NURS 6050/5050 Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement

NURS 6050/5050 Assignment: Legislation Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement

Advocacy is an essential role for nurses, especially in efforts to reduce existing disparities and attain health equity for different populations, especially low-income individuals and families. The Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2022 is a critical legislative piece that requires enactment because it addresses critical issues that impact the delivery of health equity for different populations. Consequently, Congress should pass this bill for effective enactment to attain its benefits. Keeping demographics about individuals and families as well as groups experiencing disparities and inequities in health care provision is essential to improving the health of the population (Bode, 2022). The bill also considers the position of nurses and the need to enhance their ability to offer quality care as it proposes increased support from the HHS to health workforce diversity and enhancing access to culturally and linguistically-sensitive care for patients and health populations.

The bill has provisions that respect noncitizens, maternal health, infant health and child health. It also proposes interventions to health individuals access support and changes eligibility requirements for Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance. Therefore, this bill captures all aspects recommended in the report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicines (Bode, 2022). Today, millions of Americans and noncitizens cannot access equitable and quality care due to disparities caused by different aspects of their demographics. As such, this bill will be critical in improving the current conditions and increasing access to healthcare services. Currently, there is no opposition to the bill. However, in case it arises, it is essential to remind opponents that developing a healthy nation reduces expenditure on care and the burden of costs associated with health disparities, especially health inequities and inequalities.

Conclusion

Nurses need advocacy to help improve access to healthcare for patients and health populations. The bill aims at addressing these issues and nurses should take a forefront position to advocate its enactment. Through this bill, the workforce will also be enhanced to meet expected demands.

References

Bode, H. (2022). A new bill to address health disparities: The Health Equity and

Accountability Act. https://www.kidneyfund.org/article/new-bill-address-health-disparities-health-equity-and-accountability-act