NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

NURS 6050 LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

Sample Answer for NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT 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: NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

Title: NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

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 

  

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Name: NURS_6050_Module02_Week04_Assignment_Rubric 

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		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: NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

Title: NURS 6050- LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY ADVOCACY STATEMENT

Legislation Grid Template 

Nurses experience events and situations that motivate them to assume the advocacy role in hopes of influencing policies, regulations, and laws related to healthcare and care provision. To do so, they have to enter into the less familiar political and policy making spheres to demonstrate their interests by evaluating proposed bills and their overall effects on the target health population, the nursing professional and the healthcare industry. The essence of this assignment is to review a selected health-related bill that has been proposed in Congress and complete the Legislation Grid Template to determine its intent, proponents and opponents, the target population and issue an advocacy statement or testimony.  

 

 

Health-related Bill Name	Mobile Health Record Act of 2019
Bill Number	H.R.1390
Description	Mobile Health Record Act of 2019 was introduced in the house on February 27 2019 and was sponsored by Susan Brook, the house representative from the fifth Congressional District in Indiana. The bill’s co-sponsors include Yvettte Clarke the New York representative of 9th Congressional District, Levine, Mike from California, Schweikert, David from Arizona and Gottheimer, Josh from New Jersey.   The bill requires the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create a program which facilitates Medicare enrollees to link their claims data using trusted applications, services and research programs. The bill also requires enrollees to access information using a mobile health record application of their choice and one approved by the CMS and meets the specified requirements. The CMS must make such information accessible to such applications as stipulated by the current Blue Button 2.0 program. The proposed legislation also mandates federal payments to states that opt to develop or purchase similar applications for the enrollees.
Federal or State?	Federal
Legislative Intent	The legislative intents of the bill are to amend the Social Security Act with the objective of providing benefits from part A or part B of the Medicare programs. These include individuals who enrollee in state programs under Medicaid. These people will be empowered through the bill to access personal medical data that include prescriptions, diagnosis, providers and tests using mobile health records application of their choice.
Proponents/ Opponents	Proponents:  Proponents of the bill include the representatives introducing and supporting it, healthcare providers like nurses and physicians, software development companies and startups, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
	Opponents: Opponents may include insurance companies that have always have the monopoly to offer consultancy services to the beneficiaries.
Target Population	Beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medicaid
Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees?)	The bill was introduced in Congress in 2019 and later referred to the respective Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill is currently in the Committee of Ways and Means’ subcommittee on Health. The bill has received substantial amount of coverage but it is still new and at committee stage.
General Notes/Comments	The need to expand access to health care, especially for older Americans and individuals with chronic conditions is essential as the country continues to battle pandemics like the Coronavirus disease of 2019. The use of health information technology models like mobile health is expanding access, particularly to underserved and susceptible populations. Therefore, the bill seeks to enhance access to information and allow individuals to have effective management and involvement in their health decisions (Bouayad et al., 2017). By allowing Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to access personal health information through mobile applications, the bill expands care and individual autonomy to make decisions.

 

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement 

Access to healthcare remains one of the fundamental goals of different administrations, particularly at this time when the country and the world are battling a resurgence in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant. The cost of healthcare continues to rise, particularly for those from low-income households and neighborhood and racial minorities. Initiating different interventions like the introduction of Mobile Health Records Act of 2019 will ensure that these people can access healthcare at affordable cost. The act aims at enhance access to care information at a personal level by leveraging novice technology. In their study, Dameff et al. (2019) advance that the use of mobile health records platforms has the capability to enhance health delivery and outcomes. The authors emphasize the need to embrace health information technology models to enhance overall care delivery, particularly access to personal record records.  

The main concern should be on whether the model through the provision of access to personal health information can improve care outcomes that the minimal cost while maintaining service quality of care (Snezana et al., 2020). It is important to understand that the advent of electronic health records together with increased use of Internet platforms and smart technologies have enabled seamless flow of critical clinical information among care organizations and providers (Harahap et al., 2021). Imperatively, if the same can be attained at a personal level, it will enhance patient involvement in decision making concerning their care plans and interventions.  

The approach will also enhance individuals’ ability to make informed choices concerning the use of healthcare services. Opposition to this Act can only arise due to unproven status of such applications in improving access and quality of care (Niazkhani et al., 2020). Such positions can be addressed by looking at the success of models like electronic health records, the use of telehealth and telemedicine and even artificial intelligence in care provision and reducing the cost of healthcare.  

Conclusion 

The Mobile Health Records Act of 2019 is a mobile version of EHRs and should be passed and enacted into law to enhance access to care and reduce the overall costs. The use of such technologies will also enhance patients’ participation in their treatment plans and interventions and allow them to make better informed choices and decisions.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References 

Bouayad, L., Ialynytchev, A., & Padmanabhan, B. (2017). Patient health record  

systems scope and functionalities: Literature review and future directions. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(11), e388.  

doi: 10.2196/jmir.8073. 

Congress.GOV. (2021). H.R.1390 – Mobile Health Record Act of 2019.  

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1390/committees 

Dameff, C., Clay, B., Longhurst, C. A. (2019). Personal Health Records: More  

Promising in the Smartphone Era? JAMA, 321(4):339-340.  

doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.20434. 

Harahap, N. C., Handayani, P. W., & Hidayanto, A. N. (2021). Functionalities and  

Issues in the Implementation of Personal Health Records: Systematic Review. Journal of medical Internet research, 23(7), e26236. 

 doi: 10.2196/26236 

Niazkhani, Z., Toni, E., Cheshmekaboodi, M., Georgiou, A., & Pirnejad, H.  

(2020). Barriers to patient, provider, and caregiver adoption and use of electronic personal health records in chronic care: a systematic review. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 20(1), 1-36.  

doi: 10.1186/s12911-020-01159-1 

Snezana, S., Kilintzis, V., Jakimovski, B., Jolevski, I., Beredimas, N., Mourouzis,  

A., … & Trajkovik, V. (2020, September). Cloud Based Personal Health Records Data Exchange in the Age of IoT: The Cross4all Project. In International Conference on ICT Innovations (pp. 28-41). Springer, Cham.