Identify a Problem or Concern in Your State, Community or Organization that has the Capacity for Advocacy Through Legislation
Identify a Problem or Concern in Your State, Community or Organization that has the Capacity for Advocacy Through Legislation
Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system.
For this assignment, identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation. Research the issue and use the “Advocacy Through Legislation” template to complete this assignment.
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Nurses are patient advocates who understand the different issues that impact health populations and communities that they serve. These health issues like public health emergencies as witnessed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies implore them to leverage advocacy approaches through legislation to implement evidence-based practice interventions to address them. A core concern that may have long-term health effects in the country is the rise in the rates of underage drinking as millions of young Americans are affected by this public health issue. Developing interventions to address this issue is important and nurses should work with stakeholders, especially legislators at state and federal levels to seek solutions (Bergman & Morley, 2022). The purpose of this essay is to discuss how nurses can use legislative process to conduct advocacy against underage drinking and propose solutions to address the issue.
| Problem
In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues. |
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| According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2022), underage drinking is a critical public health issue that requires evidence-based solutions to reduce and prevent its occurrence. Alcohol remains the most widely used substance in young people or minors. Underage drinking entails minors engaging in use of alcohol as a substance for leisure and other psychological and physical benefits. Underage drinking affects not just the youth or the implicated minors but has wider ramifications on the entire society and communities most affected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) reveals that close to 29% of high school students take alcohol with 14% having binge drinking. Furthermore, 5% of drivers drive under influence of alcohol with close to 17% of people being driven by drunk drivers.
According to CDC (2022), underage alcohol consumption predicts and increases the risk for deviant attitudes and behavioral issues like school dropout, high absenteeism rate and bad grades, social issues like fighting and a decline in participation in youth initiatives. It also increases the risk for arrests for driving under influence or physical assault against others. Underage drinking causes unwanted, and unprotected sexual activities which are risk factors for unwanted and unplanned pregnancies. Chronic underage alcohol use may cause addiction in the future. Alcohol use heightens the risk for suicidal and physical conduct and sexual violence by partners. |
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| Idea for Addressing Solution
In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy. |
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| Lowering access to alcohol through regulation of liquor stores and having caps on selling of alcohol products is important in addressing this issue. For instance, lowering the number of outlets will increase the cost of accessing alcohol since young people will walk longer distances to buy their best brands. Further, it would also mean less accessibility and availability thus discouraging consumption among the underage. These regulations require engagement of key stakeholders like elected officials through advocacy.
Advocacy using legislation means engaging and participation of elected officials to create legislative models at state or federal government’s levels on regulation of liquor stores (Pedroni et al., 2020). Reducing their operational hours among other measures using bundled interventions will help address the issue. Imperatively, the state government can make regulations to execute these provisions. Legislation is the most effective approach as elected leaders have a duty to create interventions based on laws and institute mandatory requirements for all stakeholders to comply with in their operational environment (Biggerstaff & Skomra, 2020). The utilization of legislation as an advocacy model shows its importance in creating and enacting effective laws to tackle health-related issues, especially in public health. Nurses are patient advocates and work with stakeholders to create and implement effective and evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions to tackle health issues at different levels of practice and government; from local to federal level (Biggerstaff & Skomra, 2020). Advocacy helps in integrating the primary stakeholders who include parents, school administrators, families and the local communities. The users are also stakeholders in this initiative so that they get better ways of handling their alcohol utilization based on its effects. |
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| Research the Issue
Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states. |
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| Evidence 1 | In their study, Stellefson et al. (2018) assert that stakeholders can deploy different resources and interventions to lower risks linked to underage drinking and its negative impacts. Using social ecological perspectives, the researchers suggest a host of interventions at different levels to determine the most appropriate resources to reduce alcohol use among college students and the negative effects.
The article is categorical that young people develop drinking behaviors before enrolling in their college studies and programs. As such, it proposes the identification of the possible risk factors before young people join college and entrench this habit while influencing susceptible peers. |
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| Evidence 2 | In their narrative and critical review of current publications on alcohol consumption interventions, Sanchez-Puertas et al. (2022) note that school-based programs are essential and clinically significant in deterring the habit. These initiatives improve attitudes and the intentions to leave the habit and entrench positive social norms and acceptance of alcohol. These programs reduce intoxication and enhance perceptions about the negative impacts of alcoholism among underage individuals. | |
| Evidence 3 | Alcohol consumption increases the risk for uncontrolled sexual behaviors among adolescents. According to Carels et al. (2022), social influences and interpersonal affects increase the probability of underage individuals engaging in alcohol drinking. The researchers propose the use of interventions at individual, parental and community levels as essential to addressing the issue. The study notes that drinking has serious effects on social and personal development of the impacted young persons. These interventions should focus on drinking conduct, degree of usage and treatment interventions for individuals battling alcoholism and addiction. | |
| Stakeholder Support
Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support. |
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| Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1 | The stakeholders in support of this idea are parents, community members who include teachers and religious leaders are interested in getting solutions to alcohol usage among underage individuals. The presence of many liquor shops without an effective regulatory framework endangers the lives of young people who have taken to its consumption. More young people are vulnerable to alcohol and its usage due to the ease of access in the shops leading to possible binge drinking. | |
| Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2 | The government at state and local level will support this idea since it will allow them to get revenue, enhance performance and productivity, and protect the minors from adverse effects of alcohol. They will also support it so that they can save funds used to treat and rehabilitate the affected minor. These efforts also include expenditure on rehabilitation programs. The proposed initiative will be instrumental in addressing this challenge in the long-term. | |
| Stakeholder Opposition
Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations. |
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| Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1 | The stakeholders opposed to this idea would include owners and operators of the stores as it will impact their revenues and businesses. The regulations will reduce their operational hours and lead to loss of employment. However, they should consider this as part of their corporate social responsibility of improving and advancing community interests and protecting their future customers from bad and addictive drinking behavior. They should comply with the set regulations to protect the common good of all in the community. | |
| Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2 | Manufacturers of alcohol products will be against the idea as it will lead to reduced output and production due to a decrease in demand. The policy will adversely impact their market share and general revenues and productivity as well.
Nevertheless, they need to understand that the development of initiatives to limit the use of alcohol in the community is import to protecting the lives of underage drinkers because of its adverse effects. They must show their social responsibility by discouraging inappropriate use of alcohol among young people. |
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| Financial Incentives/Costs
In no more than 250 words, summarize the financial impact for the issue and the idea (added costs, cost savings, increased revenue, etc.). Provided support. |
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| The idea has positive financial outcomes for the stakeholders in the long-term. The initiative will lead to a reduction in the financial costs on funding programs to address alcoholism and its associated effects like addiction. Early utilization of alcohol has adverse effects on the growth and development of young people, especially the development and functioning of their brain (Pedroni et al., 2020). Alcohol is a risk factor for engaging in dangerous activities and increases possibility of getting accidents, contemplation of suicide and the possibility of engaging in violence and sexual assault.
Treatment for alcoholism and associated addiction as well as mental health disorders constitute significant financial burden to families and individuals as well as their communities and even governments. These stakeholders are compelled to offer limited resources, especially health resources, to address the issue. These resources are deployed to treat associated condition like substance use disorders, sexually transmitted infection, injuries from violence and assault cases among others. The CDC asserts that government spends an estimated $24 billion as economic and health related expense because of alcohol consumption among minors. State and federal governments allocate substantial resources to enhance and offer education and prevent school dropout and susceptibility to engage in criminal activities. As such, this proposed initiative will assist all stakeholders, from parents to governments to save resources and prevent the negative effects of alcohol use among minors. The proposed solution is essential in helping to address these issues and offer quality and healthy living to young people impacted by underage drinking problem. Crime is closely associated with alcohol use and such events lead to increased criminal activities. |
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| Legislature: Information Needed and Process for Proposal
Discuss the how to advocate for your proposal using legislation. Include the following: |
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| Provide the name and complete contact information for the legislator. | ||
| Describe the steps for how you would present this to your legislator. | I will to book an appointment and present my proposal on tackling the issue at hand. My presentation will be based on evidence collected about the negative effects of underage drinking on the users, their families and the community at large. The presentation will show the causes, especially the increased number of outlets selling alcohol, the solution to the issue that requires a legislative solution. I will implore on the legislator to make remarks and what he believes will be the best approach based on legislation route. | |
| Outline the process if your legislator chooses to introduce your idea as a bill to congress. | The legislator craft a bill for introduction to Congress. The bill will be taken to the concerned committee, in this case, the health committee, for amendments and analysis of its content and ask stakeholders to provide their views. The committee will make certain recommendations before approval and referring it back to the House for debate and subsequent amendments. The representative will lobby to get support for its passage as well as getting members of vote for or against it. The bill will then move to the Senate for consideration and debate. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate will approve the bill. A disagreement between the two houses will implore Congress to establish a conference committee to address them before final approval. The president will sign approved bill for its enactment. | |
| Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy
In no more than 250 words, discuss how principles of a Christian worldview lend support to legislative advocacy in health care without bias. Be specific as to how these principles help advocate for inclusiveness and positive health outcomes for all populations, including those more vulnerable, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion/belief, etc. |
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| The Christian worldview entails different ethical principles like solidarity, dignity, love and respect. Individuals also make sacrifices for the good of the majority under Christian doctrines. Advocacy is appropriate when addressing issues that impact r vulnerable populations as it mirrors one’s commitment to Christian values like love and sacrifice. Nurses should promote and respect the sanctity of life as man is created in God’s image (Bergman & Morley, 2022). A person’s dignity transcends any aspect of individualism and needs sacrificial actions and decisions through advocacy for approaches to stop underage drinking due to its adverse effects on young people, their families, the community and public health.
The owners of the liquor stores need to understand that they are a part of the community and any actions and decisions that they make have serious implications on the welfare of the members. They need to work for and promote common good and love for all people. Therefore, they should be willing to sell their products as regulated and help address this serious public health issue affecting minors with not capacity to make informed choices and decisions. These approaches underscore the utilization of advocacy as it provides opportunities to engage all stakeholders without any bias or favoritism. The principle ascertain that those involved do not seek self-glorification but for the sacrificial love of others regardless of their political persuasions and socioeconomic conditions or statuses. |
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Conclusion
Advocacy through legislation is an essential yet evidence-based approach to influence the development and implementation of policies to address public health concerns like underage drinking in particular and alcoholism as well as substance use abuse in general. Nurses as patient advocates can present these ideas to their legislators to help them formulate policies and interventions to address them. The proposed initiative to tackle underage drinking is important in assisting community and its members to reduce the financial burdens and promote better behaviors to reduce adverse effects of alcohol among minors.
References
Bergman, E., & Morley, C. (2022). Public Policy: Nurse Licensure Compact as a Lesson in Legislative Action for the Case
Management Community. Professional Case Management, 27(1), 26-29. DOI: 10.1097/NCM.0000000000000542.
Biggerstaff, M. E., & Skomra, T. S. (2020). Nurses as immigrant advocates: A brief overview. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing,
25(2). DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol25No02PPT69
Carels, C., Florence, M., Adams, S., Sinclair, D. L., & Savahl, S. (2022). Youths’ perceptions of the relation between alcohol
consumption and risky sexual behaviour in the Western Cape, South Africa: a qualitative study. Child indicators research, 1-25. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12187-022-09913-9
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2022). Underage Drinking.
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm
Finan, L. J., Lipperman-Kreda, S., Grube, J. W., Balassone, A., & Kaner, E. (2020). Alcohol marketing and adolescent and young
adult alcohol use behaviors: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, Supplement, (s19), 42-56. https://doi.org/10.15288/jsads.2020.s19.42
Pedroni, C., Dujeu, M., Lebacq, T., Desnouck, V., Holmberg, E., & Castetbon, K. (2021). Alcohol consumption in early adolescence:
Associations with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors according to gender. PloS one, 16(1), e0245597. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245597
Sánchez-Puertas, R., Vaca-Gallegos, S., López-Núñez, C., & Ruisoto, P. (2022). Prevention of alcohol consumption programs for
children and youth: a narrative and critical review of recent publications. Frontiers in psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.821867
Stellefson, M., Barry, A. E., Stewart, M., Paige, S. R., Apperson, A., Garris, E., & Russell, A. (2019). Resources to reduce underage
drinking risks and associated harms: social ecological perspectives. Health promotion practice, 20(2), 160-166. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524839918814736
Attachments
NRS-440VN-RS4-AdvocacyThroughLegi
Advocacy Through Legislation – Rubric
Criteria Description
Problem, Those Affected, Current Ramifications, and Consequences if Problem Continues
5. Excellent
23.25 points
A well-develop discussion of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is presented. Strong and compelling rationale is provided. Insight into the problem and consequences is demonstrated.
4. Good
20.69 points
A discussion of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is presented. Some rationale is needed.
3. Satisfactory
18.37 points
A summary of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is presented. There are some omissions and inaccuracies. Rationale is needed.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
17.44 points
A partial or vague discussion of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is presented. Why the problem would be best addressed through legislation is unclear.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
A description of the problem, those affected, current ramifications, and consequences if the issue continues is omitted.
Criteria Description
Idea for Addressing Solution
5. Excellent
15.5 points
A logical and well-developed idea for addressing the issue is outlined. Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is thoroughly explained. Strong and compelling rationale is provided.
4. Good
13.8 points
Idea for addressing the issue is outlined. Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is generally explained. Some rationale is needed.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
Idea for addressing the issue is generally outlined. Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is summarized. There are some minor omissions. Rationale is needed.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
Idea for addressing the issue is vague. Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is unclear. There are major omissions.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Idea for addressing the issue and why legislation is the best course for advocacy is omitted.
Criteria Description
Research Supporting Solution for Problem
5. Excellent
23.25 points
Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are presented and demonstrate strong and compiling support for the idea.
4. Good
20.69 points
Idea for addressing the issue is outlined. Why legislation is the best course for advocacy is generally explained. Some rationale is needed. Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are presented. There are minor inaccuracies. Some detail is needed.
3. Satisfactory
18.37 points
Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are generally presented. More information is needed. There are some inaccuracies.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
17.44 points
Some support for the idea and its effectiveness in addressing the problem is presented. Findings presented are not substantiated, or do not provide evidence-based support for the idea.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are omitted.
Criteria Description
Stakeholder Support
5. Excellent
15.5 points
All significant stakeholders in support of the proposed idea are presented and a well-supported explanation of why they are in support of the idea are provided.
4. Good
13.8 points
Key stakeholders in support of the proposed idea are presented. It is generally clear why they are in support of the idea. Some detail or rationale is needed.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
Substantive evidence-based findings that support the idea for addressing the problem, including similar legislation in other states, are generally presented. More information is needed. There are some inaccuracies.General stakeholders in support of the proposed idea are presented. It is unclear why they are in support of the idea. More information is needed.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
At least one stakeholder in support of the proposed idea is presented. The assignment criteria are largely incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Stakeholders in support the proposed idea are omitted.
Criteria Description
Stakeholder Opposition
5. Excellent
15.5 points
All significant stakeholders in opposition to the proposed idea are presented. A well-supported explanation for why they are opposed to the idea and strategies for debating or conversing with opposing stakeholders is presented.
4. Good
13.8 points
Key stakeholders in opposition to the proposed idea are presented. A general explanation for why they are opposed to the idea and strategies for debating or conversing with opposing stakeholders is presented.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
General stakeholders in opposition to the proposed idea are presented. Explanation for why they are opposed to the idea and strategies for debating or conversing with opposing stakeholders is vague.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
At least one stakeholder in support of the proposed idea is presented. The assignment criteria are largely incomplete.At least one stakeholder in opposition to the proposed idea is presented. The assignment criteria are largely incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Stakeholders in opposition to the proposed idea are omitted.
Criteria Description
Financial Incentives and Costs
5. Excellent
15.5 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is clearly summarized. Strong rationale and support for claims is provided.
4. Good
13.8 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is summarized. Support for claims is generally supported.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is outlined. More information or support is needed for claims.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is only partially presented. The assignment criteria are largely incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is omitted.
Criteria Description
Legislature Process and Information for Proposal
5. Excellent
15.5 points
Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are clearly and logically presented. The legislative process is clearly understood and insight into legislative advocacy is demonstrated.
4. Good
13.8 points
The financial impact for the issue and idea is summarized. Support for claims is generally supported.Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are presented. Information or detail is needed in some areas for accuracy or clarity.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are generally outlined.There are some inaccuracies or omissions.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are largely incomplete.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Legislative information needed and process to advocate for proposal are omitted.
Criteria Description
Christian Principles and Nursing Advocacy
5. Excellent
15.5 points
A well-developed discussion of how Christian principles support unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is presented. The discussion demonstrates an ability to act impartially and in the interest of promoting inclusive patient care without regard to gender, sexual orientation, culture, race, religion, or belief.
4. Good
13.8 points
A discussion of how Christian principles support unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is presented. The discussion generally demonstrates how the principles support positive patient outcomes and inclusiveness for all populations. Some detail or information is needed for clarity.
3. Satisfactory
12.25 points
A summary of how Christian principles support unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is presented. Some rationale or information is needed to demonstrate how the principles support positive patient outcomes and inclusiveness for all populations.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
11.63 points
A discussion of how Christian principles support unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is incomplete. It is unclear how the principles support positive patient outcomes and inclusiveness for all populations.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
A discussion of how Christian principles supporting unbiased advocacy for health care legislation is omitted.
Criteria Description
Research
5. Excellent
7.75 points
Research is supportive of the rationale presented. Sources are distinctive. Addresses all of the issues stated in the assignment criteria.
4. Good
6.9 points
Research is timely and relevant, and addresses all of the issues stated in the assignment criteria.
3. Satisfactory
6.12 points
Research is adequate. Sources are standard in relevance, quality of outside sources, and/or timeliness.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
5.81 points
Few outside sources were used to support the assignment. Limited research is apparent.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
No outside sources were used to support the assignment.
Criteria Description
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, and language use)
5. Excellent
3.1 points
The writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
4. Good
2.76 points
Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.
3. Satisfactory
2.45 points
Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
2.33 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is employed.
Criteria Description
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)
5. Excellent
4.65 points
Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
4. Good
4.14 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.
3. Satisfactory
3.67 points
Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.
2. Less Than Satisfactory
3.49 points
Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.
1. Unsatisfactory
0 points
Sources are not documented.
Total 155 points