Week 3 information
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Chapter 3, “Government Response: Legislation” (pp. 37–56)
• Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 180–183 only)
Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/
Taylor, D., Olshansky, E., Fugate-Woods, N., Johnson-Mallard, V., Safriet, B. J., & Hagan, T. (2017). Corrigendum to position statement: Political interference in sexual and reproductive health research and health professional education. Nursing Outlook, 65(2), 346–350. doi:10.1016/j.outlook.2017.05.003
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
Buppert, C. (2020). Nurse practitioner’s business practice and legal guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, at the Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press (US).
United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.house.gov/
United States Senate. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.senate.gov/
United States Senate. (n.d.). Senate organization chart for the 115th Congress. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.senate.gov/reference/org_chart.htm
Document: Legislation Comparison Grid Template (Wo
Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Working with Legislators [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Introduction to Health Policy and Law with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Contemporary Issues in Public Health Policy with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Peter Beilenson: Population Health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Health care costs: Key facts. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/health-care-costs-a-primer-2021/
National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2020). NCSBN model nursing practice act and model nursing administrative rules. https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm
Pew Research Center. (2021). Internet/broadband fact sheet. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
World Health Organization. (2021). State of the world’s nursing 2020: Investing in education, jobs and leadership. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/978924
Assignment: Legislation Comparison 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.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid; 1- to 2-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
Based on the health-related bill you selected, complete the Legislation Comparison 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?
• Is it receiving press coverage?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1- to 2-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.
• Recommend at least one amendment to the bill in support of your position.
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Writing Guide:
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
Bill Title: ________________
Legislative Intent: _____________________________________________________________
Proponents: __________________________________________________________________
Opponents: ___________________________________________________________________
Target Populations: ____________________________________________________________
Current Status: _______________________________________________________________
Press Coverage: _______________________________________________________________
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Dear Honorable Members of the [insert name of legislative body],
As a registered nurse, I am writing to express my support for the [insert bill title]. This bill has the potential to significantly improve healthcare outcomes for [insert target population] by [insert the main goal or objective of the bill].
As healthcare professionals, we have seen firsthand the negative impact that inadequate healthcare policies and regulations can have on patients’ health and well-being. We have also seen the positive impact that evidence-based policies can have on improving patient outcomes. Therefore, I urge you to support this bill and work towards improving the healthcare system for all.
I understand that there may be opposing views regarding this bill. However, I respectfully urge those who oppose the bill to consider the potential benefits it can have on improving healthcare outcomes. I also encourage opponents to share their concerns and engage in constructive dialogue to address any issues.
In addition, I recommend the following amendment to the bill [insert your recommendation for an amendment]. This amendment will [insert the objective or benefit of the amendment].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Credentials]
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Sample Answer
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
Bill Title: The Mental Health Justice Act of 2021
Legislative Intent: To provide increased support and resources for individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Proponents: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, National Council for Behavioral Health
Opponents: No major opposition groups have been identified at this time.
Target Populations: Individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system.
Process: The bill was introduced to the House of Representatives on March 17, 2021, and was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. The bill has not yet been brought to a vote.
Press Coverage: The bill has received some press coverage, particularly from mental health advocacy organizations, but has not received widespread media attention.
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
As a nurse, I strongly support the Mental Health Justice Act of 2021. This bill is a critical step towards ensuring that individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system receive the support and resources they need to achieve better health outcomes.
Mental illness is a complex and challenging issue, and it is often exacerbated by involvement with the criminal justice system. The Mental Health Justice Act recognizes the unique needs of individuals with mental illness and provides resources and funding to support evidence-based interventions and programs that will help these individuals to achieve better health outcomes.
Opponents to this bill may argue that providing additional resources to individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system is unnecessary or too costly. However, the reality is that failure to address the mental health needs of this population can have serious consequences, including increased rates of recidivism and poor health outcomes.
I would recommend one amendment to this bill to further support its effectiveness. Specifically, I would recommend that the bill include provisions for ongoing mental health support and treatment for individuals with mental illness who are released from the criminal justice system. This would help to ensure that these individuals continue to receive the support they need to maintain their mental health and prevent future involvement with the criminal justice system.
As such, the Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 is a critical piece of legislation that will help to address the unique needs of individuals with mental illness who are involved in the criminal justice system. As a nurse and healthcare advocate, I strongly support this bill and urge policymakers to pass it into law.
Notes: he Mental Health Justice Act of 2021.
The Mental Health Justice Act of 2021 is a proposed bill that seeks to reform the mental health care system in the United States. The bill focuses on expanding access to mental health services and addressing issues related to mental illness in the criminal justice system. It aims to improve mental health care in the following ways:
Expanding access to community-based mental health services: The bill seeks to increase funding for community-based mental health programs and improve coordination between mental health providers and law enforcement agencies.
Addressing mental health in the criminal justice system: The bill aims to provide mental health training for law enforcement officers and expand access to mental health services for individuals in the criminal justice system.
Reducing stigma and discrimination related to mental illness: The bill aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness by promoting mental health education and awareness campaigns.
