course material

1. Policy & advocacy for population health
Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy StatementAs 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 Comparison
Grid; 1- to 2-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)Part 1: Legislation
Comparison GridBased on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected,
complete the Legislation Comparison 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?Is it receiving
press coverage?Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy StatementBased on the health-
related bill you selected, develop a 1- to 2-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.Recommend at least one amendment to the
bill in support of your position.