Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
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.
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- page Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
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.
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
Legislation Grid
Name of Health-Related Bill
The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R.7666)
Bill No. H.R.7666
Description
Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6] introduced the measure. 5/6/2022. The bill’s objective is to propose an amendment to the Public Health Service Act in order to reauthorize specific mental health and substance abuse programs (GovTrack.us., 2022).
State or federal?
Federal
Legislative Purpose
The bill’s legislative goal is to alter the Public Health Service Act in order to reauthorize certain mental health and substance abuse programs (GovTrack.us., 2022). The goal is to increase access to mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
Supporters and detractors
Proponents:
The bill’s sponsors believe that reauthorizing mental health and substance abuse services will benefit low-income families. The goal is to broaden the scope of healthcare treatments for affected groups suffering from mental health concerns and drug and substance addiction. Opponents:
Opponents of the law argue that increasing healthcare services by reauthorizing the mental health issue will cost the government money. Opponents believe the bill will have little impact on mental health and drug addiction. They say the bill fails to address the fundamental issues around mental health and drug and substance abuse.
Population Targeted
People with mental health concerns and drug and substance addiction are the target demographic.
The Human and Health Services Department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The bill’s current status (is it in committees or hearings?)
The bill has been introduced and scheduled for further action on the union calendar.
General Remarks/Comments
Millions of people in America suffer from mental health concerns and drug and chemical addiction. It is critical to restore hope to millions of individuals by amending the public health care. The act’s purpose is to reauthorize certain mental health and substance abuse services for the benefit of all Americans.
Part 2: Advocacy Statement/Legislative Testimony
The legislation’s goal is to reauthorize specific mental health and substance abuse services. The purpose is to ensure that people in different states have access to mental health services. The dynamics of the Covid-19 epidemic demonstrate an increase in the number of persons at risk of mental health disorders as a result of job losses, high living costs, and the possibility of losing property and assets (Knopf, 2022). It is all too easy for people to seek solace through substance, alcohol, and drug abuse. The act is necessary since the country need improved delivery of mental healthcare services as well as substance and alcohol addiction treatment.
Because millions of individuals are at risk of anxiety and depression, I believe the law is timely. Treatment reauthorization and network expansion will eliminate the danger of avoidable deaths. Reauthorization effectively grants access to millions of people who are suicidal or depressed (Makwana, 2019). According to research, healthcare services are critical in saving lives, changing people’s habits, and educating them (Knopf, 2022). The provision of healthcare services for mentally challenged persons will expand the number of people who can be reached by the government and receive free and professional care.
The conflicting arguments are based on the allocation of cash. The goal is to first assess past mental health and alcohol, drug, and substance addiction to identify deficiencies. The knowledge will provide a more solid foundation for making an informed decision. The opposite side, in my opinion, is making an insensitive argument that ignores the health of millions of people who are missing out on healthcare services intended for mentally ill people and addicts of alcohol, drugs, and substances. To expand mental healthcare services and alcohol and substance misuse, especially in the post-pandemic era, the legislation requires support from a wide range of stakeholders.
References
GovTrack.us. (2022). (2022). 117th Congress: Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 (H.R. 7666). Retrieved from http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr7666.
A. Knopf (2022). A massive bipartisan bill would overhaul SAMHSA programs. 1-4 in Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly, 34(19).
N. Makwana (2019). A narrative review of disaster and its impact on mental health. 3090, Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 8(10).
