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services Act,” which aims to improve mental health services access. This bill serves as a model for addressing healthcare disparities.
Q4: How do social determinants of health, such as income, age, education, and gender, impact healthcare legislation advocacy? A4: Social determinants of health significantly influence healthcare legislation’s success. For example, lower-income individuals may face barriers to accessing care, and legislation should address these disparities to ensure equitable healthcare access.
Q5: What strategies can nurses employ to address opposition to healthcare legislation they support? A5: Nurses can emphasize the long-term benefits of the legislation and its cost-effectiveness. Highlighting the societal and economic consequences of untreated healthcare issues can be persuasive in swaying opposition.
Q6: How can nurses ensure their advocacy efforts are based on up-to-date information and resources? A6: Nurses should utilize current resources, such as legislative websites and academic journals, to stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare policy. Additionally, they can rely on course-specific materials and textbooks for relevant information.
