Problem   In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.
Idea for Addressing Solution   In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.
Research the Issue   Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states.
Evidence 1
Evidence 2
Stakeholder Support   Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.
Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1
Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2
Stakeholder Opposition   Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations.
Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1
Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2
Financial Incentives/Costs   In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support.
Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal   Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following:
Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator.
Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator.
Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress.
Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy   In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc.

 

 

MORE INFO 

Healthcare Advocacy Through Legislation

Introduction

Healthcare advocacy is the process of bringing about change to the healthcare system by working with people at all levels of government and in the medical community. In this article, we’ll cover what exactly it means to be a healthcare advocate, how to get started, and who you can turn to for help.

What is healthcare advocacy?

Healthcare advocacy is the act of working toward improving the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare. In other words, it’s about advocating for policies that will improve access to healthcare while also making sure that everyone has access to high-quality care.

Healthcare advocates can be found all over the country and around the world—from doctors and nurses to patients with chronic conditions who need financial assistance with their health costs. These advocates work together to create change in their communities by influencing public policy decisions on behalf of their patients; they may even have a hand in shaping laws or regulations themselves!

Healthcare advocacy and advocacy through legislative means

Healthcare advocacy is the effort to influence the policy-making process. Advocacy through legislative means is the act of attempting to influence legislation. The two are not mutually exclusive, and both can be valuable tools for advancing your organization’s mission and goals.

Here are some examples:

• If you’re in favor of expanding access to healthcare coverage, then you should consider lobbying Congress or state legislatures on this issue (and perhaps other issues as well). This could mean meeting with representatives or senators who represent your area, attending town hall meetings where they discuss issues affecting their constituents’ lives, writing letters asking them how they feel about specific proposed changes in welfare policies—the possibilities are endless!

How to get involved in healthcare advocacy

To take action, you need to find a cause that you are passionate about. Think about how you can help others in your community and state. Get involved with other people who share your passion and make sure they know about it as well.

Volunteer for a healthcare agency or hospital.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your community and make a difference. You can volunteer at a hospital, healthcare agency, government office or nonprofit organization. If you’re looking for something more local than that—maybe one of your local governments needs help with something? Or maybe you’d like to help out at an animal shelter? Or perhaps you’d like to volunteer with your local political party?

There are so many opportunities out there!

Inform your legislators of your vision for healthcare policy.

• Find out who your legislators are. Your state’s congressional representatives are members of the House of Representatives, and they’re in charge of passing legislation that affects you as a citizen. They’re also responsible for deciding which bills get voted on, so it’s important to know who they are and what issues are important to them.

• Find out who your senators are. The Senate is made up of 100 senators representing each state (and two from Washington D.C.). Each senator has a say in how laws get passed through Congress, so it’s important to know where every member stands on various issues—especially if you want them on board with your cause!

• Find out what bills are being debated in Congress right now! Some issues like healthcare reform have been around for years before getting resolved; others like immigration reform may only be just starting up now because things have changed so much over time since those first discussions took place years ago… but keep an eye out anyway because sometimes there’ll be news stories about certain aspects coming back into focus again after being forgotten about temporarily due at one point or another during their lifetime cycle (like retirement savings plans).

Participate in grassroots movements.

A grassroots movement is one that’s not necessarily supported by the government, but it still makes an impact on the community. For example, when you’re walking down the street and see a homeless person who’s been panhandling for money or food, what do you do? If you’ve ever been in this situation before, chances are good that most people would pass by without saying anything—if they did say anything at all. But if there was an organization nearby that could help out with these issues (like Habitat for Humanity), then maybe more people would be willing to give back instead of passing them by.

It’s important to get involved with grassroots movements because they’re always changing and evolving—and as long as we’re involved in them now while they’re still small enough so we can make an impact on them later (or even earlier), then our future citizens will benefit from our involvement today!

Join an online or local advocacy group.

Join an online or local advocacy group.

• Online groups are often found on social media, like Facebook.

• Local groups are often affiliated with a specific healthcare agency or hospital and meet in person in your city. They can help you find your place in the wider healthcare advocacy community and provide opportunities for networking with other advocates in similar situations.

Help others find their voice and act as an advocate for them.

The best way to help others find their voice and act as an advocate for them is by giving them the tools necessary to take action. This can be done through legislation, but also in other ways. For example, if you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you could work together with them to plan a trip to Washington D.C. where they can meet members of Congress who care about healthcare reform issues. You could also encourage this person by sharing stories of people who have been helped by their own advocacy efforts – all while making sure that your friend feels comfortable sharing her story too!

It’s important not just because it makes us feel good but because it helps us live better lives long-term: Advocates tend to do better job at keeping track of bills moving through congress; they’re more likely engage with legislators when they request feedback on proposed legislation; they tend not only advocate for themselves but also friends/family members who might need help navigating through similar situations down the road (including yourself!).

Why you should become a healthcare advocate?

You should become a healthcare advocate because you can make a difference. You can help others, and you can be part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll have fun, feel good about yourself and your work—and maybe even meet some interesting people along the way!

Healthcare advocacy can be done on both a local and global scale, and regardless of the scope of your efforts, you can make a difference!

Healthcare advocacy is a broad topic, but it can be done on both a local and global scale. Regardless of the scope of your efforts, you can make a difference!

Conclusion

Healthcare advocacy is a powerful way to make an impact in our health care system. It can be as simple as sharing your personal experiences with others, or it may require more formal training and experience before you feel comfortable speaking publicly about issues related to healthcare policy. Whatever your preferred level of involvement, we hope this article has inspired you to take action!