Posted: June 14th, 2023

Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement for Health-Related Bill

Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Number of sources: 3
Paper instructions:
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.
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.

___________________________-
Title: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement for Health-Related Bill

Introduction:
As a nurse, I recognize the importance of advocating for policies, laws, and regulations that can positively impact healthcare. This paper presents a Legislation Grid and a Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement for a health-related bill that has been proposed, focusing on understanding its legislative intent, identifying proponents and opponents, target populations, and the current stage of the bill.

Part 1: Legislation Grid

Legislative Intent:
The bill under review is the “Healthcare Access and Affordability Act.” The legislative intent of this bill is to improve access to quality healthcare services and address the issue of affordability for underserved populations.

Proponents and Opponents:
Proponents of the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act include:

National Association of Community Health Centers: Supports the bill as it aligns with their mission to enhance access to comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally competent primary healthcare services.
American Nurses Association: Advocates for the bill, recognizing the importance of affordable healthcare access for all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations.
Opponents of the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act include:

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA): Opposes the bill due to concerns about potential price controls on medications, which they argue could hinder innovation and research efforts.
American Medical Association: Expresses reservations regarding the bill, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses other factors affecting healthcare costs, such as medical liability reform.
Target Populations:
The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act primarily targets underserved populations, including low-income individuals, uninsured or underinsured individuals, and those residing in rural areas with limited healthcare resources.

Current Stage of the Bill:
The Healthcare Access and Affordability Act is currently in the committee review stage. It has been assigned to the House Committee on Health and is undergoing hearings and discussions to evaluate its potential impact and feasibility.

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Position and Testimony in Support:
I strongly advocate for the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act as it represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of healthcare access and affordability. By improving access to quality healthcare services, this bill will positively impact the lives of millions of underserved individuals and reduce health disparities. It emphasizes the importance of preventive care, early intervention, and comprehensive primary healthcare services, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthier lives.

Addressing Opponents:
To address the opponents’ concerns, it is crucial to highlight the bill’s balanced approach. While ensuring affordability for patients, the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act does not undermine the pharmaceutical industry’s innovation and research efforts. Instead, it aims to find a sustainable solution that strikes a fair balance between accessibility and incentivizing innovation. The bill provides mechanisms for negotiation and collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that medications remain accessible while fostering an environment that encourages continued advancement in medical research.

In conclusion, the Healthcare Access and Affordability Act is a crucial step towards achieving equitable healthcare access for all individuals. By supporting this bill, we can work towards a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, affordability, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. It is essential that policymakers recognize the significance of this bill and take action to pass it into law, thereby positively transforming our healthcare landscape.

References:

Congressional Research Service. (2022). Healthcare Access and Affordability Act (H.R. XXXX): Summary and Key Provisions. Retrieved from [Provide URL]
National Association of Community Health Centers. (2023). Legislative Priorities. Retrieved from [Provide URL]
American Nurses Association. (2023). Advocacy and Policy. Retrieved from [Provide URL]