Kenia LEGISLATION GRID AND TESTIMONY/ADVOCACY STATEMENT

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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.

· 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.

 

Sample Solution

Title: Examining The Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act

Introduction:

Nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, yet obtaining licensure to practice in multiple states can be a complex and time-consuming process. This paper will analyze the Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act, a proposed bill aimed at streamlining licensure across state lines. Following the analysis, we will advocate for the bill’s passage and address potential concerns from opponents.

Part 1: Legislation Grid

Bill: The Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act

Legislative Intent:

The Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act aims to simplify the process for registered nurses (RNs) to obtain licensure in multiple states. Currently, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) exists as an agreement between participating states, but some states have limitations on which types of RNs qualify (e.g., excluding advanced practice nurses). This bill seeks to ensure all RNs licensed in a compact state are eligible for multi-state licensure under the NLC.

Proponents:

  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
  • American Nurses Association (ANA)
  • Patients requiring care across state lines

Opponents:

  • Some State Boards of Nursing concerned about potential variations in educational standards
  • Nurses’ unions worried about potential impact on wages and working conditions

Target Populations:

  • Registered nurses licensed in a compact state

Current Status:

The Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act is currently in the proposal stage. It has not yet been formally introduced to Congress but has gained support from nursing organizations.

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Position:

We strongly advocate for the passage of the Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act. Streamlining licensure across state lines enhances patient access to care, increases nurse mobility, and fosters a more efficient healthcare system.

Impact of Social Determinants:

Several social determinants of health are impacted by the Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act. Income: Nurses seeking work opportunities in higher-paying states would benefit from easier licensure transfer. Age: Experienced nurses nearing retirement may choose to relocate to be closer to family, and the bill eases licensure in a new state. Education: The bill promotes the national recognition of nursing education standards, potentially impacting future job prospects for nurses. Gender: The nursing profession is predominantly female, and the bill’s flexibility could empower nurses to pursue career opportunities across state lines.

Addressing Opponents:

Concerns from some State Boards of Nursing regarding variations in educational standards can be addressed by maintaining the NLC’s multi-state oversight and quality assurance measures. Nurses’ unions concerned about potential wage and working condition impacts can be reassured that the bill primarily focuses on licensure, not regulation of wages or working conditions, which remain under individual state or collective bargaining agreements.

Conclusion:

The Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act represents a significant stepa towards a more efficient and patient-centered healthcare system. By removing unnecessary barriers to nurse mobility, the bill empowers nurses to practice where they are most needed and ensures patients have access to qualified care across state lines. We urge Congress to consider the positive impact of this legislation and pass the Nurse Licensure Compact Parity Act.

 

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