Trends and Issues in Today’s Health
Comment 1:
Promoting public health initiatives is a strong suit for legislators and nurses. They can encourage health education initiatives, community health resources, and preventative care practices, all of which can contribute to better health outcomes. Legislators and nurses can work together to create and amend healthcare policies that immediately affect patient care. Their practical expertise allows them to see areas requiring reform and develop laws that adequately handle these problems, from funding allocations to regulatory changes. It is of utmost importance that nurses actively participate in electoral politics and the political process. The nursing profession and healthcare delivery stand to gain significantly from the presence of elected nurses, who can bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table, shaping policies that directly impact patient care and public health (Curley & Stone, 2023).
On January 7, 2023, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans took office and began serving Virginia’s 2nd Congressional district. She held three terms in the Virginia State Senate before entering Congress. There, she effectively pushed for legislation to create a Military Spouse Liaison and spoke out for long-term care facility residents, families, and caregivers. The Care for Military Kids Act, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Kiggans, was most recently announced on May 02, 2023. “No matter where their service takes them, servicemembers should be able to continue receiving vital healthcare coverage and medical treatments for their children”. This is the goal of the bipartisan bill that Congresswoman Kiggans and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented (Kiggans Introduces Bill to Increase Healthcare Access for Military Families – Jen Kiggans, n.d.).
Comment 2:
Lauren Underwood is a legislator who is also a nurse. She represents Illinois’ 14th congressional district and is the youngest African American woman to ever serve in the United States Congress (Curley & Stone, 2024). Underwood uses her background in healthcare to advocate for affordable and accessible healthcare for all Americans. She is a strong supporter of expanding Medicaid and lowering prescription drug costs. Underwood also focuses on addressing maternal mortality rates and improving mental health services in her district (Curley & Stone, 2024).
Having a legislator who is a nurse is important because it brings a unique perspective to healthcare policy decisions and ensures that the needs of patients are prioritized in legislative discussions (Curley & Stone, 2024). Underwood’s dual role as a legislator and nurse allows her to effectively bridge the gap between healthcare providers and policymakers, ultimately leading to more informed and impactful decision-making in Congress. Specific bills that Underwood has passed include the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which aims to lower prescription drug prices for Americans, and the MOMMA’s Act, which seeks to reduce maternal mortality rates by improving access to quality healthcare for pregnant women (Moore et al., 2020).
Through her advocacy and expertise, Underwood continues to make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes for her constituents and beyond (Moore et al., 2020). Her dedication to public health issues has earned her recognition as a rising star in Congress, with her efforts being praised by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Underwood’s commitment to evidence-based policy-making and her ability to effectively communicate complex healthcare issues make her a valuable asset in shaping the future of healthcare in the United States (Moore et al., 2020).
Comment 3:
The legislator/nurse’s role as an advocate for improving healthcare delivery is widely recognized for its significance in shaping policy, promoting patient-centered care, and advancing the overall quality of healthcare services.
According to the American Nurses Association Enterprise (n.d.), numerous nurses hold positions in Congress. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, representing Illinois’ 14th Congressional District, made history as the first woman, person of color, and millennial to serve in Congress. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University, she previously worked with a Medicaid plan in Chicago. She was a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Congresswoman Underwood is now a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), contributing to disaster preparedness, bioterrorism threats, and public health crises nationwide. She played a role in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and instructed future nurse practitioners at Georgetown University. Notably, the ACA, a health care reform legislation with multiple provisions signed into law by U.S. President Barack Obama, includes measures such as health insurance coverage for the uninsured, cost reduction, improved health care system efficiency, extended care to dependents under the age of 26, and prevents insurance claim denial or higher premiums for preexisting conditions (McNiff, 2022).
Comment 4:
Under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing, the Full Practice Authority (FPA) grants nurse practitioners (NPs) the ability to assess patients, diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and oversee treatments, including the prescription of drugs. The full practice authority of Nurse Practitioners (NPs), which enables NPs to assess patients, diagnose problems, interpret diagnostic tests, and start treatment programs independently, has been continuously advocated for at the federal level (Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners Benefits | Maryville Nursing, 2023).
Legislative support for this movement has gradually increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for readily available healthcare became even more pressing. FPA licensure legislation for NPs has been implemented in more than half of the states and US territories (Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority, n.d.). FPA makes more access to care possible, particularly in underprivileged urban and rural communities. Compared to states with more restrictive license schemes, those with FPA are more likely to have NPs practicing in rural and underserved regions. By sharing patient success stories, nurse advocates can further the momentum for NP Full Practice Authority (Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners Benefits | Maryville Nursing, 2023). This is especially important in underserved or rural communities with limited access to physicians. Eventually, more states will embrace this model, expanding the nation’s access to high-quality healthcare.
Comment 5:
A Research legislation that has occurred within the last 5 years at the state level as a result of nurse advocacy is the passage of a bill in California that mandates safe staffing ratios in hospitals (Lee et al., 2021). This legislation was a direct response to concerns raised by nurses about patient safety and workload issues. The bill requires hospitals to maintain specific nurse-to-patient ratios depending on the unit and level of care, ensuring that patients receive adequate attention and care (Lee et al., 2021).
This legislation has been praised by nurses as a significant step towards improving patient outcomes and reducing burnout among healthcare providers (Lee et al., 2021). This legislation has accomplished a positive change in the healthcare system by prioritizing patient safety and acknowledging the crucial role nurses play in providing quality care. The implementation of safe staffing ratios has been shown to improve patient outcomes and overall satisfaction with the level of care received in hospitals (Lasater et al., 2021).
Studies have shown that when nurses are not overburdened with excessive patient loads, they are able to provide more personalized care and attention to each individual (Lasater et al., 2021). This ultimately leads to better outcomes for patients and a more positive work environment for healthcare providers. Additional steps that need to be taken to continue advocacy for safe staffing ratios include ongoing monitoring and evaluation of staffing levels, as well as continued education and training for nurses on the importance of safe staffing practices (Lasater et al., 2021).
Commentn6:
One significant piece of legislation that resulted from nurse advocacy within the last five years is the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019, signed into law by President Trump in December 2019. This legislation reauthorized funding for nursing workforce development programs under Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act. It allocated funding for nursing education, scholarships, loan repayment programs, workforce diversity initiatives, and support for advanced nursing education (Craig & Hewitt, 2020). The Act aimed to address the growing shortage of nurses in the United States by investing in education and training programs to increase the number of qualified nurses entering the workforce. Additionally, it prioritized efforts to improve diversity and inclusivity within the nursing profession, recognizing the importance of a diverse healthcare workforce in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.
While the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 was a significant achievement for nurse advocacy, additional steps are needed to continue advocating for nursing workforce development and addressing ongoing challenges in healthcare. Continued advocacy efforts should focus on securing adequate funding for nursing education and training programs, especially in light of the increasing demand for healthcare services and the aging population. Additionally, efforts to improve working conditions, support professional development opportunities, and address barriers to practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) should be prioritized. Nurse advocacy organizations can play a crucial role in advocating for these issues by engaging with policymakers, raising awareness about the importance of nursing workforce development, and mobilizing support from stakeholders across the healthcare industry (Abbasinia et al., 2020). By continuing to advocate for policies that support the nursing profession and improve healthcare delivery, nurses can contribute to building a stronger and more resilient healthcare system for the future.
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