Examine U.S. healthcare policy structures and the role of the nursing leader as a change agent at the public policy table.

Directions

You will decide on a policy issue that needs to be addressed. You may choose a policy issue that interests you. Below are suggested topics for proposed policy change, however if you wish to address another topic please contact your instructor for approval:

• Treatment of veterans after deployment and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Cost of end of life care.
• Costs of drugs in the United States as compared to other countries.
• Quarantine of health care workers that have been exposed to communicable diseases.
• Medical care for illegal immigrants.
• Right to die with euthanasia methods.
• Disclosure of medical records of pilots and other safety sensitive professionals and HIPAA violations.
• Restrictions of roles of nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses in certain states.
• Health care reform.
• Requirements of meaningful use to meet core measures.
• ICD-10 issues.
• Entry into practice issues.
• Mandatory vaccination of children.
• Allowing nurses educated in other countries to practice in the United States.
• Faculty shortages in U.S. nursing education programs.

You will write a letter using professional business format to one of your Federal legislators outlining what the issue is and why it is important. The letter will address:

• The current policy structure.
• The need for the change.
• The suggested change.
• Cost implications if the change is implemented.
• The role the nurse as a change agent will take at the policy table. 

Assignment Requirements

Before finalizing your work, you should:

• be sure to read the Assignment description carefully (as displayed above);
• consult the Grading Rubric (under the Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and
• utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors.

 Your writing Assignment should:

• follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);
• be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;
• display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; and
• use APA formatting and citation style.