Valuing the Political Process
Chapter 14: Valuing the Political Process
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this chapter, you should be able to:
Explain why it is beneficial for nurses to have knowledge about and be involved in the political process.
Review seven ways an individual might influence the political process.
Summarize the various ways in which the U.S. federal government is involved in healthcare.
Outline common state legislative concerns.
Describe common local political concerns.
Explain why there are so many nursing organizations.
Report the major purpose of each nursing organization presented in the chapter.
Analyze the ways that nursing organizations seek to affect the healthcare delivery system and the political processes that control healthcare delivery.
Explain how politics is relevant to your participation in organizations.
KEY TERMS
Allocation of resources: The process of distributing available resources to various uses.
Appropriations act: A legislative bill that allows for government departments and agencies to spend money.
Authorization act: A law that establishes or continues a program or agency.
Conditions of participation: Regulations that must be met by organizations to receive federal funding.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): The U.S. government department responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.
Hatch Act: A federal law prohibiting government employees from engaging in political activities while on duty.
Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence the decisions of government officials.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): A law ensuring workplace safety and health standards.
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA): Legislation that includes social welfare programs and healthcare.
NURSING CONCEPTS
Leadership and Management
Legal Issues
Professionalism and Professional Behaviors
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Politics
Tri-Council for Nursing
UNFOLDING CASE STUDY: PART 1
Kim's concerns include:
Working over 40 hours weekly and the potential for mandatory overtime due to staff shortages.
Considering how to influence hospital administration decisions.
Questions to consider:
Does the individual nurse have a voice?
What are possible ways for Kim to get involved?
Recommendations for action.
RELEVANCE OF THE POLITICAL PROCESS FOR NURSES
Historical involvement of nurses in politics, citing:
Florence Nightingale’s lobbying for support in Crimea.
Hannah Ropes' advocacy for Civil War soldiers.
Formation of the first nursing organization by Isabel Hampton in 1896.
Understanding the influence of power and politics is critical for acquiring necessary resources.
Decisions affecting nursing occur at federal, state, and local levels.
Nurse Practice Acts define nursing roles legally in each state.
Familiarity with decision-making processes is essential for effective nursing practice.
INFLUENCING THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Nurses can influence healthcare legislation and policies through several avenues:
Becoming informed: Utilizing diverse information sources, assessing biases.
Voting: Supporting candidates reflecting personal concerns.
Expressing opinions: Through letters and public forums.
Direct communication: With legislators and public officials.
Contributing to organizations: Non-profit nursing organizations and PACs.
Testifying: Before decision-making bodies on legislation and issues of importance.
BOX 14.1: INFLUENCING THE POLITICAL PROCESS
Ways to influence:
Become informed through various sources.
Vote and participate in professional organizations.
Express opinions publicly and directly to legislators.
Engage with non-lobbying and lobbying organizations.
Testify before decision-making bodies.
INFORMATION SOURCES FOR NURSES
News Media: Newspapers, magazines, online reports, and the role of social media.
Specialized Publications: Voter pamphlets, professional journals, state and federal legislation copies.
Online Resources: Websites of governmental and nursing organizations for current issues and legislation details.
Organizational Meetings: Discussions of legislative issues in community groups and nursing organizations.
VOTING
Importance of voting in elections and professional organizations. Over 66% of eligible voters participated in the 2020 elections, with nurses voting at higher rates due to their educational levels.
Voting for candidates, engaging in postal voting, and informing oneself about candidates are essential for those representing professional organizations.
SHAPING PUBLIC OPINION
Nurses can influence legislation and public perception about healthcare through personal experiences and professional expertise.
Writing letters to the editor can help highlight healthcare concerns.
BOX 14.2: WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Guidelines for effective letters include brevity, clarity, personal anecdotes (maintaining confidentiality), and a respectful tone.
COMMUNICATING WITH LEGISLATORS AND OFFICIALS
Personal letters are highly impactful; it’s crucial to identify oneself as a nurse and provide detailed concerns.
Official communication may also be through e-mail, ensuring compliance with workplace policies regarding political activity.
TESTIFYING FOR DECISION-MAKING BODIES
Opportunities to testify at hearings affect nursing and healthcare decisions. Registration may be necessary.
Preparation and brevity in presentation are vital.
GROUP ACTION
Collective action among nurses can amplify influence, citing the importance of group representation in political arenas.
Nonprofit advocacy and the role of specialized nursing organizations in political processes are discussed.
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES (PACs)
PACs enable active involvement in politics, funding campaigns, and influencing legislation.
The ANA-PAC specifically focuses on public health issues affecting nursing.
OTHER POLITICALLY IMPORTANT GROUPS
Various organizations like Common Cause and AARP influence health and social issues.
Nurses should consider supporting these groups through advocacy and contributions.
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION AND CANDIDATES
Direct support for healthcare policies can take many forms, from financial contributions to active campaigning and lobbying.
HATCH ACT
Federal restrictions on political activity for government employees are detailed, stressing the need for understanding these limitations.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN HEALTHCARE
The involvement of federal agencies like DHHS, NIH, FDA, and the CMS is outlined.
Understanding legislative processes like the authorization act and appropriations act helps navigate funding decisions.
NURSING ORGANIZATIONS: PAST AND PRESENT
Exploration of the historical context of nursing organizations, their evolution, and current roles in political advocacy.
Historical figures like Ethel Gordon Fenwick and Isabel Hampton are highlighted for their contributions.
MODERN NURSING ORGANIZATIONS
The existence of numerous specialty organizations reflects the diverse interests of nurses today. Collaboration efforts among groups are emphasized.
ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN NURSING
A case study evaluates ethical principles, conflicts of interest, and decision-making in politics and healthcare settings.
LOCAL POLITICAL CONCERNS
Community health priorities are shaped during budgeting processes, which should include voices from nursing professionals.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING ORGANIZATIONS
Details the structure, impact, and functions of organizations like ANA, NLN, and others in representing nurse interests.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Understanding the political process is critical for nursing professionals to navigate their responsibilities and influence healthcare effectively, emphasizing the significance of active participation.