As you have discovered through this course, nurses are influential members of the community and the political system. Therefore, for the purposes of this assignment you will identify a problem or concern in your community, organization, etc. that has the capacity to be legislated. You will conduct research and state a proposal. Through the legislative process, your proposal for the problem or concern may influence an idea for change into a law. First, refer to the “How a Bill Becomes a Law” media.

Introduction

Nurses play a vital role in the community and are influential members of the political system. As such, they have the power to identify and address issues that affect their community or organization through the legislative process. This assignment aims to identify a problem or concern in a specific community or organization and propose a solution that can be legislated. By understanding the process of how a bill becomes a law, nurses can effectively advocate for change and contribute to the development of policies that address important issues. This paper will outline the steps involved in the legislative process and provide an example of how a proposed solution can be transformed into a law.

The Legislative Process

Before delving into the specifics of proposing a solution to a problem or concern, it is essential to understand how a bill becomes a law. The legislative process involves several stages, including introduction, committee review, floor action, conference committee, and finally, executive action.

The process begins with an idea for a new law or an amendment to an existing law. This idea is usually developed by individuals or groups who recognize a problem or concern that needs to be addressed. In our case, nurses would identify an issue related to their community or organization that could be alleviated through legislative action.

Once an idea is formed, it must be drafted into a bill. This bill is submitted to either the House of Representatives or the Senate, depending on the country’s legislative structure. The bill is then assigned to a committee for review.

The committee, composed of legislators with expertise in the relevant area, evaluates the proposed bill. They may hold hearings to gather information, conduct research, and consult with stakeholders. This step is crucial as it allows for a thorough examination of the bill’s implications and potential effects.

Following committee review, the bill proceeds to the floor of the legislative body for debate and voting. Members of the legislative body discuss the bill, propose amendments, and eventually vote on its passage. If the bill receives majority support, it moves on to the next stage.

Next, the bill goes through a conference committee, which is formed when the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed different versions of the legislation. The conference committee resolves any differences and creates a unified bill that both houses can accept.

After the conference committee, the bill returns to both houses for a final vote. If it is approved, the bill is sent to the executive branch for enactment. The executive, usually the president or governor, has the power to sign the bill into law or veto it. If the bill is signed, it becomes a law and is implemented.

Example: Addressing Nursing Shortage

To exemplify the process of proposing a solution that can be legislated, let us consider the issue of nursing shortage in a specific community. Nurses in the community have identified a significant shortage of healthcare professionals, which is leading to compromised patient care and increased burdens on existing nursing staff.

To address this concern, a proposed solution can be formulated as a bill. The bill could include provisions for increased funding for nursing education programs, incentives for individuals to pursue nursing careers, and the establishment of grants for healthcare organizations to hire additional nursing staff.

The proposed bill would then go through the legislative process outlined above. It would be introduced in the legislative body, assigned to the relevant committee for review, and subsequently debated and voted on by the members. If the bill passes, it would undergo the conference committee stage if necessary, and then return to both houses for a final vote. If approved, the bill would then be sent to the executive branch for enactment and become a law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nurses have the power to influence the legislative process and address problems or concerns in their community or organization. Understanding the legislative process is essential for nurses to effectively propose solutions that can be transformed into laws. By identifying a problem, drafting a bill, and advocating for its passage, nurses can make a significant impact on healthcare policies and contribute to positive changes in their profession.