WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENT
It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since.
As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.
In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
To Prepare:
• Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
• Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
• Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:
• Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
• Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
• Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
• Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
• How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
• An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:
• Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
• Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
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Presidential Healthcare Agendas: A Comparative Analysis
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Population Health Concern: Access to Affordable Healthcare
Current President (X) Previous President (Y)
Description
Approach to the Issue
Resource Allocation
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Administrative Agency: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would likely be responsible for addressing the healthcare issue of access to affordable healthcare. HHS plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing health policies, coordinating healthcare programs, and providing oversight for public health matters.
Inclusion on the Presidential Agenda: To get the healthcare issue on the presidential agenda, a combination of factors is necessary. This can involve public awareness and pressure, lobbying by healthcare organizations, research and evidence-based data highlighting the significance of the issue, and alignment with the president’s campaign promises and policy priorities. Once the issue is on the agenda, it can stay there through continuous advocacy efforts, stakeholder engagement, and demonstrating the positive impact of addressing the issue.
Entrepreneur/Champion/Sponsor: To champion the healthcare issue of access to affordable healthcare, Senator Elizabeth Warren would be a suitable choice. Senator Warren has been a vocal advocate for healthcare reform, emphasizing the importance of affordable and equitable access to healthcare for all Americans. Her expertise in financial and economic matters, coupled with her legislative experience, positions her well to champion policies and advocate for necessary reforms.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Title: Access to Affordable Healthcare: A Vital Priority for Legislation
Introduction:
Access to affordable healthcare is a pressing issue affecting millions of Americans. This fact sheet highlights the importance of addressing this healthcare issue and provides a compelling case for its inclusion in the legislative agenda.
Key Points:
Healthcare Affordability: The rising costs of healthcare services, insurance premiums, and prescription medications have created significant barriers to access. Many individuals and families are forced to choose between essential healthcare and other basic needs.
Impact on Public Health: Inadequate access to affordable healthcare leads to delayed or neglected medical care, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and preventable complications. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving population health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
Economic Implications: High healthcare costs burden individuals, families, and the overall economy. Financial hardships due to healthcare expenses can lead to reduced productivity, bankruptcy, and limited economic growth. Affordable healthcare ensures financial stability and promotes economic prosperity.
Role of the Nurse in Agenda Setting: Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, witnessing firsthand the consequences of limited access to affordable care. As advocates, educators, and care coordinators, nurses possess valuable insights and expertise to inform policy decisions. Their involvement in agenda setting ensures that healthcare policies align with the needs of patients, families, and communities.
Conclusion:
Access to affordable healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right. By addressing this issue, we can enhance the well-being of individuals, promote social justice, and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system. We urge policymakers and legislators to prioritize this issue and work collaboratively towards enacting legislation that ensures affordable healthcare for all.
