What advocacy actions might you take to improve health care through legislation at the state (Florida) or federal level (Government)?
Course Book:
Mason, D. J., Gardner, B. D., Outlaw, H. F., & O’Grady, T. E. (2016).
Chapters 40, 41, and 43
Submission Instructions:
- Post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 current academic sources within past 5 years
Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping health care policies at both the state and federal levels. As health care professionals, engaging in legislative advocacy can lead to significant improvements in patient care, workforce conditions, and overall public health outcomes. Drawing upon the insights from Mason et al. (2016) and current legislative initiatives, several advocacy actions can be undertaken to enhance health care through legislation in Florida and at the federal level.
1. Engaging in Grassroots Mobilization
Grassroots mobilization involves rallying community members to support health care initiatives. Organizing town hall meetings, forums, and community events can raise awareness about specific health care issues, such as access to care or workforce shortages. Encouraging constituents to share their personal experiences with policymakers humanizes the issues and can influence legislative decisions. Coordinated campaigns utilizing phone calls, emails, and social media outreach can further amplify these efforts, urging legislators to take action on pertinent health care concerns. Nursing Experts
2. Building Coalitions with Professional Organizations
Collaborating with professional organizations, such as the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and the American Nurses Association (ANA), can strengthen advocacy efforts. These organizations have established legislative platforms and resources that can be leveraged to support policy changes. For instance, the FNA advocates for policies that allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training, including the removal of unnecessary collaborative practice agreements. By aligning with such organizations, advocates can present a unified front to legislators, increasing the likelihood of policy adoption.Florida Nurse
3. Participating in Policy Education and Legislative Hearings
Educating policymakers about the complexities of health care delivery and the challenges faced by health care professionals is essential. Providing evidence-based information and personal testimonies during legislative hearings can inform and influence policy decisions. For example, discussing the impact of nurse-to-patient ratios on patient outcomes can highlight the need for staffing regulations. Engaging in these educational efforts ensures that legislators are equipped with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions that affect health care delivery. Nursing Experts
4. Advocating for Workforce Development Initiatives
Addressing health care workforce shortages is critical for improving patient care. Advocates can support legislation that invests in workforce development programs. In Florida, the passage of SB 7016, known as the Live Healthy initiative, allocated substantial funding to combat provider shortages and drive innovation in the health care sector. This legislation includes provisions for increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates, enhancing home and community-based services, and expanding nursing education programs. Supporting similar initiatives can help ensure a robust and well-trained health care workforce.HCAF+1floridasnursing.gov+1
5. Promoting Access to Care through Medicaid Expansion
Advocating for Medicaid expansion can significantly improve access to care for uninsured populations. While Florida has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, continued advocacy efforts can highlight the benefits of expansion, such as improved health outcomes and reduced uncompensated care costs for hospitals. Engaging with legislators to discuss the economic and public health advantages of Medicaid expansion can be a persuasive advocacy action. AP NewsNursing Experts
6. Utilizing Legislative Action Centers and Advocacy Tools
Many professional organizations offer legislative action centers and advocacy tools to assist health care professionals in their advocacy efforts. The FNA’s Legislative Action Center provides resources such as talking points, advocacy toolkits, and information on finding legislators. Utilizing these tools can streamline advocacy efforts and enhance their effectiveness. Florida NurseFlorida Nurse+1Florida Nurse+1
7. Supporting the Removal of Regulatory Barriers
Advocating for the elimination of unnecessary regulatory barriers, such as Certificate of Need (CON) laws, can facilitate the expansion of health care facilities and services. In 2019, Florida repealed significant portions of its CON laws, removing legal barriers to the expansion of health care services. Supporting similar deregulation efforts can promote competition and improve access to care.Wikipedia
Conclusion
Effective advocacy requires a multifaceted approach that includes grassroots mobilization, coalition building, policy education, and support for workforce development and access to care initiatives. By engaging in these actions, health care professionals can influence legislation that enhances the quality and accessibility of health care in Florida and across the nation. Collaborating with professional organizations and utilizing available advocacy tools can further strengthen these efforts, leading to meaningful policy changes that benefit both providers and patients.
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Federal advocacy. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/
Florida Nurses Association. (n.d.). Legislative platform. https://www.floridanurse.org/page/LegislativePlatform
Florida Nurses Association. (n.d.). Legislative action center. https://www.floridanurse.org/page/LegislativeAction
Home Care Association of Florida. (2025). Florida legislature advances home care industry priorities: Tackling workforce shortages, Medicaid reimbursement, and access to care. https://members.homecarefla.org/news/Details/florida-legislature-advances-home-care-industry-priorities-tackling-workforce-shortages-medicaid-reimbursement-and-access-to-care-202737
Mason, D. J., Gardner, B. D., Outlaw, H. F., & O’Grady, T. E. (2016). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (7th ed.). Elsevier.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Certificate of need. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_of_need
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