Choose A Legislator On The State In 300 Words And References
Choose A Legislator On The State In 300 Words And 2 References Each
Choose a legislator at the state or federal level who is also a nurse and discuss the importance of the legislator/nurse's role as an advocate for improving health care delivery. Describe specific bills that the legislator/nurse has sponsored or supported that have influenced health care. Additionally, research legislation from the past five years at the state or federal level that resulted from nurse advocacy, explaining the legislation and its accomplishments. Outline what further actions are needed to continue advocating for this issue.
Paper For Above instruction
Nurses who serve as legislators play a crucial role in shaping health policy and advocating for reforms that improve healthcare delivery systems. Their firsthand experience with patient care provides them with unique insights into the challenges faced by both providers and recipients of healthcare. One prominent example is Lauren Underwood, a registered nurse and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who exemplifies the importance of nurse-legislators in policy advocacy. Underwood has supported legislation aimed at expanding access to healthcare, addressing maternal health disparities, and ensuring mental health resources are prioritized (U.S. Congress, 2021). Her background as a nurse informs her legislative initiatives, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policies that enhance health outcomes.
In recent legislative developments, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, passed at the federal level, was heavily influenced by nurse advocacy efforts. This legislation mandates safe staffing levels in hospitals, directly addressing concerns nurses have raised about coverage and patient safety. Its passage signifies progress toward improved working conditions and enhanced patient care standards (American Nurses Association, 2020). Moving forward, ongoing advocacy should focus on persistent issues such as addressing healthcare disparities and expanding nursing workforce incentives. Nurses as legislators must continue to leverage their clinical expertise to influence policies that foster equitable and high-quality healthcare for all populations.
By empowering nurses in legislative roles, the healthcare system benefits from policies grounded in clinical realities and professional advocacy, making sustained activism essential for ongoing improvements.
References
American Nurses Association. (2020). ANA supports legislation to improve hospital staffing standards. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/ana-supports-legislation-to-improve-hospital-staffing-standards/
U.S. Congress. (2021). Biography of Lauren Underwood. https://www.congress.gov/member/lauren-underwood/U000272