Examine U.S. health care policy structures and the role of the nursing leader as a change agent at the public policy table.
Directions
You will choose one federal-level healthcare policy issue that interests you.
As a change agent, using “X” a microblogging platform, you will write to one of your federal legislators outlining what the issue is and why it is important. You will be as concise and mindful of your federal legislators time as possible.
“X” provided in a Word document will address:
• The current policy
• The need for change
• The suggested change
• The cost implications
Sample Answer
To influence federal healthcare policy, nursing leaders must combine clinical expertise with "X" (formerly Twitter) advocacy to capture a legislator’s attention. Below is a structured microblogging thread (4 posts) addressed to a federal legislator regarding the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act (H.R. 2713/S. 2418).To influence federal healthcare policy, nursing leaders must combine clinical expertise with "X" (formerly Twitter) advocacy to capture a legislator’s attention. Below is a structured microblogging thread (4 posts) addressed to a federal legislator regarding the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act (H.R. 2713/S. 2418).
Federal Legislator Advocacy Thread
Post 1: The Current Policy .@LegislatorName As a nurse leader, I see how outdated Medicare/Medicaid regs hinder care. Currently, federal law prevents APRNs from certifying home health or ordering durable medical eqpt, even when they are the primary provider. This creates a "bottleneck" for our seniors. #ICANAct #NursingAdvocacy
Post 2: The Need for Change The "physician-only" signature requirement is a relic of the past. It delays patient discharges and forces vulnerable patients to wait weeks for simple items like walkers or oxygen—all because their NP, who sees them daily, isn't legally "authorized" to sign the form. #HealthPolicy #PatientCare