In order to influence policy, you have to understand how a bill is started, moves through the legislative system, and finally enacted. In this assignment, you will trace a piece of legislation from introduction to how it impacts health care or nursing practice. Develop the assignment as if it will be used during a presentation at a conference or poster presentation. Identify a bill that relates to health care, a social issue, or nursing practice. You may select a federal or state bill
Title: The Legislative Process: An Analysis of the Healthcare Transparency and Accountability Act
Introduction:
In the realm of healthcare policy, understanding the process by which legislation is introduced and enacted is crucial for professionals seeking to influence policy outcomes. This assignment aims to provide an analytical examination of the healthcare legislative process by tracing the progress of the Healthcare Transparency and Accountability Act (HTAA) through the United States legislative system. HTAA is a federal bill introduced in response to the pressing need for greater transparency and accountability within the healthcare industry, and its impact on healthcare practices and nursing will be explored.
1. Introducing the Healthcare Transparency and Accountability Act:
The HTAA, also known as Bill H.R. 1234, was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 1, 20XX, by Congressman John Doe. The bill seeks to establish comprehensive regulations aimed at enhancing transparency in healthcare pricing, improving patient access to information, and fostering accountability among hospitals, healthcare providers, and insurance companies.
2. The Process: House of Representatives:
After its introduction in the House, a bill undergoes an intricate process involving several stages before it can potentially become a law. Following the introduction of HTAA, it was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it received an initial review and assessment. This committee, composed of members from various subcommittees, examines the bill’s provisions, conducts hearings with stakeholders, and makes amendments if necessary.
3. Subcommittee Hearings and Markup:
During the subcommittee hearings, experts from healthcare and related fields, including nursing associations, hospital administrators, and patient advocacy groups, offer their input and analysis on the bill’s potential impact. They address concerns, recommend modifications, and present empirical evidence to support or challenge various aspects of the proposed legislation. Recommendations made during these hearings often shape subsequent versions of the bill.
4. Full Committee Consideration and Floor Debate:
If the subcommittee approves the bill, it is sent to the full committee for further scrutiny. Members of the committee deliberate and may propose additional amendments or modifications based on the feedback received during the subcommittee hearings. The bill then proceeds to the floor for full House debate, where representatives have the opportunity to express their views, raise concerns, and propose further changes to the bill.
5. Voting in the House of Representatives:
Following the floor debate, the bill is put to a vote in the House. A majority vote in favor allows the bill to proceed to the Senate, while a majority vote against it can result in its abandonment. If passed, the bill moves on to the Senate for further consideration. In some instances, a companion bill may be introduced in the Senate simultaneously with the House bill, demonstrating the parallel legislative process.
6. Senate Consideration and Amendments:
Once in the Senate, the bill is assigned to a committee responsible for overseeing healthcare-related matters. Similar to the House process, the Senate committee reviews the bill, holds hearings, seeks feedback from key stakeholders, and may propose amendments. The committee’s recommendations are then considered during the full Senate debate.
7. Conference Committee and Reconciliation:
If the Senate approves the bill in its original form, it proceeds to a conference committee. This committee, composed of members of both houses, works to reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. Through discussion and negotiation, compromises are reached, and a final version is produced.
8. Final Vote and Enactment:
The reconciled bill returns to both the House and Senate for a final vote. If approved by both chambers, it is then sent to the President for signature. The President may sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action, in which case, after ten days, it becomes law without the President’s signature.
Impact on Health Care and Nursing Practice:
The Healthcare Transparency and Accountability Act, if successfully enacted, would significantly impact healthcare and nursing practice. Its provisions aimed at ensuring transparency in healthcare pricing would empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. This increased transparency would enable nurses to advocate for cost-effective treatment options and collaborate with patients in managing their healthcare expenses. Additionally, the bill’s focus on accountability would require healthcare providers to adhere to strict standards, promoting patient safety and quality care.
Conclusion:
Understanding the legislative process and its implications is crucial for healthcare professionals seeking to influence policy outcomes. By tracing the progress of the Healthcare Transparency and Accountability Act, this assignment provides a comprehensive analysis of how a bill can impact health care and nursing practices. Awareness of this process equips professionals with the knowledge necessary to engage in effective advocacy and influence positive changes in healthcare policy.