Choose a legislator on the state or federal level who is also a nurse and discuss the importance of the legislator/nurse’s role as advocate for improving health care delivery. What specific bills has the legislator/nurse sponsored or supported that have influenced health care. Using 200-300 words APA format with at least two references. Sources must be published within the last 5 years.
Title: The Role of Nurse-Legislators as Advocates for Improving Health Care Delivery
Introduction:
In recent years, the presence of nurse-legislators in government has gained prominence as a valuable asset to shaping health care policy and reform. These individuals possess a unique combination of clinical expertise and legislative knowledge, allowing them to advocate effectively for the improvement of health care delivery. This paper will discuss the importance of nurse-legislators in advocating for health care improvement and examine specific bills sponsored or supported by one such legislator.
Importance of Nurse-Legislators as Advocates for Improved Health Care Delivery:
Nurse-legislators play a crucial role in shaping health care policy that reflects the needs of patients, clinicians, and the broader healthcare system. Their professional background gives them a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within healthcare delivery. Coupled with their knowledge of the legislative process, nurse-legislators contribute a unique perspective to policy discussions, ensuring that proposed changes are both practical and achievable.
Nurse-legislators serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and policymakers, translating the complex realities of healthcare into tangible and effective legislation. Their experiences at the bedside enrich their understanding of the impacts of policy decisions, allowing them to craft legislation that aligns with the needs and aspirations of the nursing profession and the patients they serve. Furthermore, nurse-legislators possess significant credibility and influence among their colleagues, as they are often regarded as trusted experts in healthcare matters.
Specific Bills Supported or Sponsored by Nurse-Legislators:
One notable nurse-legislator at the federal level is Representative Diane DeGette from Colorado’s First Congressional District. Representative DeGette, who holds a Master of Public Health degree and previously worked as a nurse, has been a staunch advocate for improving health care delivery. Her legislative efforts have addressed various facets of the healthcare system ranging from access and affordability to quality and safety.
One bill sponsored by Representative DeGette is the Health Information Technology (HIT) Modernization Act. Introduced in 2019, this bill aims to improve the use and interoperability of health information technology systems. By aligning electronic health records and facilitating secure data exchange, this legislation seeks to enhance patient outcomes, improve care coordination, and enable better integration of healthcare services.
Representative DeGette has also supported the Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act. This bill aims to expand graduate medical education opportunities in community-based hospitals, thereby addressing workforce shortages and improving access to care in underserved areas. By promoting training programs outside traditional academic settings, this legislation recognizes the importance of community-focused care and supports the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in areas that face significant healthcare disparities.
Furthermore, Representative DeGette has been a vocal advocate for the protection and expansion of Medicaid, a critical safety net program that provides healthcare coverage for millions of vulnerable Americans. Her efforts have focused on preserving and strengthening the program, ensuring that it remains a reliable source of healthcare access for low-income individuals and families.
Conclusion:
Nurse-legislators bring a unique perspective to the legislative process, advocating for improvements in health care delivery by leveraging their clinical expertise and legislative knowledge. Representative DeGette’s sponsorship of the HIT Modernization Act, support for the Advancing Medical Resident Training in Community Hospitals Act, and advocacy for Medicaid demonstrate her commitment to improving access, quality, and affordability in healthcare. By championing these initiatives, nurse-legislators contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that promote better health outcomes for all. Their role as advocates for health care improvement is integral to the ongoing efforts for a more effective and equitable healthcare system.
References:
DeGette, D. (n.d.). About Diana DeGette. Retrieved from https://degette.house.gov/about-diana-degette
Griffith, R., Manas, M., & Fattore, G. (2017). Health system strengthening: The role and promise of nurse-led initiatives. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(7), 517-525. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.12495