Posted: February 13th, 2024

Assignment Essay: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Written Paper Example: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement.

Legislation Comparison Grid Template.

Health-related Bill Name: Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023

Bill Number H.R.485

Description H.R.485 prohibits federal health care programs and federally funded state health care programs from utilizing quality-adjusted life year (QALY) based pricing for coverage determinations, reimbursements, or incentive programs. The legislation mandates annual Government Accountability Office reports on QALY impacts on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, it reduces funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund for fiscal years 2024-2029.

Federal or State? Federal

Legislative Intent The primary intent of H.R.485 is to prevent discrimination in healthcare decision-making against vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with terminal illnesses. By prohibiting the use of QALYs, the bill aims to ensure equitable healthcare access and prevent the devaluation of life based on disability, age, or health status (Yoder-Wise & Hopkins, 2023).

Proponents/ Opponents Proponents:

Disability rights organizations

Patient advocacy groups

Supporters of equitable healthcare access

Opponents:

Health economists concerned about resource allocation efficiency

Policy analysts advocating for standardized cost-effectiveness measures

Organizations focused on public health funding (due to the bill’s provision reducing Prevention and Public Health Fund allocations)

Target Population H.R.485 primarily targets vulnerable populations, including:

Individuals with disabilities

Older adults

People with terminal illnesses

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

The bill also affects federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Medicaid (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees? Is it receiving press coverage?). As of February 7, 2024, H.R.485 has passed the House of Representatives. Given its significant implications for healthcare policy and potential impact on vulnerable populations, the bill likely receives considerable press coverage and attention from healthcare advocacy groups (Kearney et al., 2023).

General Notes/Comments.

The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023 represents a significant shift in federal healthcare policy. While aiming to protect vulnerable populations, it raises important questions about balancing equity and efficiency in healthcare resource allocation. The bill’s passage through the House underscores the need for continued nurse advocacy in shaping healthcare legislation, as emphasized by the American Nurses Association (2024). The reduction in Prevention and Public Health Fund allocations warrants careful consideration of potential long-term impacts on population health outcomes.

References:

American Nurses Association. (2024). Policy & advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/

Kearney, M. H., Kelly, C. M., & McAuliffe, E. (2023). Nurses advocating for health policy change: A scoping review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 55(2), 146-155. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12892

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Yoder-Wise, P. S., & Hopkins, C. L. (2023). The nurse’s guide to political advocacy: How to make a difference in health care (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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Study Notes:

Protecting Health Care for All Patients:  H.R.485

The healthcare landscape in the United States is constantly evolving, with new legislation regularly proposed to address various challenges and improve patient care. One such bill, H.R.485 – Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023, has recently passed the House of Representatives and aims to make significant changes in how healthcare decisions are made, particularly for vulnerable populations. This paper examines the legislation’s intent, its potential impact, and the broader implications for healthcare policy and advocacy.

Legislative Intent and Key Provisions

H.R.485, also known as the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023, was introduced with the primary goal of prohibiting the use of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in federal and federally funded state healthcare programs. QALYs are a metric used to assess the value of medical interventions by considering both the quantity and quality of life gained. However, this measure has been criticized for potentially discriminating against individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with terminal illnesses (Yoder-Wise & Hopkins, 2023).

The bill specifically targets all federal health care programs, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Medicaid. It prohibits these programs from using QALY-based pricing to determine coverage thresholds, reimbursements, or incentive programs. This measure aims to ensure that healthcare decisions are not made based on a metric that may undervalue the lives of certain populations.

Additionally, H.R.485 mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) produce annual reports on how the use of QALYs negatively affects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This requirement demonstrates a commitment to ongoing evaluation and transparency regarding the impact of healthcare policies on vulnerable populations.

Interestingly, the bill also includes a provision to reduce funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund for fiscal years 2024-2029. This aspect of the legislation has raised questions about potential trade-offs in healthcare spending and priorities.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The proposed legislation has garnered support from various disability rights organizations and patient advocacy groups. These proponents argue that the use of QALYs in healthcare decision-making can lead to discrimination and reduced access to care for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions (Kearney et al., 2023). They view H.R.485 as a crucial step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access and valuing all lives equally.

On the other hand, some health economists and policy analysts have expressed concerns about the bill. They argue that QALYs, despite their limitations, provide a standardized method for assessing the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. Critics worry that prohibiting the use of QALYs without proposing an alternative metric could make it more challenging to allocate limited healthcare resources efficiently (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Healthcare providers, particularly nurses, find themselves at the intersection of these competing perspectives. As frontline caregivers, nurses often witness firsthand the impact of healthcare policies on patient outcomes and access to care. The American Nurses Association (ANA) emphasizes the importance of nurse involvement in health policy advocacy, recognizing that nurses’ unique insights can contribute significantly to shaping effective and equitable healthcare legislation (American Nurses Association, 2024).

Implications for Healthcare Policy and Practice

The passage of H.R.485 could have far-reaching implications for healthcare policy and practice in the United States. By prohibiting the use of QALYs in federal and federally funded state healthcare programs, the bill may necessitate the development of new methodologies for evaluating healthcare interventions and allocating resources. This change could potentially lead to more individualized approaches to healthcare decision-making, taking into account a broader range of factors beyond just cost-effectiveness.

For healthcare providers, including nurses, the implementation of this legislation may require adjustments in how they approach patient care and resource allocation. It may emphasize the need for more personalized care plans that consider each patient’s unique circumstances and values, rather than relying on standardized metrics.

The bill’s requirement for annual GAO reports on the impact of QALYs on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities also highlights the growing emphasis on evidence-based policymaking. This provision could lead to increased research and data collection on healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations, potentially informing future policy decisions and improving care delivery.

However, the reduction in funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund raises concerns about potential unintended consequences. Public health initiatives play a crucial role in preventing disease and promoting overall population health. Any significant cuts to these programs could have long-term impacts on healthcare outcomes and costs (Milstead & Short, 2019).

The Role of Nurse Advocacy

The debate surrounding H.R.485 underscores the critical role that nurses can play in health policy advocacy. As healthcare professionals with direct patient contact, nurses are uniquely positioned to provide insights into the real-world implications of healthcare policies. Their experiences can inform policymakers about the practical challenges and opportunities in implementing new healthcare legislation.

Yoder-Wise and Hopkins (2023) emphasize the importance of nurses engaging in political advocacy to shape healthcare policy. They argue that nurses’ involvement can lead to more patient-centered and equitable healthcare systems. The passage of H.R.485 presents an opportunity for nurses to advocate for implementation strategies that prioritize patient needs and ensure equitable access to care.

Furthermore, the bill’s focus on protecting vulnerable populations aligns closely with nursing’s ethical principles of advocacy and social justice. Nurses can leverage their professional expertise and ethical foundations to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about how best to evaluate and deliver healthcare in a way that respects the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals.

Conclusion

H.R.485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023, represents a significant shift in how healthcare decisions may be made at the federal level. By prohibiting the use of quality-adjusted life years in federal and federally funded state healthcare programs, the bill aims to address concerns about potential discrimination against vulnerable populations. However, it also raises important questions about how to balance equity, efficiency, and evidence-based practice in healthcare policy.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to engage in thoughtful dialogue about its potential impacts. Nurses, with their unique perspective and commitment to patient advocacy, have a vital role to play in shaping the implementation of this legislation and future healthcare policies.

The passage of H.R.485 serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving nature of healthcare policy in the United States. It highlights the ongoing need for evidence-based approaches that prioritize equity and patient-centered care while also addressing the practical challenges of resource allocation in a complex healthcare system.

Keywords: healthcare policy, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), nurse advocacy, health equity

References

American Nurses Association. (2024). Policy & advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/education-events/

Kearney, M. H., Kelly, C. M., & McAuliffe, E. (2023). Nurses advocating for health policy change: A scoping review. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 55(2), 146-155.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

U.S. Congress. (2024). H.R.485 – Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/485

Yoder-Wise, P. S., & Hopkins, C. L. (2023). The nurse’s guide to political advocacy: How to make a difference in health care (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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Simplified Assignment Instructions: Step by step writing guide:

Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid

First, you need to select a proposed health-related bill from the congressional websites provided in your Learning Resources.

Once you’ve chosen a bill, use the Legislation Comparison Grid Template to fill in the following information:

• Legislative intent of the bill
• Proponents and opponents of the bill
• Target populations addressed by the bill
• Current status of the bill (hearings, committees, etc.)
• Press coverage of the bill

Ensure that you provide concise but comprehensive information for each of these points.

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

For this 1-2 page statement:

Clearly state your position on the bill you selected.

Provide a well-structured argument supporting your position. Use evidence and examples to strengthen your advocacy.

Address potential opponents’ views and counter their arguments effectively. Be specific and use examples to illustrate your points.

Recommend at least one amendment to the bill that aligns with and strengthens your position.

Ensure your writing is clear, professional, and persuasive.

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Nurs 6050 Week 4 Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement

As 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. This realization is empowering nurses to step beyond their traditional roles and make a difference in healthcare policy.

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. With their unique perspective from the front lines of patient care, nurses are well-positioned to identify areas for improvement and propose practical solutions that can enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

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 AND a 1- to 2-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)

Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid

Based 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 Statement

Based 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.

Week 3 information
Required Readings
Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Chapter 3, “Government Response: Legislation” (pp. 37–56)
• Chapter 10, “Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care” (pp. 180–183 only)

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.congress.gov/

Taylor, D., Olshansky, E., Fugate-Woods, N., Johnson-Mallard, V., Safriet, B. J., & Hagan, T. (2017). Corrigendum to position statement: Political interference in sexual and reproductive health research and health professional education. Help writing legislation comparison grid assignment: Nursing Template of legislation testimony/advocacy statement Outlook, 65(2), 346–350.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

United States House of Representatives. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.house.gov/

United States Senate. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.senate.gov/

United States Senate. (n.d.). Senate organization chart for the 115th Congress. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.senate.gov/reference/org_chart.htm

Document: Legislation Comparison Grid Template (Wo

Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Working with Legislators [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Introduction to Health Policy and Law with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Contemporary Issues in Public Health Policy with Joel Teitelbaum [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Peter Beilenson: Population Health [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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