Introduction
Active participation in policy decisions and the political process is essential for nursing due to its historical significance, practice, education, and professional organizations (Milstead, 2016). The decision-making process for government policies involves four phases: agenda setting, legislation and regulations, implementation, and evaluation (Milstead, 2016). In Part 1 of Developing an Advocacy Campaign, the focus was on selecting a population health issue related to the cost of healthcare. The proposed policy aims to make the resource modules from the Choosing Wisely Campaign mandatory for all physicians and advanced practice providers. The goal is to reduce healthcare waste and avoid unnecessary treatment risks. This paper explores whether this proposed policy can be enacted through new legislation or modification of existing laws.
NURS 5050 Week 7 Developing an Advocacy Campaign – Part 2 Proposed Policy
Enacting the proposed policy of making the resource modules from the Choosing Wisely Campaign mandatory for physicians and advanced practice providers can be achieved through the creation of a new law or modifying existing laws. The Education and Training for Health Act (HR 3057 IH, 2015) requests federal agencies to develop guidelines for primary care federal health professionals to complete continuing medical education on nutrition. Modifying this law can extend the requirement of continuing medical education (CME) to include the modules on unnecessary tests and treatments from the Choosing Wisely Campaign. Additionally, HR 3775 IH (1998), which mandates an unrestricted license for military physicians, can be amended to include the Choosing Wisely modules in the CME requirement for military healthcare providers.
Analysis of Methods to Support the Policy
Lobbying plays a crucial role in influencing legislators and policymakers to support the proposed policy (Milstead, 2016). The “three legs of lobbying” are essential in this process. The first leg is financial support, which involves providing monetary assistance to special interest groups, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), that may support the policy. The second leg focuses on building relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators and professional lobbyists. Engaging with relevant representatives and organizations, such as Senator Jim Rice, Representative Brandon Hixon, Representative Greg Chaney, and ANA lobbyists, can help advocate for the policy. The third leg involves generating public support through awareness and grassroots efforts. Garnering public opinion in favor of the policy is crucial and can be achieved by collaborating with local and state legislators.
NURS 5050 Week 7 Developing an Advocacy Campaign – Part 2 Summary of Obstacles
Several obstacles may arise during the legislative process. One challenge is determining whether military physicians should be considered separately from private physicians, which could require submitting two bills. Alternatively, a single bill could be introduced to mandate the policy for all physicians in the United States. Opposition from lobbying groups like the American Medical Association (AMA), who may resist additional CME mandates, is another obstacle. Emphasizing the need to reduce healthcare waste and highlighting the impact of unnecessary tests and treatments on costs can help address AMA concerns. Additionally, potential changes to the bill during the committee or chamber review stages may necessitate revisions and compromises. Ensuring strong support from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education Labor & Pensions, lobbyists, and the public is crucial to prevent the bill from stalling.
References
American Board of Internal Medicine website. (n.d.). http://www.abimfoundation.org
Milstead, J. A. (2016). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Choosing Wisely. (2014). Choosing Wisely [Grant Report]. Retrieved from Choosing Wisely website: http://www.choosingwisely.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/choosing-wisely-grant-report.pdf
Choosing Wisely website. (n.d.). http://www.choosingwisely.org Civitello, L. M. (2017). Developing an advocacy campaign – part 1. Walden University: NURS 5050 / NURS 6050: Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health Education and Training for Health Act, H.R. Res. HR 3057 IH, 114th Cong., Federal Register 1 (2015) (enacted). System for Monitoring Completion by Military Physicians of Applicable CME Requirements, H.R. Res. HR 3775 IH Amendment to Title 10, 105th Cong., Title 10 Federal Register 1 (1998) (enacted).
