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. • 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.

Sample Solution

Part 1: Legislation Grid

Health-Related Bill Name: Medicare for All Act of 2023 (H.R. 1384)

Legislative Intent:

The Medicare for All Act of 2023 aims to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the United States, replacing the current fragmented and multi-payer system. It proposes to expand Medicare coverage to all U.S. citizens and legal residents, guaranteeing comprehensive and affordable healthcare access.

Full Answer Section

Proponents:

National Nurses United: Represents over 175,000 registered nurses and advocates for universal healthcare.
Physicians for a National Health Program: Comprises over 25,000 physicians supporting single-payer healthcare.
Progressive Democrats: Believe universal healthcare is a right and promotes social justice.

Opponents:

American Medical Association: Concerns include potential government control over healthcare and reduced physician autonomy.
Insurance Industry: Loss of market share and potential financial impact.
Some Republicans: Oppose government expansion and prefer market-based healthcare solutions.

Target Populations:

All U.S. citizens and legal residents.
Currently uninsured individuals.
Underinsured individuals with high deductibles and co-pays.
Individuals struggling with healthcare debt.

Current Status: The bill is currently in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, awaiting further action. Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement Position: Strong Support I stand before you today as a registered nurse and advocate for universal healthcare to urge your support for the Medicare for All Act of 2023. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of our current fragmented healthcare system, I believe this legislation offers a transformative opportunity to ensure affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Americans. Social Determinants of Health: The current healthcare system exacerbates existing inequalities based on income, age, education, and gender. The uninsured or underinsured, disproportionately low-income individuals and minorities, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. This results in poorer health outcomes, delayed diagnoses, and financial hardship. Medicare for All would address these disparities by providing universal coverage, regardless of socioeconomic status. Advocacy for the Bill: The Medicare for All Act of 2023 would:

Eliminate healthcare costs for individuals, reducing financial burdens and improving access.
Simplify healthcare access with a single-payer system, eliminating the complexities of private insurance plans.
Improve health outcomes by providing preventive care, reducing disparities, and ensuring timely treatment.
Empower nurses to focus on patient care without navigating insurance complexities.

Addressing Opponents: Concerns about government control and physician autonomy are understandable. However, the proposed legislation includes provisions for physician-led governance and ensures quality care through established standards and accountability measures. Additionally, successful examples of single-payer systems in other countries demonstrate both cost-effectiveness and high-quality care. Conclusion: The Medicare for All Act of 2023 represents a historic opportunity to revolutionize healthcare in America. By guaranteeing comprehensive and affordable healthcare for all, we can improve health outcomes, address social inequalities, and promote a healthier and more just society. I urge you to lend your unwavering support to this transformative legislation and secure a future where healthcare is available to all, not just a privileged few

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