Posted: September 4th, 2023

Sample Research Paper on Legislation Grid and Testimony Statement

Assignment: Legislation 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.

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.

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 Legislation Grid; 1-page Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement)

Be sure to add a title page, an introduction, purpose statement, and a conclusion. This is an APA paper.

Part 1: Legislation Grid

Based on the health-related bill (proposed, not enacted) you selected, complete the Legislation 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?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1-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.
At least 2 outside resources and 2-3 course specific resources are used.

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Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Legislation Grid

Health-related Bill Name: Mental Health in Schools Act of 2021

Bill Number: H.R. 845/S. 349

Description: The Mental Health in Schools Act is a legislative proposal that was introduced in both chambers of Congress on February 4, 2021, by Representative Grace Napolitano and Senator Tina Smith. The bill seeks to provide funding to schools to expand access to mental health services for students. The bill would enable schools to hire more mental health professionals, increase the availability of mental health services, and implement evidence-based programs to support student mental health. The goal of the bill is to improve the mental health of students and prevent mental health emergencies in schools.

Federal or State? Federal

Legislative Intent: The aim of the Mental Health in Schools Act is to provide funding to schools to expand access to mental health services for students. The bill recognizes that mental health issues are a significant concern for many students, and the lack of access to mental health services can have a negative impact on their well-being and academic performance. The bill seeks to improve student mental health by providing grants to schools to hire additional mental health professionals, expand mental health services, and implement evidence-based programs to support student mental health.

Proponents/ Opponents:

Proponents: Supporters of the Mental Health in Schools Act argue that it is critical to improve student mental health. Mental health issues can have a significant impact on students’ well-being and academic performance. The bill provides funding to schools to expand access to mental health services for students, which can help to reduce the number of mental health crises in schools. The supporters show that the bill is essential in addressing the mental health crisis that has affected many students. They argue that the mental health services that the bill seeks to provide will help students address mental health issues, leading to better academic performance and general well-being.

Opponents: There are currently no known opponents of the Mental Health in Schools Act.

Target Population: The target population of the Mental Health in Schools Act is students in K-12 schools.

Status of the bill: The Mental Health in Schools Act is currently in the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

General Notes/Comments: The Mental Health in Schools Act is a critical bill that seeks to improve the mental health of students. Mental health issues are a significant concern for many students, and the lack of access to mental health services can have a negative impact on their well-being and academic performance. The bill aims to provide funding to schools to expand access to mental health services for students, which can help to reduce the number of mental health crises in schools.

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

As a mental health professional, I strongly endorse the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2021. This bill is vital for addressing the mental health needs of many students who face challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse. These challenges can affect their academic achievement and overall well-being. The bill aims to enhance student mental health by offering grants to schools to increase the number of mental health professionals, broaden the scope of mental health services, and implement evidence-based practices to support student mental health.

I think that the Mental Health in Schools Act is essential for tackling the mental health crisis that has impacted many students. The bill will enable students to access mental health services that can help them cope with their mental health issues, resulting in improved academic outcomes and general well-being. I urge all members of Congress to support the Mental Health in Schools Act of 2021 and allocate funding to schools to expand access to mental health services for students.

References
Napolitano, G., & Smith, T. (2021, February 4). Mental Health in Schools Act of 2021 [Legislation]. United States Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/845

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Author.

National Association of School Psychologists. (2015). Creating trauma-sensitive schools: Supportive policies and practices for learning [Brief]. Author. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/mental-health/trauma-sensitive-schools

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Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Title Page
Improving Access and Affordability Through the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2022
Your Name

Course Name and Number
Instructor Name
Date
Introduction
With healthcare costs continuing to rise, millions of Americans struggle to afford medical coverage and treatments. This paper will analyze the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2022, a proposed bill aimed at expanding access to affordable insurance and capping prescription drug prices.
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this paper is to complete a legislation grid analyzing key components of the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2022 and draft testimony advocating for the bill’s passage. This advocacy work aims to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility for all Americans.
Part 1: Legislation Grid
The legislative intent of the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2022 is to expand ACA subsidies, cap insulin costs at $35 per month, and allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices (Congress.gov, 2022). Proponents include patient advocacy groups who support more affordable coverage and medications (KFF.org, 2022). Pharmaceutical companies oppose additional price regulations (Heritage.org, 2022). The target population is uninsured/underinsured Americans seeking more affordable options. Currently, the bill is referred to the Senate Finance Committee (Congress.gov, 2022).
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

As a nurse, I have cared for many patients delaying or forgoing necessary medical care due to high costs. The Lower Health Care Costs Act would expand subsidies to make coverage more affordable via the ACA exchanges. Capping insulin co-pays at $35 per month and allowing Medicare drug price negotiations could lower healthcare spending for individuals and taxpayers. While some argue this may impact industry profits, inaction is not an option when lives are at stake. I recommend amending the bill to further incentivize generic competition and price transparency. Overall, this commonsense legislation deserves support to improve Americans’ health and financial security.
Conclusion
By analyzing the Lower Health Care Costs Act of 2022, I have advocated for this legislation’s potential to expand access to affordable healthcare. Nurses have a duty to use their expertise to influence policy changes that can enhance population health outcomes.
References
Congress.gov. (2022). S.4048 – Lower health care costs act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/4048/text
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). Explaining the Lower Health Care Assignment Help in UK Costs Act. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/explaining-the-lower-health-care-costs-act/ homework help writing assignment service.
Heritage Foundation. (2022). The false promise of “Lower” health care costs. https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/commentary/the-false-promise-lower-health-care-costs
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Improving Access and Affordability Through the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act of 2023
Your Name
Course Name and Number

Instructor Name
Date
Introduction
With rising healthcare spending straining budgets, many Americans struggle to afford medical coverage and treatments. This paper analyzes H.R.5376, a proposed bill aimed at expanding access and lowering costs.
Purpose Statement
The purpose is to complete a legislation grid analyzing key aspects of H.R.5376 and draft testimony advocating for its passage. This advocacy seeks to improve affordability and accessibility.
Part 1: Legislation Grid
The legislative intent is to expand ACA subsidies, cap insulin and EpiPen costs, and allow Medicare drug price negotiations (Congress.gov, 2023). Proponents like patient groups support more affordable coverage and medications (KFF.org, 2023). Opponents argue negotiations may slow biomedical innovation (PhRMA, 2023). The target population is uninsured/underinsured Americans. Currently, the bill is in House committees (Congress.gov, 2023).
Part 2: Legislation Testimony

As a nurse, I have cared for patients who delayed or skipped treatments due to high costs. H.R.5376 would expand subsidies via ACA exchanges, cap life-saving drug costs, and empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices. While industry argues this may impact profits, inaction is unacceptable when lives are at risk. I recommend amending the bill to further incentivize generic competition and price transparency. Overall, this commonsense legislation deserves support to improve health and financial security for all Americans.
Conclusion
By analyzing H.R.5376, I have advocated for how this bill could expand access to affordable healthcare. Nurses have a duty to use expertise to influence policy changes enhancing population health.
References
Congress.gov. (2023). H.R.5376 – Strengthening health care and lowering prescription drug costs act. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376/text
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Explaining the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/explaining-the-strengthening-health-care-and-lowering-prescription-drug-costs-act/
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. (2023). The false promises of government price setting. https://www.phrma.org/en/Inside-PhRMA/Blog/Post/The-False-Promises-of-Government-Price-Setting