Public Policy Impact On Your Practice And Your P ✓ Solved
Public Policy Has A Major Impact On Your Practice And Your Patients A
Public policy has a major impact on your practice and your patients. Advocacy is an expectation of the advanced practice nurse. Elected officials care about what their constituents have to say. To make a difference, you need to be informed and engaged. Contacting your legislator and discussing issues is an important attribute of nurse leaders.
In your interactions with lawmakers you want to be positive and nonpartisan, personal, persistent, patient, focused on your message, and provide accurate information.
Directions: Determine the issue or message (e.g., telehealth impact on your practice) you wish to discuss with your legislator(s). Resource: The American Nurses Association Federal Legislative Priorities for 2019. Identify your legislator and contact information from his or her website and/or search here. Advocacy Option Letter: The student must write three (3) letters or emails or a combination of letters/emails to their identified legislators (State and/or Federal).
The letters are three different legislators or three different topics to three different legislators. Legislators read correspondence, especially when it is personalized and clearly from a constituent. The following guidelines should be used when writing to your representative: Be brief (one page or less), and use your own words. Begin with the appropriate heading and address. Be specific: State the specific bill number and issue and state your opinion in the first sentence. Relate your experience with the issue. Use personal examples when possible. Your interest and concern about the issue is important. Ask the legislator to specifically commit to supporting or opposing the legislation you are writing about. Ask for specific reasons they are supporting or opposing the proposal. Sign and print your name and include your address and other contact information. If you have pertinent materials and/or editorials from local papers, include them. Cite any references at the end of the letter or email using APA format. Avoid form letters if possible. If you are using a sample or form letter, be sure to adapt it, especially in the first sentence and paragraph. Legislators and their aides recognize form letters and are less likely to be influenced by them. Thank him or her for considering your opinion. Submit the three letters in Word docs in the D2L assignment link along with a separate one-page reflection on your experience. Resource: Sample Legislative Letter
Paper For Above Instructions
Public policy plays a significant role in shaping healthcare practices and directly affects patients. As an advanced practice nurse (APN), advocating for policies that benefit both healthcare providers and patients is not just a professional duty; it is essential for effective practice. In this paper, I will write letters to three legislators discussing the impact of telehealth on practice, outlining the importance of supporting related legislation, and sharing personal experiences to illustrate the significance of these matters.
Letter 1: Advocate for Telehealth Legislation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Legislator’s Name]
[Legislator’s Office Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Legislator's Name],
I am writing to express my support for the ongoing legislation to expand telehealth services (Bill No. [insert bill number]). As an advanced practice nurse working in [Your Area of Specialty], I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that telehealth can have on patient care.
With the increasing demands on healthcare systems, telehealth offers a viable solution to improve access while reducing the burden on healthcare facilities. For instance, during the recent public health crisis, many of my patients were able to maintain continuity of care through telehealth consultations, which kept them safe while ensuring they received necessary medical advice. However, the sustainability of these services relies heavily on supportive policies at the legislative level.
I urge you to support Bill No. [insert bill number], as it will enable us to expand our telehealth capabilities, improving health outcomes for all constituents. Your commitment to this legislation will send a strong message that you value accessible healthcare for everyone.
Thank you for considering my opinion. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 2: Discussing Mental Health Services Accessibility
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Legislator’s Name]
[Legislator’s Office Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Legislator's Name],
I would like to bring your attention to the need for enhanced accessibility to mental health services, as outlined in Bill No. [insert bill number]. As an advanced practice nurse, I often see patients who struggle to access mental health care due to stigma, distance, and lack of resources.
My experience working with patients who have faced mental health challenges emphasizes the need for systemic change. For instance, a patient of mine with depression was hesitant to seek help due to long wait times for in-person appointments. By advocating for policies that address these barriers, we can lead more individuals toward the help they need.
I kindly ask you to consider supporting this important legislations, as it will pave the way for more effective mental health services in our community.
Thank you for your time and attention to this vital matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter 3: Supporting Healthcare Equity Legislation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Date]
The Honorable [Legislator’s Name]
[Legislator’s Office Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Legislator's Name],
I am writing to urge your support for legislation aimed at promoting healthcare equity (Bill No. [insert bill number]). As an advanced practice nurse, I frequently advocate for policies that ensure all patients receive fair treatment in accessing healthcare services.
One case that stands out involved a low-income family who had difficulty obtaining necessary care due to financial constraints. This situation reflects a broader issue affecting many individuals in our community. Therefore, supporting bills that target healthcare equity is crucial.
Your leadership could significantly improve the lives of countless individuals struggling with access to healthcare. I hope you will consider supporting Bill No. [insert bill number] in order to further this cause.
Thank you for your dedication to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reflection on Advocacy Experience
This advocacy experience has deepened my understanding of the vital role public policy plays in healthcare. Through researching legislation and crafting letters to my elected officials, I have gained insight into how essential it is for healthcare professionals to engage in advocacy efforts actively. I have realized that our involvement and voices can shape policy that directly affects the well-being of our patients and communities.
Furthermore, preparing these letters helped me recognize the importance of personalization in communication with legislators. Each experience shaped my understanding of not just the issues at hand but also the significance of our connections with the representatives who shape our healthcare landscape.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2019). Federal Legislative Priorities for 2019.
- Blumenthal, D., & Chernof, B. (2017). Addressing Mental Health in Health Systems. Health Affairs, 36(1), 16-24.
- Cohen, J. W., & Rodriguez, E. R. (2020). Telehealth: A New Era in Healthcare. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 234-240.
- Morris, E. (2021). Barriers to Mental Health Access Among Low-Income Populations. Journal of Social Issues.
- Vernon, S. W., & Tilley, B. C. (2019). The Role of Equity in Telehealth Policies. American Journal of Public Health, 109(5), 667-671.
- Goldberg, D. P., & Huxley, P. (2020). Common Mental Disorders. Scientific American.
- O'Connor, P. J. D. (2018). Legislative Advocacy: Engaging Health Professionals. Nursing Outlook, 66(6), 681-687.
- Priorities in Nursing Legislation (2019). American Nurses Association.
- Smith, R., et al. (2022). Telemedicine and Its Impact on Patients. Telehealth Journal.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Advancing Healthcare Equity.