1. Describe the interdependence of politics, including diverse perspectives, shared values, and the passage of health care reform.
2. Describe the legal and judicial system and the role of the courts in shaping policy.
3. Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, identify one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection.
must be minimum 250 words, references must be cited in APA format, and must include minimum of 2 scholarly resources published within the past 5-7 years.
Expert Solution Preview
1. The interdependence of politics in the context of health care reform is crucial as it reflects the complex relationship between policy decisions and the provision of quality healthcare. Politics play a significant role in shaping the healthcare system and its delivery, with diverse perspectives and shared values being influential factors.
Diverse perspectives in politics refer to the variety of opinions and viewpoints represented by different stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, and advocacy groups. These diverse perspectives lead to discussions, negotiations, and compromises, ultimately influencing the formulation and implementation of health care reforms. For instance, healthcare professionals may emphasize the need for increased access to care, while policymakers may prioritize cost containment. Through the interplay of these perspectives, policies are shaped that aim to strike a balance between various considerations.
Shared values among politicians and policymakers are essential for the passage of health care reform. Examples of common values include the promotion of public health, equity in healthcare access, and the well-being of the population. These shared values provide a basis for collaboration and consensus-building, allowing for the development and implementation of policies that address the needs of the broader community. By aligning their perspectives with shared values, policymakers can develop a coherent framework for health care reform.
The passage of health care reform requires an understanding of the complex political landscape. Policymakers need to navigate legislative processes, engage with interest groups, and overcome ideological and partisan barriers. Political action becomes critical to driving health care reform forward. This can include engaging in lobbying efforts, building coalitions, advocating for policies to address health disparities, and mobilizing public opinion to support reforms. Nurses, as trusted and knowledgeable healthcare professionals, play a pivotal role in influencing policymaking through their active involvement in political actions that prioritize the well-being and health of the population.
2. The legal and judicial system plays a significant role in shaping healthcare policy. The courts, as part of the judicial system, interpret laws and regulations, resolve disputes, and establish precedent, all of which can have profound implications for healthcare policies and practices.
One key role of the courts is to ensure that healthcare policies are consistent with constitutional principles and individual rights. For example, the Supreme Court’s decisions on cases such as Roe v. Wade and Obergefell v. Hodges have shaped healthcare policies related to reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights, respectively. These landmark decisions have had a lasting impact on healthcare practices, demonstrating the influence of the courts in shaping policy.
Moreover, the courts can also influence healthcare policymaking through their interpretation of statutes and administrative regulations. For instance, court rulings have clarified the scope of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), determining how certain provisions are implemented and enforced. The courts can act as a check and balance on the executive and legislative branches of government, ensuring that healthcare policies adhere to legal principles and are consistent with the intent of the law.
In addition to resolving legal disputes, the courts can also play an active role in enforcing and overseeing healthcare policies. This includes monitoring compliance with laws, regulations, and court orders pertaining to healthcare, such as ensuring equal access to care and protecting patients’ rights.
Overall, the legal and judicial system significantly influences healthcare policy through its interpretation of laws, resolution of disputes, establishment of precedent, and oversight of policies. Understanding the role of the courts in shaping policy is essential for healthcare professionals to navigate the legal landscape and advocate for policies that promote equitable and effective healthcare.
3. Nurses can take various political actions to strengthen their role in policymaking, particularly in advocating for improving LGBTQ health. Three key actions that nurses can undertake include:
1) Education and Awareness: Nurses can educate themselves and others about the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. By staying up-to-date with current research and evidence-based practices related to LGBTQ health, nurses can develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. They can use this knowledge to educate their colleagues, policymakers, and the general public to promote awareness and facilitate informed decision-making.
2) Participation in Policy Development: Nurses can actively engage in the development and promotion of policies that address the specific healthcare needs of LGBTQ individuals. This can involve joining professional nursing organizations that advocate for LGBTQ health, participating in policy committees and task forces, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to craft inclusive policies. By bringing their expertise and experiences to the policymaking table, nurses can drive the development of policies that improve LGBTQ health outcomes.
3) Collaboration and Coalition Building: Nurses can forge alliances and collaborative partnerships with other healthcare professionals, LGBTQ organizations, and policy advocates to amplify their collective voices. By working together, nurses can leverage their individual strengths and resources to effectively advocate for policy changes that positively impact LGBTQ health. Collaboration can include joint advocacy efforts, sharing best practices, and collectively lobbying for policy reforms.
In terms of the AACN MSN Essentials, the essential that pertains most to this topic is Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice. This essential emphasizes the importance of engaging in health policy advocacy to advance the health of individuals and populations. By actively engaging in political actions to strengthen their role in policymaking, nurses contribute to the development of inclusive policies that enhance LGBTQ health outcomes. This essential underscores the responsibility of advanced practice nurses to understand the political and social determinants of health and work towards the promotion of equitable healthcare policies for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
References:
1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The essentials of master’s education in nursing. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/Publications/MastersEssentials11.pdf
2. Institute of Medicine. (2011). The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
