LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY/ADVOCACY STATEMENT NURS 6050
Legislation Grid Template
Nurses are patient advocates and interact with different individuals who suffer from existing health disparities that reduce their access to health care services and quality care outcomes. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine emphasizes the critical role that nurses will play in the next decade to achieve health equity (Bode, 2022). The purpose of this legislation grid is to analyze a bill to reduce health disparities and the role of nurses in advocating its enactment to attain health equity by reducing the current health disparities.
| Health-related Bill Name | Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022 |
| Bill Number | H. R. 7585 |
| Description | Introduced by Representative Kelly Robin (Democrat for Illinois’s second Congressional district), the bill requires the Health and Human Service Department and other agencies to implement different interventions aimed at reducing health disparities (Congress.GOV, 2022). The bill aims at making the U.S. health care system not only equitable but also accessible for everyone, irrespective of their diversity and legal status in the country.
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| Federal or State? | Federal |
| Legislative Intent | The legislative intent of the bill is to ensure that Congress creates policies aimed at addressing the link between health inequities and demographic factors like race and ethnicity, immigration status, age, disability and sex, gender, sexual orientation and expression as well as language and socioeconomic status. The bill has over 80 cosponsors and support from 60 stakeholder groups and organizations (Congress.GOV, 2022). The bill implores the Health and Human Services Department to focus on ten areas associated with health equity to reduce disparities. The bill requires the department to support health workforce diversity and increase access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care. It also proposes changes to eligibility and requirements for Medicare and Medicaid as well as private health insurance and nutritional assistance. These programs among others aim at reducing health disparities. |
| Proponents/ Opponents | Proponents: The bill has diverse proponents that include over 80 Congressional members and close to 60 stakeholder groups in healthcare and related sectors. The bill emphasizes the need to improve quality care delivery for all people across the health and age continuum. It has certain provisions for noncitizens and ethnic minority groups. |
| Opponents: Currently, there has been no documented opposition to the bill, both in and outside Congress. | |
| Target Population | The bill targets the general population because of its components. The bill has wide provisions for different demographics, from support to health workforce to improving accessibility by even noncitizens to illustrate its wide scope and target. |
| Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees?) | The bill has had eighteen actions and been to 13 committees. Currently, the bill is in the House and been reviewed or tabled and debated in different committees that include Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Agriculture and Budget, Judiciary and Homeland Security as well as Financial Services and Transportation and Infrastructure. |
| General Notes/Comments
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The bill is critical to addressing the current disparities in health care to ensure health equity for all people in the country. With over 80 cosponsors, the bill is poised to be passed and will have significant transformation of the health care industry, especially efforts to reduce health disparities and achieve equity. |
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Advocacy is an essential role for nurses, especially in efforts to reduce existing disparities and attain health equity for different populations, especially low-income individuals and families. The Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2022 is a critical legislative piece that requires enactment because it addresses critical issues that impact the delivery of health equity for different populations. Consequently, Congress should pass this bill for effective enactment to attain its benefits. Keeping demographics about individuals and families as well as groups experiencing disparities and inequities in health care provision is essential to improving the health of the population (Bode, 2022). The bill also considers the position of nurses and the need to enhance their ability to offer quality care as it proposes increased support from the HHS to health workforce diversity and enhancing access to culturally and linguistically-sensitive care for patients and health populations.
The bill has provisions that respect noncitizens, maternal health, infant health and child health. It also proposes interventions to health individuals access support and changes eligibility requirements for Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance. Therefore, this bill captures all aspects recommended in the report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicines (Bode, 2022). Today, millions of Americans and noncitizens cannot access equitable and quality care due to disparities caused by different aspects of their demographics. As such, this bill will be critical in improving the current conditions and increasing access to healthcare services. Currently, there is no opposition to the bill. However, in case it arises, it is essential to remind opponents that developing a healthy nation reduces expenditure on care and the burden of costs associated with health disparities, especially health inequities and inequalities.
Conclusion
Nurses need advocacy to help improve access to healthcare for patients and health populations. The bill aims at addressing these issues and nurses should take a forefront position to advocate its enactment. Through this bill, the workforce will also be enhanced to meet expected demands.
References
Bode, H. (2022). A new bill to address health disparities: The Health Equity and
Accountability Act.
Congress.GOV (2022). H.R.7585 – Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022.
Wakefield, M., Williams, D. R., & Le Menestrel, S. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-
2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academy of Sciences.
Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
To Prepare:
- Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Be sure to add a title page, an introduction, purpose statement, and a conclusion. This is an APA paper.
Part 1: Legislation Grid
Based on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Be sure to address the following:
- Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed.
- Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill.
- Identify the target populations addressed by the bill.
- Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
- Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position.
- Explain how the social determinants of income, age, education, or gender affect this legislation.
- Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples.
- At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used.
By Day 7 of Week 4
Submit your completed legislation grid and testimony/advocacy statement.
| Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal and State Legislation
Part 1: Legislation Grid Based on the health- related bill you selected, complete the Legislation Grid Template. Be sure to address the following: • Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed. • Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill. • Identify the target populations addressed by the bill. • Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees? |
32 (32%) – 35 (35%)
The response clearly and accurately summarizes in detail the legislative intent of the health- related bill.
The response accurately identifies in detail the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response accurately identifies in detail the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response clearly and thoroughly describes in detail the current status of the health- related bill. |
28 (28%) – 31 (31%)
The response accurately summarizes the legislative intent of the health-related bill.
The response accurately identifies the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response accurately identifies the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response accurately describes the current status of the health-related bill. |
25 (25%) – 27 (27%)
The response vaguely or inaccurately summarizes the legislative intent of the health-related bill.
The response vaguely or inaccurately identifies the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill. The response vaguely or inaccurately identifies the populations targeted by the health-related bill. The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the current status of the health-related bill. |
0 (0%) – 24 (24%)
Summary of the legislative intent of the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing.
Identification of the proponents and opponents of the health-related bill are vague and inaccurate or is missing. Identification of the populations targeted by the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. The description of the current status of the health- related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. |
| Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
• Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your position. • Explain how the social determinants of income, age, education, or gender affect this legislation. • Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific and provide examples. |
36 (36%) – 40 (40%)
Testimony clearly, accurately, and thoroughly provides statements that fully justifies a position for a health-related bill.
Response provides a detailed, thorough, and logical explanation of the social determinant affecting the topic, and how to address opponents to the position for the health-related bill and includes one or more clear and accurate supporting examples. |
32 (32%) – 35 (35%)
Testimony clearly and accurately provides statements that somewhat justifies a position for a health-related bill.
Response provides an accurate explanation of the social determinant affecting the topic, and how to address opponents to the position for the health-related bill and may include at least one supporting example. |
28 (28%) – 31 (31%)
Testimony used to justify a position for a health-related bill is vague or inaccurate.
Explanation of how to address the opponents and social determinant for the position for the health-related bill is vague or inaccurate, lacks logic, and/or the supporting examples are vague or inaccurate. |
0 (0%) – 27 (27%)
Testimony used to justify a position for a health-related bill is vague and inaccurate, incomplete, or is missing.
Explanation of how to address the opponents and social determinant for the position for the health-related bill is vague and inaccurate or is missing. |
| References |
10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Response includes 3 or more course resources and 2 or more outside sources.
|
8 (8%) – 8 (8%)
Response includes 2-3 course resources and 2 outside sources.
|
7 (7%) – 7 (7%)
Response includes fewer than 2 course resources and/or fewer than 2 outside resources.
|
0 (0%) – 6 (6%)
Response includes 2 or fewer resources.
|
| Written Expression and Formatting—Paragraph Development and Organization
Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, low logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused– neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria. |
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive |
3 (3%) – 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic. |
0 (0%) – 2 (2%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is incomplete or missing. |
| Written Expression and Formatting: English Writing Standards
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation. |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
|
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
|
3 (3%) – 3 (3%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
|
0 (0%) – 2 (2%)
Contains many (≥5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
|
| Written Expression and Formatting:
The paper follows correct APA format for title page, font, spacing, indentations, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
|
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
|
3 (3%) – 3 (3%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
|
0 (0%) – 2 (2%)
Contains many (≥5) APA format errors.
|
| Total Points: 100 |
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