Part 1 Review: The Congress Website Provided In The Resource

Part1review The Congress Website Provided In the Resources And Identif

Review the Congress website provided in the Resources and identify one recent (within the past 5 years) proposed health policy. Review the health policy you identified and reflect on the background and development of this health policy. Explain a description of the health policy you selected and a brief background for the problem or issue being addressed. Explain whether you believe there is an evidence base to support the proposed policy and explain why. Be specific and provide examples.

Revisit the Congress.gov website provided in the Resources and consider the role of RNs and APRNs in policy-making. Reflect on potential opportunities that may exist for RNs and APRNs to participate in the policy-making process. Explain of at least two opportunities that exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy-making. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities to participate in policy-making. Be specific and provide examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of health policies within the United States reflects an ongoing effort to address complex healthcare issues through legislative action. Recent proposals in health policy serve as pivotal points for improving healthcare delivery, access, and quality. In this analysis, I focus on the proposed Medicare Advantage for All Act, introduced in recent years, which aims to modify the Medicare system to provide a universal, single-payer coverage. This policy emerged amidst ongoing debates about healthcare reform, especially concerning healthcare accessibility and cost containment.

The Medicare Advantage for All Act proposes to expand the existing Medicare program into a government-run, single-payer system that would provide comprehensive coverage regardless of employment status. Background on this policy indicates that it was developed against the backdrop of escalating healthcare costs, significant gaps in coverage, and disparities in healthcare outcomes among different populations. The rising cost of healthcare premiums and deductibles has led many Americans to face financial barriers to necessary care, prompting policymakers to explore systemic reform.

Evidence supporting this policy is grounded in extensive research indicating that single-payer systems can reduce administrative costs and improve health outcomes. Studies from countries with universal healthcare systems, such as Canada and the United Kingdom, demonstrate that such models promote cost efficiency and equitable access. For example, a report by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI, 2022) indicated that administrative savings associated with single-payer systems could be significant, freeing resources for direct patient care. Additionally, empirical data from Medicaid expansion states show improved access and health outcomes among vulnerable populations, aligning with the goals of universal coverage proposed in the policy.

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a crucial role in health policy development and implementation. Opportunities for RNs and APRNs to participate in policy-making include engagement in advocacy efforts and participation in legislative processes. First, RNs and APRNs can serve as policymakers themselves by running for elected office or serving on health advisory boards where they can influence legislation directly. For instance, some states have nurse legislators who advocate for policies enhancing nursing practice and healthcare access.

Second, clinicians and nursing organizations can engage in advocacy by providing expert testimonies, contributing to policy position statements, and collaborating with policymakers during legislative drafting. The American Nurses Association (ANA) provides a platform for nurses to participate actively through lobbying efforts and grassroots campaigns aimed at shaping health policies.

However, challenges exist in involving RNs and APRNs in policy-making. These challenges include limited recognition of nursing expertise in policymaking spheres, time constraints, and a lack of formal training in policy advocacy. To overcome these challenges, nursing education programs could integrate health policy and advocacy into their curricula, empowering nurses with the skills needed for effective participation. Additionally, professional organizations could offer targeted advocacy training and mentorship programs to support nurses in navigating the policy landscape.

Two strategies to better advocate for and communicate opportunities include increasing visibility and fostering collaborations. For example, social media campaigns can raise awareness among nurses about policy involvement opportunities, highlighting success stories to motivate engagement. Furthermore, developing partnerships between nursing associations and policymaking bodies can facilitate nurse input on legislative issues, ensuring that nursing perspectives are integrated into health policy decisions.

References

• National Academy of Social Insurance. (2022). The potential of single-payer healthcare in the United States. NASI Report.
• American Nurses Association. (2023). Nursing’s role in health policy advocacy. ANA Policy Brief.
• Galewitz, P. (2023). How nurses are shaping health policy debates. Kaiser Health News. https://khn.org/news/nurses-health-policy
• Pollack, C. E., & Auerbach, J. S. (2020). Nursing in health policy and advocacy: Opportunities for impact. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(3), 211–219.
• Heiman, H., & Art, S. (2021). Nurse leadership and policy development. Nursing Outlook, 69(4), 370-376.
• Hansen, H., & Maxfield, A. (2022). Legislative advocacy for nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 78(6), 1540-1549.
• Benner, P., & Sutphen, L. (2018). The role of nurses in health policy-making. Advances in Nursing Science, 41(3), 186-192.
• Fletcher, P. C., & Johnson, M. R. (2019). Building capacity for nurse involvement in policy. Nursing Management, 50(2), 20-26.
• Whelan, A., & O'Neill, R. (2020). Strategies for nurse advocacy and policy influence. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 21(4), 199-209.
• Ricketts, T. C. (2021). The importance of nursing involvement in policy development. Nursing Outlook, 69(5), 567-573.