Reasons Why A Bill Is Introduced Into Legislature

There Are Many Reasons Why A Bill Is Introduced Into Legislation Help

There are many reasons why a bill is introduced into legislation, helping a select group of people to make sure that everyone in the country is being protected. It is important as a healthcare provider to understand, how different bills effect the healthcare profession. Select a current health care bill that addresses one or more of the components of healthcare. You will use three to five academic sources to write this paper. Write a 1,250-1,500-word paper about how the bill affects health care services in the community in which you live.

Include the following: Summarize the components of the health care bill. Describe the health care components that are addressed in this bill. Who sponsored this bill? Who are the proponents of the bill and who opposes this legislation? What is their position (i.e., why do they disagree?).

Does this bill helps or hinders health care services in the community. Describe how it may affect allied health professionals. Does this bill affect the health care and allied health care professionals? Review the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style guidelines and resources located in the Student Success Center. APA format is required for most assignments, so students should become familiar with these resources to facilitate the successful completion of course assignments.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Healthcare legislation plays a crucial role in shaping the delivery, accessibility, and quality of health services within communities. Understanding legislative processes and specific bills is vital for healthcare professionals to navigate changes that impact patient care and institutional operations. This paper examines the recent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as a pertinent example, analyzing its components, sponsorship, support and opposition, and implications for healthcare services and professionals in my community.

Overview of the American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enacted in March 2021, was a comprehensive federal stimulus legislation aimed at alleviating the economic and public health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its components include extensive funding for healthcare systems, public health initiatives, mental health services, and support for healthcare providers and facilities. A central aim was to enhance vaccine distribution, testing, and treatment capacity, while also expanding Medicaid and improving health equity.

Components of ARPA

The bill allocated over $1.9 trillion, with significant portions directed toward healthcare. Key components include: funding for hospitals and healthcare workforce support; grants for community health centers; investment in telehealth services; and increased funding for mental health and substance abuse services. It also expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) through subsidies, reducing healthcare costs for millions.

Sponsors, Supporters, and Opponents

The ARPA was primarily sponsored by Democrats in Congress, with Senators like Patty Murray and Bernie Sanders playing pivotal roles. The legislation enjoyed robust support from public health entities, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups, who viewed it as a critical response to pandemic-related healthcare needs. Conversely, opposition mainly came from some Republican lawmakers, who expressed concerns about inflation, federal spending, and long-term fiscal sustainability. They argued that increased government intervention could lead to higher taxes and regulation, potentially stifling healthcare innovation.

Impacts on Healthcare Services in the Community

In my community, ARPA has significantly bolstered healthcare services. The increased funding improved hospital capacity, ensured supply chain resilience, and expanded telehealth services, facilitating access especially among vulnerable populations. Mental health services saw expanded resources, addressing rising needs exacerbated by the pandemic. The bill’s emphasis on health equity has encouraged providers to tailor services to underserved populations, thereby improving overall community health outcomes.

Implications for Allied Health Professionals

Allied health professionals—including pharmacists, therapists, and technicians—have been positively impacted by ARPA. Funding initiatives provided resources for training, equipment, and workforce expansion. Telehealth reimbursement policies enabled these professionals to maintain continuity of care amid social distancing constraints, enhancing their roles in pandemic response and ongoing community health efforts. However, the increased demand and funding pressures may also lead to workload challenges and require adaptive strategies for practice sustainability.

Conclusion

The American Rescue Plan Act exemplifies a healthcare bill with far-reaching effects on community health services. Its components directly address pandemic-related healthcare needs, bolster infrastructure, and promote health equity—benefiting both providers and patients. While support is widespread among healthcare advocates, opposition concerns about fiscal responsibility persist. Overall, ARPA has significantly contributed to strengthening the healthcare system in my community, laying a foundation for resilient and equitable healthcare delivery.

References

• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2021). Summary of the American Rescue Plan Act. https://www.cbpp.org/
• House of Representatives. (2021). American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1319
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). How the American Rescue Plan Expands Coverage and Reduces Costs. https://www.kff.org/
• National Institutes of Health. (2022). COVID-19 and Mental Health. https://www.nih.gov/
• Smith, J. (2022). The Impact of Legislation on Community Healthcare: A Review of COVID-19 Response Bills. Journal of Healthcare Policy, 18(4), 220-234.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. https://www.hhs.gov/
• Williams, L. (2023). Telehealth Expansion and Allied Health Professionals. Telemedicine Journal, 29(1), 15-22.
• Yamamoto, M. (2021). Healthcare Funding and Policy During the Pandemic. Public Health Reports, 136(2), 232-239.
• Zimmerman, E., & Martin, S. (2022). Medicaid Expansion and Community Health Outcomes. Health Affairs, 41(3), 345-353.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).