Advocacy Through Legislation: Identify A Problem Or Concern ✓ Solved

Advocacy Through Legislation identify A Problem Or Concern In Your

Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below.

For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal.

Problem: In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

Idea for Addressing Solution: In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.

Research the Issue: Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states.

Evidence 1:

Evidence 2:

Stakeholder Support: Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1:

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2:

Stakeholder Opposition: Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations.

Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1:

Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2:

Financial Incentives/Costs: In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support.

Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal: Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following: Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator. Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator. Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress.

Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy: In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc.

Paper For Above Instructions

Identifying the Problem: Opioid Misuse in Kentucky

In Kentucky, opioid misuse represents a significant public health crisis affecting numerous individuals and families. According to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, the state has been severely impacted - with opioid overdose deaths increasing by over 33% between 2019 and 2020, starkly illustrating the devastating trajectory of substance abuse (Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, 2021). Those affected include not only the individuals who misuse these substances but also their families, communities, and the healthcare system under significant strain. The economic toll is estimated to be in the billions, comprising healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses (Florence et al., 2021). Should this issue persist, Kentucky will continue to face soaring overdose death rates, increased criminal activity associated with drug trafficking, and weakened community structures, ultimately leading to a public health disaster.

Addressing the Solution

To combat the opioid epidemic in Kentucky, legislation must be adopted mandating stricter regulations on prescription opioids, promoting alternative pain management therapies, and increasing the accessibility of addiction treatment services. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the root causes of misuse but also provides a roadmap for recovery and support. Legislation serves as the best advocacy tool due to its capacity to create systemic change, enforce accountability, and secure funding for necessary programs, as evidenced by successful initiatives in other states such as Massachusetts (Massachusetts General Laws, 2019). By drawing upon legislative frameworks to drive policy change, Kentucky can adopt damaging practices that contribute to addiction, ultimately saving lives and fortifying community health.

Researching the Issue

Numerous studies and reports substantiate the need for robust legislative action against opioid misuse. For instance, the CDC highlights effective intervention strategies, stating that controlling the prescribing of opioids can significantly reduce misuse rates (CDC, 2021). Furthermore, research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends state-level pain management policies that encourage non-opioid therapies (NIDA, 2020). In terms of similar legislation, states like Ohio and West Virginia have implemented successful measures that led to reductions in prescriptions and overdoses (West Virginia State Legislature, 2021). Clearly, legislative measures have served as a cornerstone for reducing the impacts of opioids across the U.S.

Evidence

  • Evidence 1: Reports from the CDC indicate that states with stricter opioid prescription laws have observed lower rates of prescription-related deaths (CDC, 2021).
  • Evidence 2: The introduction of comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs in various states has shown a decrease in overdose death rates (Sullivan et al., 2021).

Stakeholder Support

Key stakeholders for the proposed legislative measures include healthcare providers, community organizations, and families affected by substance abuse. Healthcare providers will likely support these measures as they create a safer environment for prescribing medications, reducing the risk of patient addiction. Community organizations advocating for public health will align with these proposals as they directly contribute to healthier communities. Families affected by substance misuse will naturally seek legislative measures to protect their loved ones and access necessary treatment resources.

Stakeholder Opposition

Some stakeholders may oppose such legislative measures, particularly pharmaceutical companies that profit from opioid sales. They may argue that stricter regulations hinder patient access to necessary pain relief. To prepare for potential opposition, advocating stakeholders should be prepared to present data demonstrating the continued risks of prescription opioid misuse and successful recovery models that do not rely solely on these medications.

Financial Incentives/Costs

The financial implications of implementing stricter opioid regulations are multifaceted. Although there may be initial costs associated with developing and enforcing new policies, evidence suggests that the long-term benefits outweigh these expenditures significantly. For every dollar spent on addiction treatment, society saves approximately $4 in healthcare reductions and productivity increases (Hoffman et al., 2020). Additionally, decreasing opioid prescriptions could reduce healthcare costs associated with treating overdoses and addiction-related ailments, further demonstrating the financial wisdom behind such legislative actions.

Legislative Process for Proposal

To advocate for the proposed legislative measures, one must start by identifying supportive legislators, such as Senator Morgan McGarvey, whose office can be contacted through the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Effective advocacy would involve gathering community support and data to present to the legislature. If the legislator decides to introduce the proposal as a bill, it would undergo review by the relevant committees before being presented to the full House and Senate for discussion and a voting process, allowing for community input along the way.

Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy

Christian principles significantly bolster the rationale for advocating legislative measures to improve public health outcomes. The foundational belief in the inherent dignity of all individuals compels advocates to push for policies that ensure equitable access to information, healthcare, and resources for all populations, particularly the most vulnerable. This worldview promotes inclusiveness and compassion, serving as a critical motivator for legislative efforts that aim to protect and support the health of diverse community members. The pursuit of justice in healthcare aligns intimately with Christian values, empowering advocates to address systemic inequities and maximize positive health outcomes without bias.

References

  • CDC. (2021). Understanding the epidemic. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
  • Florence, C. S., Zhou, C., Wang, L. S., & Luo, F. (2021). TheEconomic Burden of Prescription Opioid Overdose, Abuse, and Dependence in the United States, 2017. Medical Care, 56(10), 872-878.
  • Hoffman, R. S., & Nelson, L. S. (2020). The Financial Impact of Addiction Treatment. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 60, 1–8.
  • Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. (2021). 2021 Kentucky Drug Control Policy Annual Report. Retrieved from https://odcp.ky.gov/
  • Massachusetts General Laws. (2019). An Act to Expand Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Retrieved from https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2019/Chapter53.
  • NIDA. (2020). Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder/overview
  • Sullivan, A. F., et al. (2021). Impact of Legislation on Opioid Prescribing: An Evaluation of Recent Policies. Health Affairs, 40(7), 1126-1131.
  • West Virginia State Legislature. (2021). The West Virginia Opioid Response Plan. Retrieved from https://www.wvlegislature.gov.
  • American Medical Association (AMA). (2019). AMA's Policy on Opioid Prescribing. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/ama-opioid-prescribing-policies.
  • Fischer, B. et al. (2019). Opioid Policy and Legislation in the US: Opportunities and Challenges. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 39(10), 828-840.

Related Assignments