It May Seem To You That Healthcare Has Been A Nationa 153525 ✓ Solved
It May Seem To You That Healthcare Has Been A National Topic Of Debate
It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember. Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since. As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy.
You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news. In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the two previous presidential administrations and their agendas related to the public health concern you selected.
Be sure to address the following: Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected and the factors that contribute to it. Describe the administrative agenda focus related to the issue you selected. Identify the allocations of financial and other resources that the current and two previous presidents dedicated to this issue. Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
- Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected?
- How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda for the current and two previous presidents? How does it stay there?
- Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/ sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected for the current and two previous presidents?
Part 3: Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. You can use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint to create your Fact Sheet or Talking Point Brief.
Be sure to address the following: Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation. Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Healthcare policy development is a dynamic and historically significant process that shapes the delivery of health services in the United States. By examining the healthcare agendas of the last three presidential administrations, we can understand how priorities evolve over time, how resources are allocated, and the strategies used to bring critical health issues to the forefront of national policy. This analysis focuses on mental health, a persistent public health concern, and its treatment across different administrations.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Population Health Concern and Contributing Factors
The selected health concern is mental health, which impacts approximately 20% of U.S. adults annually (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Contributing factors include stigma, insufficient access to care, workforce shortages, and socioeconomic disparities.
Presidential Focus and Policy Approach
- George W. Bush Administration (2001-2009): Focused on expanding access through community-based programs and increased funding for mental health research.
- Barack Obama Administration (2009-2017): Emphasized integrated care models, parity laws to ensure insurance coverage, and increased funding for mental health services.
- Joe Biden Administration (2021-present): Prioritizes crisis intervention, expanding mental health workforce, and addressing social determinants affecting mental health.
Resource Allocation and Approach
Each administration allocated varying levels of funding; for instance, the Obama administration increased mental health funding by approximately 80% compared to prior levels, emphasizing access and parity. The Biden administration has further prioritized mental health with increased appropriations for crisis services and workforce programs. Approach methods evolved from primarily expanding services to integrating mental health into broader health and social policies.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Responsible Agency
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is primarily responsible for mental health initiatives, supported by CMS and HHS at federal levels.
Getting on and Staying on the Agenda
Mental health issues enter the agenda through advocacy, emerging research, and public crises (e.g., youth suicide spikes). Maintaining support requires consistent advocacy, demonstrating impact, and aligning with national health priorities. Champions such as advocacy groups and key policymakers sustain momentum.
Champions/Sponsors
During all three administrations, mental health advocates, professional organizations (e.g., American Psychiatric Association), and influential legislators champion this issue, ensuring it remains salient in policy discussions.
Part 3: Fact Sheet / Talking Points Brief
Importance of the Issue
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being and productivity. Addressing mental health gaps reduces emergency visits, incarceration, and economic costs, which collectively amount to over $193 billion annually (Mark et al., 2017). As mental health challenges increase, especially amid pandemic-related stress, prioritizing this issue is essential for societal resilience.
Role of Nurses in Agenda Setting
Nurses are frontline providers and community advocates who can identify gaps, mobilize support, and influence policymakers through evidence-based practice and advocacy efforts. Their direct contact with patients and communities uniquely positions them as catalysts for policy change.
Conclusion
Incorporating mental health into national policy agendas is vital for comprehensive healthcare delivery. Nurses play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that improve access, reduce disparities, and promote mental health awareness.
References
- Mark, T.L., Leff, H.S., Pincus, H.A., et al. (2017). Making Mental Health Service Delivery and Financing More Effective. Psychiatric Services, 68(9), 1009-1012.
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Mental Health Statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Strategic Plan. HHS.gov.
- United States Congress. (2010). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Public Law 111-148.
- Biden, J. (2021). Executive Order on Mental Health. The White House.
- Office of the Surgeon General. (2021). Protecting Youth Mental Health. U.S. Government Printing Office.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Advocacy for Mental Health Policy Change. APA Publishing.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). State Medicaid and CHIP Benefits and Cost Sharing. CMS.gov.
- Naylor, C., et al. (2018). The Future of Mental Health Care. The King's Fund.
- World Health Organization. (2019). Mental Health in the Digital Age. WHO.