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.
- 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
Expert Solution Preview
Q: What is the purpose of the assignment?
A: The purpose of this assignment is for students to become familiar with the process of developing and advocating for health-related legislation. They will select a proposed bill, evaluate its legislative intent, identify its proponents and opponents, and determine its target populations. Students will then develop a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement in support of their position on the bill. The assignment will require the use of outside resources and APA formatting.
Q: What is the focus of Part 1 of the assignment?
A: Part 1 of the assignment focuses on completing a Legislation Grid Template for a proposed health-related bill. Students will determine the legislative intent of the bill, identify its proponents and opponents, and identify the target populations addressed by the bill. They will also determine where the bill is currently in the legislative process, whether it is in hearings or committees.
Q: What is the focus of Part 2 of the assignment?
A: Part 2 of the assignment focuses on students developing a 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement in support of their position on the proposed health-related bill. They will advocate for a position on the bill and write testimony to support their position. Students will also describe how they would address the opponents to their position, provide specific examples, and use at least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course-specific resources in their writing.
