Feb 23, 2024 Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation
Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation Advocacy Through Legislation Advocacy entails any action aimed at pleading, or arguing for a course, idea or policy with the aim of increasing awareness and ensuring that stakeholders take necessary measures to address any raised concerns or issues. Nurses are patient advocates who seek to enhance the health of the population through policy changes and transformations at organizational, state, and even federal levels of care provision. Obesity remains a national, state, and even organizational issue because of its adverse effects on individuals, populations and health care system. Obesity increases the risk for comorbidities, especially chronic conditions, like diabetes and hypertension (Wolff-Baker et al., 2019). The purpose of this paper is to explore the issue of obesity and advocate interventions through legislative policies, like early care and education (ECE) to prevent the problem among residents of Maryland. Problem In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022) asserts that obesity is a complex condition that happens when a person’s weight is higher than what is healthy based on their height. Obesity is a national epidemic in the United States and affects one in every three adults and one in six children. The alarming rise in childhood obesity shows a future burden of chronic conditions that require addressing by the health care system. Obesity prevention is a critical aspect of controlling obesity-associated non-communicable diseases that include diabetes and coronary artery disease. As a state, Maryland has the 24th highest adult obesity rate in the country with about 31.6% of its adult residents having the condition based on their body mass indices (Southern Maryland Chronicle News Desk, 2022). Public health advocates consider obesity as a the “new tobacco” because of its high levels of morbidity and mortality, its effects on healthcare resources, and its connection to psychological, social, and environmental factors. Individuals from low income households, minority populations like Hispanics and Blacks are more susceptible to obesity due to consumption of fast foods that are generally unhealthy. Obese children are more likely to have cardiovascular risk factors, type 2 diabetes and are at an elevated risk for mortality and morbidity, just like adults who have increased risk for developing diverse types of cancer (Wolff-Baker et al., 2019). Obesity impairs the quality of life as it increases one’s susceptibility to heart disease, kidney failure and pulmonary disease. These chronic conditions exacerbate the need for healthcare resources since they lead to increased demand for healthcare services at different levels of care provision. Obesity as a national health concern requires effective legislative policy and measures, not just at the state but also at the federal level. Idea for Addressing Solution In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy. As stated, obesity is a complex issue and no one-size-fits-app approach can be considered as effective. While creating awareness through educational sessions is the most effective way to address the epidemic, other solutions like advocacy through legislation suffice to support the educational strategies. A majority of individuals are not aware of being obese or overweight until they are diagnosed with obesity-associated health issues that include hypertension and type 2 diabetes among others. Over 70 different health conditions are associated with obesity. Stigmatization is a core challenge that hinders healthcare providers from engaging individuals presenting with obesity and overweight condition in their facilities (Blumenthal et al., 2018). Affected individuals, both children and adults, face negative attitudes and are bullied leading to social exclusion and feeling of unworthy. Healthcare providers do not have sufficient skills to handle obese children.Addressing this issue requires having advocacy that focuses on increasing awareness among healthcare providers to handle the obese patients, reduction in stigmatization, and implementation of childhood obesity prevention programs at school and in other areas of interactions. Healthy eating habits are a core part of this early care and education (ECE) initiatives at school and home for children and adults. Using ECE would allow families and providers to offer quality and health interventions to reduce obesity in the state and the country. Close to 25 states dedicate a part of their funding on obesity to ECE programs and initiatives across the country (Wakefield et al., 2022). Legislation is the best advocacy approach to preventing and reducing the rates of obesity as it will increase mandate and regulatory frameworks for initiatives aimed at health food financing, expansion of market food assistance, promotion of local produce and development of grocery stores as well as research on access to healthy foods. Research the Issue Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states. Evidence 1 Studies show that ECE is a critical component of preventing obesity, especially early onset in childhood. Hassnik (2018) asserts that risk factors for obesity in early years are related to obesity in adulthood. These factors include early feeding habits, and activity or inactivity patterns. The study is categorical that preventing obesity in the early stage or age is essential to reducing susceptibility in later years. The article notes that child care centers can implement multi-component interventions to prevent children from gaining excess weight, particularly those with elevated risks who include children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The article notes that children should remain the focus of obesity prevention initiatives since they can inculcate better conduct when they learn early. Evidence 2 In their article, Jackson et al. (2021) observe that early childhood education and care (ECE) provides the foundation for lifelong learning and development. As such, these centers represent a core setting for the delivery of public health obesity prevention strategies aimed at improving dietary behaviors and physical activity. These interventions and the setting create supportive environments that enhances dietary behaviors to improve one’s health. Multi-component interventions like increasing access to healthier food, promotion of these foods and interactive sessions like taste testing healthier foods and flyers are effective educational approaches that will enhance information and awareness to diverse populations. Stakeholder Support Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support. Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1 Stakeholders’ support is a critical aspect of any successful legislative process. In this case, the prominent stakeholders to support this advocacy intervention include parents and families with obese children and individuals. Child care organizations, especially those advocating healthy eating will also support this idea since it provides practical interventions to address the issue of obesity (Ortiz et al., 2019). These entities help child care providers meet local and state program requirements and implementing of certain measures to promote public health. Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2 Community health workers, especially nurse practitioners, will also support the initiative as it leads to better ways of managing obesity in the state. Nurses as patient advocates will support the initiative because of its focus on primary care intervention through prevention. Government representatives will also support the initiative through federal and state agencies like Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Stakeholder Opposition Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations. Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1 Stakeholders who may oppose this idea include businessmen and factory owners who specialize in manufacture and distribution of unhealthy foods, especially fast food establishments. Sugar-sweetened beverage tax increment can hurt businesses and consumers leading to resistance from certain quarters. Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2 Opposition can also come from politicians if bills aimed at restricting personal choice and raising taxes are introduced into the house. Such initiatives to adopt healthy eating will hurt certain industries whose proprietors may join critics or opponents of the bill. Financial Incentives/Costs In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support. Obesity is a chronic condition that is associated with comorbidities and increased cost of care for affected individuals and communities. The healthcare system across the country and in the state of Maryland spends billions of dollars on expenses related to obesity and associated diseases like hypertension and diabetes (Chan et al., 2021). Obesity is linked to a higher risk for serious conditions that include hypertension, coronary heart diseases, asthma and stroke as well as arthritis and type 2 diabetes. The increase in the prevalence of these conditions also implies that health care systems and individuals will spend more on added costs to attain better outcomes and quality of life or manage the condition at different stages of their life and care continuum. The costs associated with obesity imply that policies like Affordable Care Act (ACA) must consider making insurance premiums more affordable and sustainable to diverse patient and health populations, especially those from low-income households or settings. Severe obesity’s prevalence is about 8% with projections showing a rise if no measures exist for providers and health care systems to institute early interventions in their settings (Blumenthal et al., 2018). The rise in obesity rates across the nation means that Maryland should develop interventions like ECE through their legislative processes to increase early prevention measures for individuals and health populations at the lower levels. The financial incentives provided by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may not be applicable to the issue of obesity based on rewarding of quality care provision by organizations and healthcare providers. Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following: Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator. Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator. The initial step would be to collect necessary information and supporting data about the issue. The second step would be to book an appointment with the legislator through his office. Thirdly, when granted the permission, I would make the presentation based on facts and data to convince him to adapt the issue and work with his office to draft a bill for presentation to Congress. Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress. Introduction of Bill in CongressCommittee Action (vetting by relevant committees) Floor Action (Congress debates) Voting Conference Committees Presidential Action (signature) Creation of Law (The U.S. House of Representatives (2020) Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc. The Christian principles of justice, fairness, equity are at the core of having strategies to reduce obesity and ensure that all people lead better lives. Justice entails being fair in everything that one does to honor God and show love for their neighbors. Obesity is a public health issue that affects millions of Americans; especially those from low-income households and families. Obese individuals, both children and adults, face increased levels of discrimination and stigmatization due to their conditions (Boroumand et al., 2020). As such, efforts like early care and education (ECE) demonstrate the need to transform their perspectives and ensure that they can access care and primary interventions in an equal manner, just like others, who have sufficient resources. Advocacy is a core aspect of the Christian worldview as it means that nurses take the responsibility of helping those in need, just like Jesus who preached the Gospel for the common good of man. Equality and justice mean that all should be treated in the same way without a consideration of their gender or sexual orientation, culture and race because obesity does not discriminate.Nurses are pillars of healthcare advocacy (Ortiz et al., 2019). Like Jesus, they should advocate for others who are voiceless and fear for their self-worth or value. Being engaged and talking to legislators, nurses advocate for changes in health care for the underserved population. By serving others, one serves God and shows their love for the neighbor as guiding principle of the Christian faith and worldview. Christian advocacy implores people to seek and bring justice to those faced with violence, poverty, and discrimination and help them experience God in more profound ways. Health disparities are prevalent among low-income households and it is important to advocate for their common good. Conclusion Obesity is a national health concern that requires different stakeholders to focus on mitigation measures and interventions that can be supported through legislative actions. The implementation of early care and education (ECE) interventions in Maryland would help reduce the prevalence of obesity within the state and improve healthcare outcomes. Again, these measures are critical to addressing associated health conditions like hypertension and diabetes among those at increased risk for obesity. References Blumenthal, D., & Seervai, S. (2018). Rising obesity in the United States is a public health crisis. The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2018/rising-obesity-united-states-public-health-crisis Boroumand, S., Stein, M. J., Jay, M., Shen, J. W., Hirsh, M., & Dharamsi, S. (2020). Addressing the health advocate role in medical education. BMC Medical Education, 20, 1-5. DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-1938-7. Chan, C. D., & Litam, S. D. A. (2021). Mental Health Equity of Filipino Communities in COVID-19: A Framework for Practice and Advocacy. Professional Counselor, 11(1), 73-85. https://doi.org/10.15241/cdc.11.1.73 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022). Causes of Obesity. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/basics/causes.html Hassink, S. G. (2017). Early child care and education: A key component of obesity prevention in infancy. Pediatrics,140(6), e20172846. doi:10.1542/peds.2017-2846 Jackson, J. K., Jones, J., Nguyen, H., Davies, I., Lum, M., Grady, A., & Yoong, S. L. (2021). Obesity prevention within the early childhood education and care setting: a systematic review of dietary behavior and physical activity policies and guidelines in high income countries. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(2), 838. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020838 Southern Maryland Chronicle News Desk (2022). This Is Where Maryland Ranks Among the Most Obese States in America. https://southernmarylandchronicle.com/2022/01/24/this-is-where-maryland-ranks-among-the-most-obese-states-in-america/ Ortiz, J., Hofler, R., Bushy, A., Lin, Y. L., Khanijahani, A., & Bitney, A. (2018, June). Impact of nurse practitioner practice regulations on rural population health outcomes. Healthcare, 6(2):65). DOI: 10.3390/healthcare6020065 Wakefield, M., Williams, D. R., & Le Menestrel, S. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academy of Sciences. Wolff-Baker, D., & Ordona, R. B. (2019). The expanding role of nurse practitioners in home-based primary care: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(6), 9-14. DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20190422-01. Struggling to Meet Your Deadline? Get your assignment on Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation done on time by medical experts. Don’t wait – ORDER NOW! Meet my deadline NRS440 Trends & issues in Today’s Health Care Week 4 Assignment: Advocacy Through Legislation Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system. For this assignment, identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation. Research the issue and use the “Advocacy Through Legislation” template to complete this assignment. You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice. While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance. Advocacy Through Legislation Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below. For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal. Problem In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues. Idea for Addressing Solution In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy. Research the Issue ORDER NOW FOR AN ORIGINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT: Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation Assignment: NRS 440 Advocacy Through Legislation Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states. Evidence 1 Evidence 2 Stakeholder Support Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support. Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1 Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2 Stakeholder Opposition Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations. Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1 Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2 Financial Incentives/Costs In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support. Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following: Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator. Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator. Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress. Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc. NRS-440 Topic 4 DQ 1 As a bedside nurse, it can seem daunting thinking of legislation or the politics related to healthcare. It is often easier not paying attention to what goes on behind the scenes. However, if it were not for legislation, healthcare would not be a regulated profession. Also, legislation keeps healthcare workers safe from the woes of unsafe staffing ratios and other job demising situations. During Covid-19, it became obvious what a pull politics have on healthcare. Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), the government had to get involved. They also had to keep healthcare workers safe with CDC requirements on quarantining and the proper PPE to keep us safe from the (at the time) unknown virus. Many legislators exist that put their focus on safe healthcare and protection of healthcare workers. However, those who are retired nurses know what it is like to be a nurse in the current healthcare landscape. This gives them a step-up in providing legislation to improve healthcare and nursing practice. For example, Eddie Bernice Johnson is a democratic representative for the state of Texas. She is a retired psychiatric nurse and has served in congress since the 103rd congress in 1993 (History, Art, Archives, n.d.). She is known for many bills that help healthcare workers. One such bill is “H.R. 7814 – Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2022” (117th Congress, 2021-2022). What this bill addresses is the safety of healthcare workers. It allows for “grants” to be put in place for healthcare providers for increased “physical and cyber security of their facilities, personnel, and patients” (117th Congress, 2021-2022). As healthcare changes to its next phase, individuals are becoming easily disgruntled and are becoming more abusive towards health care professionals (Kingston & Kang, 2022). Thus, this bill provides health care providers with the funds needed to protect themselves and their patients from harm. Additionally, with the world becoming even more cyber aware, hacking happens more and more (Torrence, 2022). This bill allows for funds to increase cyber security to protect health information. References: 117th Congress (2021-2022). H.R. 7814 – Health care providers safety act of 2022. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7814/text?r=20&s=1 History, Art, Archives (n.d.). Johnson, Eddie Bernice. https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/15852 Kingston, M. B., & Kang, C. S. (2022). Violence against health care workers is on the rise. They need protection. Stat news. https://www.statnews.com/2022/11/11/health-care-workers-deserve-protection-from-violence/ Torrence, R. (2022). Cyberattacks top list of 2022 health tech hazards alongside supply chain problems, damaged infusion pumps. Fierce healthcare. https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/tech/cyberattacks-top-list-2022-health-tech-hazards-ecri-report-alongside-supply-chain-problems Advocacy through Legislation Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below. For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal. Problem In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues. One nursing problem in my state of Texas that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation is the issue of nurse burnout. Nurse burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress in the workplace (Crabtree‐Nelson et al., 2022). This issue is affecting nurses across the state, from hospital and clinic settings to long-term care facilities and home health agencies. The current ramifications of nurse burnout in Texas include high turnover rates, decreased job satisfaction, increased absenteeism, and a decrease in the qual
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