This paper answers 6 crucial discussion questions on nursing. The first question is on the role of the federal, state, and local legislation related to health care and the second is on the similarities and differences in these legislation. The third question is on the steps for using the nursing profession for political strategy while the fourth is on how nursing has become more involved and able to influence policy development. The fifth question is on how nurses become involved in the political arena and the last is on how the Illinois nursing association organization is involved in politics and involved in changing health care laws.
¶ … writergirl Please answer questions straight acceding order. 1)Discuss role federal, state, local legislation related health care?(100) 2) How federal, state, local legislation compare similarities differences? Provide examples.
The role of the federal, state, and local legislation related to health care
The federal, state and local governments have the role of creating legislation that ensure the continuous financing of healthcare while ensuring healthcare is delivered at the highest quality possible. Federal legislation also works to ensure that the rate of growth in spending on Medicare is lowered and that healthcare is efficiently planned to increase research and development that leads to better healthcare. They also regulate the healthcare sector to ensure that all stakeholders such as insurance companies, health care providers and service delivery professional play their part to ensure the effective implementation of healthcare delivery Jost & Hall, 2005()
How does the federal, state, and local legislation compare in similarities and differences?
Federal laws are those passed by the federal government and are enforced by the U.S. government agencies. One crucial law that has been passed recently is the patient protection and affordable care act which aims to increase the insurance coverage among the population and ensure that both the young and old are covered. It also ensures proper usage of Medicare funds. State laws are those passed by the state who is also the enforcer. They cannot contradict federal laws and are only applicable to the specific state. For example in Utah where there was a health insurance exchange program even before it was implemented by the federal affordable care act. Local law on the other hand serves smaller political entities for example counties, towns and township cities Jost & Hall, 2005()
Steps for using the nursing profession for political strategy
The first step for nurses to use their profession for political strategy is to define their problem. Here, the nurses need to define their problem in a way that shapes the solution. Time and thought need to come in to ensure proper definition of the problem in order to ensure that the issue is still in existence and that it needs a political strategy in order to be resolved. The second step is creation of relevant assumptions for the change which would have huge effect on the potential solutions to the previously defined problem. One assumption that could be made is for the cause of the problem Abood, 2007()
The next step is then to list all possible courses of action. Each course of action should be carefully and individually analyzed to understand its pros and cons in order to establish its viability. Here, the nurses need to understand the kinds of courses of actions such as using the existing rules, regulations and policies. They also need to know the key to success for each course of action by researching them deeply. The last step is to pick the best course of action and to implement it. If the chosen course of action is to formulate new policies, the nurses will pursue it accordingly Abood, 2007()
How has nursing become more involved and able to influence policy development?
Nurses have realized the power of influence that they have in their profession that can lead to reforms in public policy and especially health policy. They have learnt to exert influence on their workplace by trying to affect the development of policies for their institutions. They also exert influence on the community through participating in activities and running campaigns on local boards. They also influence professional organizations through their participation on committees. Lastly, they exert influence on the government by being involved in campaigns, writing letters and voting.
Individually, the nurses do not address any political issues that affect their profession. However, as a group, they organize support for the issues that affect the health of the world thus having a great deal of influence on the political issues surrounding their role as promoters of health and also their profession. Visionary leaders in the profession can help to bring nursing to the next level of involvement and professionalism. This is because they hold strategic positions in healthcare facilities and professional organizations which increase their influence on public policy and politics. A good example is Sue Clark who is a registered nurse who left her nursing career to become a lobbyist. She is actively involved in passing of laws pertaining to healthcare and the nursing profession. The second example is Claire Fagin who has always voiced her opinion to bring improvement of health services to the citizens Feldman & Lewenson, 2000()
How do nurses become involved in the political arena?
Nurses become involved in political issues in order to bring about changes in the healthcare sector. By paying attention to the current legislation and voicing their professional opinion, the nurses have managed to advance the health care sector and their profession. Through their membership in professional organizations, nurses have managed to make a great positive impact in the political arena. Another way through which nurses have become involved in politics is by being involved in the policy formulation process by being members of the committees that research policy changes that need to be done as well as serving on state nursing boards to ensure that the regulations being passed lead to a brighter future.
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