Sample Answer for LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050 Included After 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.
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.
By Day 7 of Week 4
Submit your completed legislation grid and testimony/advocacy statement.
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050
Title: LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050
The purpose of this paper is to articulate a clear and compelling advocacy statement in support of the Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021. I’ll also talk about how I’d approach opponents in my position. My information will include two course-specific resources as well as outside resources. This paper aims to highlight the impact of social determinants such as income, age, education, and gender on this legislation and outline strategies to address potential opposition. The ultimate goal is to underscore the importance of this Act in promoting health equity and improving healthcare accessibility for all. The paper will also present a grid with a bill.
Healthcare affordability is an essential entitlement that ought to be universally available, irrespective of one’s socioeconomic standing. The Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021 aims to make this a reality by expanding premium assistance. This expansion would reduce the financial burden on low-income households, enabling them to access the same quality of healthcare as those with higher incomes. This is a crucial step towards ensuring health equity in our society.
Moreover, affordable healthcare has far-reaching benefits beyond individual health outcomes. It eases the burden on public health resources, which benefits our society as a whole. When individuals can afford regular check-ups and preventative care, they are less likely to require emergency care, which is often more costly. This not only benefits the individual but also reduces the overall cost of healthcare in our society.
In conclusion, the Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021, with its focus on affordable healthcare, is a much-needed piece of legislation. It addresses the pressing issue of health disparities, promotes health equity, and could potentially stimulate economic growth. Therefore, I strongly advocate for the passage of this bill. It represents a significant step towards a future where everyone, regardless of their income, can access quality healthcare. This is not just a matter of health but of social justice and equity.
Part 1: Legislative Grid
| Health-related Bill Name | Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 |
| Bill Number | S.352 |
| Description | The Health Care Improvement Act was introduced to the 117th Congress on the 22nd of February 2021. A bill aiming to modify the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with the objective of diminishing healthcare expenses and broadening healthcare access to a larger number of American citizens. It was introduced by Sen. Warner, Mark R. |
| Federal or State? | Federal |
| Legislative Intent | The bill aims to reform the healthcare system by increasing premium assistance, encouraging Medicaid expansion, and creating a public health insurance option. It doubles the premium tax credit for health plans purchased through exchanges, funds state reinsurance payments, and repeals short-term plan rules. The bill also establishes employer rules, creates a public health insurance alternative through individual markets, allows small group market plans to cross state borders, authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate Medicare prescription drug rates, and creates a public health insurance option through individual marketplaces (United State Senate, n.d.). |
| Proponents/ Opponents | Proponents: Proponents: The S.352 bill has received support from various organizations, including the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the Commonwealth Institute, the Virginia Poverty Law Centre, and the American Medical Student Association, among others (The Healthcare Improvement Act 2021, n.d.). |
| Opponents: There have been no major opponents of the Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 | |
| Target Population | Individuals and Families, Medicaid beneficiaries, rural health providers, seniors on Medicare and small businesses. |
| Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees?) | The bill has been read twice on the floor of the congress and referred to the Committee on Finance (congress.gov, n.d.). |
| General Notes/Comments
|
The Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 aims to decrease costs in ACA exchanges, expand Medicaid coverage, ban unexpected medical billing, authorize nationwide negotiations for medication prices, and implement further measures to stabilize the system and enhance the affordability of healthcare for millions of Americans. |
Part 2: Advocacy statement
I stand in strong support of the Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 (S. 352). In an era where access to quality healthcare is a pressing concern, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 (ACA; P.L. 111–148) has improved health care, but its flaws have left many American families without affordable coverage. The Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021 emerges as a potential solution to address the existing gaps in the system. It aims to expand access to affordable healthcare, reduce healthcare costs, and strengthen Medicaid. It represents a significant step towards achieving health equity and improving health outcomes across the country. This advocacy statement aims to shed light on the key provisions of the act, its potential impact on patients and healthcare providers, and the imperative need for its widespread adoption. The widespread adoption of the Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021 is crucial for ensuring a more efficient and equitable healthcare system for all. For example, the act includes provisions that increase Medicaid eligibility and provide subsidies for low-income individuals, which will expand access to affordable healthcare for marginalized communities. This will help address the existing gaps in the system by reducing disparities in healthcare access and affordability. Additionally, the act promotes the use of telemedicine and innovative technologies, which can help improve health outcomes and reduce costs by enabling remote consultations and monitoring for patients in rural areas or with limited mobility (S.352- Healthcare Improvement Act 2021- Congress.gov, n.d.).
The social determinants of health, including income, age, education, and gender, significantly influence the outcomes of this legislation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). For instance, income level often determines the quality of healthcare one can afford. By expanding premium assistance, this bill ensures that low-income households can access affordable healthcare. Age is another crucial factor, with older ageing adults typically requiring more medical care. The expansion of Medicaid can help ensure that our ageing population receives the necessary care. Education level often correlates with health literacy, which impacts an individual’s ability to understand and navigate the healthcare system. By establishing a public health insurance option, this legislation simplifies the process, making healthcare more accessible regardless of educational background. Lastly, gender disparities in healthcare are well-documented, with women often facing higher healthcare costs. This bill’s measures can help mitigate these disparities, promoting gender equity in healthcare (Summary of S. 352 (117th): Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 – GovTrack.us, n.d.).
To those who oppose this bill due to concerns about potential costs, I would argue that the cost of inaction is far greater. Without reforms like those proposed in this bill, healthcare costs will continue to rise, and more Americans will go without the care they need. Furthermore, provisions like the negotiation of drug prices could lead to significant savings. While it’s true that public funding will be required, the long-term benefits, such as a healthier population and reduced healthcare costs due to preventative care, outweigh the short-term financial implications.
Others may express concern about the potential impact on private insurance companies. To this end, we can highlight that the public health insurance option is just that—an option. It provides an alternative for those who find private insurance unaffordable or inaccessible, promoting competition and potentially driving down costs for consumers.
To those who prefer other methods of health care reform, I would emphasize that this bill does not preclude other reforms. Rather, it provides a foundation upon which additional reforms can be built. The establishment of a public health insurance option, for example, could pave the way for further reforms. For those who are skeptical about this bill, it is important to recognize that it allows for future changes and improvements in the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the Healthcare Improvement Act of 2021 is a comprehensive and inclusive approach to healthcare reform. It addresses key social determinants of health and aims to reduce health disparities, making it a crucial piece of legislation that deserves our support.
References
congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved December 23, 2023, from https://www.congress.gov/
S.352- Healthcare Improvement Act 2021- Congress.gov. (n.d.). congress.gov. Retrieved December 23, 2023, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/352
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, December 8). Retrieved December 23, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/about/sdoh/index.html
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Summary of S. 352 (117th): Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 – GovTrack.us. (n.d.). GovTrack.us. Retrieved December 23, 2023, from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/s352/summary
United State Senate. (n.d.). . Senate organization chart for the 117th Congress. Retrieved December 23, 2023, from https://from https://www.house.gov/
Rubric Detail
Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Name: NURS_6050_Module02_Week04_Assignment_Rubric
[Control]
| Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | ||
| Federal and State Legislation
Part 1: Legislation Grid Based on the health- related bill 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? |
32 (32%) - 35 (35%)
The response clearly and accurately summarizes in detail the legislative intent of the health- related bill. The response accurately identifies in detail the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response accurately identifies in detail the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response clearly and thoroughly describes in detail the current status of the health- related bill. |
28 (28%) - 31 (31%)
The response accurately summarizes the legislative intent of the health-related bill. The response accurately identifies the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response accurately identifies the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response accurately describes the current status of the health-related bill. |
25 (25%) - 27 (27%)
The response vaguely or inaccurately summarizes the legislative intent of the health-related bill. The response vaguely or inaccurately identifies the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response vaguely or inaccurately identifies the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the current status of the health-related bill. |
0 (0%) - 24 (24%)
Summary of the legislative intent of the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. Identification of the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill are vague and inaccurate or is missing. Identification of the populations targeted by the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. The description of the current status of the health- related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. |
|
| Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
• 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. |
36 (36%) - 40 (40%)
Testimony clearly, accurately, and thoroughly provides statements that fully justifies a position for a health-related bill. Response provides a detailed, thorough, and logical explanation of the social determinant affecting the topic, and how to address opponents to the position for the health-related bill and includes one or more clear and accurate supporting examples. |
32 (32%) - 35 (35%)
Testimony clearly and accurately provides statements that somewhat justifies a position for a health-related bill. Response provides an accurate explanation of the social determinant affecting the topic, and how to address opponents to the position for the health-related bill and may include at least one supporting example. |
28 (28%) - 31 (31%)
Testimony used to justify a position for a health-related bill is vague or inaccurate. Explanation of how to address the opponents and social determinant for the position for the health-related bill is vague or inaccurate, lacks logic, and/or the supporting examples are vague or inaccurate. |
0 (0%) - 27 (27%)
Testimony used to justify a position for a health-related bill is vague and inaccurate, incomplete, or is missing. Explanation of how to address the opponents and social determinant for the position for the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. |
|
| References | 10 (10%) - 10 (10%)
Response includes 3 or more course resources and 2 or more outside sources. |
8 (8%) - 8 (8%)
Response includes 2-3 course resources and 2 outside sources. |
7 (7%) - 7 (7%)
Response includes fewer than 2 course resources and/or fewer than 2 outside resources. |
0 (0%) - 6 (6%)
Response includes 2 or fewer resources. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting—Paragraph Development and Organization
Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, low logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused– neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. |
5 (5%) - 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria. |
4 (4%) - 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive |
3 (3%) - 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic. |
0 (0%) - 2 (2%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is incomplete or missing. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting: English Writing Standards
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. |
5 (5%) - 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors. |
4 (4%) - 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
3 (3%) - 3 (3%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
0 (0%) - 2 (2%)
Contains many (≥5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. |
|
| Written Expression and Formatting:
The paper follows correct APA format for title page, font, spacing, indentations, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. |
5 (5%) - 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors. |
4 (4%) - 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors. |
3 (3%) - 3 (3%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors. |
0 (0%) - 2 (2%)
Contains many (≥5) APA format errors. |
|
| Total Points: 100 | |||||
Name: NURS_6050_Module02_Week04_Assignment_Rubric
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050
Title: LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050
Advocacy for Mental Health Access Improvement
Mental health access improvement bill if enacted would cause an amendment of the existing Medicare law as this bill seeks that mental health counselling, marriage and family therapist be covered under Medicare so as to give access to many who never had or can’t afford to pay for the services (“Senate introduces the mental health access Improvement Act of 2021,” 2021). In America there are statistics that shows that about 20 percent of our seniors aged from 55yrs and above are at higher risk for mental health instability hence the purpose of this bill is to give more vulnerable people especially the seniors access to mental health who can’t afford the services (“Medicare mental health access act would remove barriers to care,” 2020).
Due to the increasing level of stress, financial instability, high level of unemployment just as we have noticed during the time the world has been fighting this pandemic have destabilized a lot of our citizens mentally as the rate of suicide, depression and crime rate has been of the increase lately.
Legislation Comparison Grid Template
Use this document to complete Part 1 of the Module 2 Assessment Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
| Health-related Bill Name | The Mental Health Access Improvement Act, 2019 |
| Bill Number | (H.R.945/S.286) |
| Description | The Mental health access improvement bill if enacted would cause an amendment of the existing Medicare law as this bill seeks that mental health counselling, marriage and family therapist be covered under Medicare so as to give access to many who never had or can’t afford to pay for the services. |
| Federal or State? | Federal |
| Legislative Intent | The bill will give especially the seniors access to mental health care as they can’t afford it and it will in the long run help reduce the cost of treating mental health if its identified and managed at the early onset of mental health challenges. |
| Proponents/ Opponents | Proponents: American foundation for suicide prevention, National alliance for mental illness
|
| Opponents: The financial implication, The shortage of mental healthcare professionals (“Top 5 barriers to mental healthcare access,” 2020).
|
|
| Target Population | Children, adults, all Americans, people who use tobacco |
| Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees? | Currently the bill is in the committee
|
| General Notes/Comments
|
Due to the increasing level of stress, financial instability, high level of unemployment just as we have noticed during the time the world has been fighting this pandemic have destabilized a lot of our citizens mentally as the rate of suicide, depression and crime rate has been of the increase lately. |
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
My position on this bill is that Medicare should be made to cover the services as proposed in this bill such as increasing access to mental health care and also covering the services of marriage and family therapy. This bill if enacted will help relieve some of the pressures people are going through (Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Also having a plan that focuses on early identification and treatment of mental illness will help reduce eliminate or reduce the indirect cost of managing them in psychiatric hospitals, prisons and so on.
Addressing Opponents
One of the opponents identified in this bill is the cost implication as most committees will focus on the direct cost and not focus on the indirect cost of not identifying mental illness in the early stages. Another opponent I identified is the shortage of mental health care providers especially in the rural areas. Plans should be made at the same time the bill is enacted to ensure or have plans to increase the number of mental health providers by allowing Nurse Practitioners to practice within their license so as to cover the gap in medical care.
Conclusion
This is a welcome bill that majority of the people will be happy about but unfortunately, I feel the bill is not getting the needed attention it should be getting as it has lingered for some time now because most Politian’s have made everything to be politics as they only push for laws that restrict the basic care coupled with their attitude of downplaying on sensitive cases that will benefit the general public (Taylor et al., 2017). If the services of mental health care is covered by the Medicare, it will help in early identification of mental health problems and save the indirect cost of taking care of them in the prisons and hospitals if not well managed in time.
References
Medicare mental health access act would remove barriers to care. (2020). Mental Health Weekly, 30(36), 7-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/mhw.32512
Senate introduces the mental health access Improvement Act of 2021. (2021, March 22). American Counseling Association | A professional home for counselors. https://www.counseling.org/news/updates/2021/03/22/senate-introduces-the-mental-health-access-improvement-act-of-2021
Top 5 barriers to mental healthcare access. (2020, July 28). Social Solutions. https://www.socialsolutions.com/blog/barriers-to-mental-healthcare-access/
Taylor, D., Olshansky, E. F., Woods, N. F., 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 (2017) 242–245]. Nursing Outlook, 65(3), 346-350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.05.003
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.