Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and
It may seem to you that healthcare has been a national topic of debate among political leaders for as long as you can remember.
Healthcare has been a policy item and a topic of debate not only in recent times but as far back as the administration of the second U.S. president, John Adams. In 1798, Adams signed legislation requiring that 20 cents per month of a sailor’s paycheck be set aside for covering their medical bills. This represented the first major piece of U.S. healthcare legislation, and the topic of healthcare has been woven into presidential agendas and political debate ever since.
As a healthcare professional, you may be called upon to provide expertise, guidance and/or opinions on healthcare matters as they are debated for inclusion into new policy. You may also be involved in planning new organizational policy and responses to changes in legislation. For all of these reasons you should be prepared to speak to national healthcare issues making the news.
In this Assignment, you will analyze recent presidential healthcare agendas. You also will prepare a fact sheet to communicate the importance of a healthcare issue and the impact on this issue of recent or proposed policy.
To Prepare:
- Review the agenda priorities of the current/sitting U.S. president and at least one previous presidential administration.
- Select an issue related to healthcare that was addressed by two U.S. presidential administrations (current and previous).
- Consider how you would communicate the importance of a healthcare issue to a legislator/policymaker or a member of their staff for inclusion on an agenda.
- Use your Week 1 Discussion post to help with this assignment.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid, 1-Page Analysis, and 1-page narrative) with a title page. This is an APA paper. Use 2-3 course resources and at least 2 outside resources.
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use the Agenda Comparison Grid Template found in the Learning Resources and complete the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid based on the current/sitting U.S. president and the previous president, and their agendas related to the population health concern you selected. Be sure to address the following:
- Identify and provide a brief description of the population health concern you selected.
- Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue.
- Identify the allocation of resources that the presidents dedicated to this issue.
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid on the template, complete the Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis portion of the template, by addressing the following:
- Which administrative agency (like HHS, CDC, FDA, OHSA) would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected and why is this agency the most helpful for the issue?
- How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the presidential agenda? How does it stay there?
- An entrepreneur/champion/sponsor helps to move the issue forward. Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/champion/sponsor (this can be a celebrity, a legislator, an agency director, or others) of the healthcare issue you selected and why would this person be a good entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor? An example is Michael J. Fox is champion for Parkinson’s disease.
Part 3: Fact Sheet
Using the information recorded on the template in Parts 1 and 2, develop a 1-page fact sheet that you could use to communicate with a policymaker/legislator or a member of their staff for this healthcare issue. Be sure to address the following:
- Summarize why this healthcare issue is important and should be included in the agenda for legislation.
- Justify the role of the nurse in agenda setting for healthcare issues.
By Day 7 of Week 2
Submit your final version of Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis, and Part 3: Narrative.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 2 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 2 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief Assignment Template for Part 1 and Part 2
Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid
Use this Agenda Comparison Grid to document information about the population health/healthcare issue your selected and the presidential agendas. By completing this grid, you will develop a more in depth understanding of your selected issue and how you might position it politically based on the presidential agendas.
You will use the information in the Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid to complete the remaining Part 2 and Part 3 of your Assignment.
| Identify the Population Health concern you selected. | Mental Health | ||
| Describe the Population Health concern you selected and the factors that contribute to it. | Mental health is an issue affecting most of the citizens in the country. In the contemporary society many people are thought to have mental illnesses. Statistics shows that many people are dealing with depression and this has led to increased suicides and drug use in the country. Through legal action some presidents have been able to address the issue, although it is clear that with the current strain of life brought up by the pandemic the increased cost of living there will be more people needing mental health attention. | ||
| Administration (President Name) | (President Joe Biden) | (Bill Clinton) | (Jimmy Carter) |
| Describe the administrative agenda focus related to this issue for the current and two previous presidents. | He is the current president and his administration has worked on ensuring that mental health focuses on children, by first seeking to address the needs of the children whose lives have been changed by the pandemic (Canady, 2022). Additionally, he aims to destigmatize mental in the community and further making community behavioral centers funding permanent. | His contribution to mental health is best known when he hosted the first White House Conference on mental health. He further signed in the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) which aimed to address discrimination when covering mental illness (Barry et al. 2010). | This president was the first to seriously focus on mental health by signing the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 which aimed to expand community health mental services. Additionally dedicated $800 million to fight the current mental health issues in the community, and this commenced the nation awareness of mental illness in the country (Grob, 2005). Through this contribution, he played a framework where mental health issues have been addressed with increased acceptance and with enough resources in the community. |
| Identify the allocations of financial and other resources that the current and two previous presidents dedicated to this issue. | Biden has contributed financially by promising that he aims to making funding the community behavioral centers permanent. This will go a long way in addressing the increased mental health in the country (Canady, 2022). Additionally, he has been addressing the issues experienced concerning the mental health, with a special focus on children unlike the previous presidents.
| While there is no record of financial contributions made by Bill Clinton to address mental health, he was very vocal about it and further hosted several conferences on ways of increasing acceptance of the issues in the society (Barry et al. 2010). He also signed into law the Mental health Parity Act which fights disparities based on one’s mental health. | Carter is known to commence the movement on mental health and to bring the issue into public limelight. Through his contribution, he dedicated $800 million over the four years he was president to address the mental issues. Additionally, he signed in the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980 which was further dedicated to address the mental health issues. |
| Explain how each of the presidential administrations approached the issue. | Biden has approached the issue arguing that more people in the country are having mental health issues and that there are inadequate resources. Currently a big number of people in the country are depressed and this shows how important it is for the president to address mental health especially since the pandemic first struck. | Bill Clinton approached the issue by noting that there is a lot of discrimination experienced by people who got treatment for mental health issues and therefore most people tend to refuse to having the illness hence causing more severe symptoms. He argued that by addressing the stigmatization, it will be possible to have a healthier nation. | Carter approached the issue by noting the inadequate resources present in addressing mental health (Palpant et al. 2006). Through his approach, he was able to dedicate a lot of finances in addressing mental health and this further ensured that more people can have access to treatment facilities. He also sought to end stigma related to the issue. |
Part 2: Agenda Comparison Grid Analysis
Using the information you recorded in Part 1: Agenda Comparison Grid, complete the following to document information about the population health/healthcare issue your selected
| Administration (President Name) | (Joe Biden) | (Bill Clinton ) | (Jimmy Carter) |
| Which administrative agency would most likely be responsible for helping you address the healthcare issue you selected?
| The administrative agency that would be most useful in addressing the issue is the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) which will be offering mental health levels down to the grass root levels. | The department of labor would be most influential agency under this president. He wanted to ensure that there are no disparities at the workplace based on mental health reports (Barry et al. 2010). Therefore focusing on the department of labor would ensure that I observe if there is discrimination practiced. | The best agency would be community mental health agency (Grob, 2005). Carter had increased funding for the agency and further worked to ensure that there is increased training to increase the professionalism of people covering the ailment. |
| How do you think your selected healthcare issue might get on the agenda for the current and two previous presidents? How does it stay there? | The current president has ensured that this is among the top of his agendas especially because of the COVID pandemic which greatly affected the mental health of most Americans (Canady, 2022). It will stay at the top of his agenda until statistics show a reduction of people suffering from mental health in the country. | The selected issue was on the agenda of the president but he was greatly limited by funding and this inhibited the developments and proposals he made on mental health. | The issue was on the top agenda and he worked hard to ensure that it was well implemented. Even after his retirement, he continued addressing the issue by the establishment of the carter center (Palpant et al. 2006). |
| Who would you choose to be the entrepreneur/ champion/sponsor of the healthcare issue you selected for the current and two previous presidents? | In this case, I would choose the president himself as he is resourceful and has the right demeanor in addressing mental health in the country. | I believe that Bill Clinton would made a good advocate. However it would be important to ensure that he has access to funds as most of his projects stalled due to lack of funding. | I would have chosen Rosalynn Carter, the president ‘s wife as she is very interested in mental health and has gone out of her way to address more issues experienced in the country. |
| Note: Part 3: of the Module 1: Assignment: Agenda Comparison Grid and Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief is a 1-page Fact Sheet or Talking Points Brief the you will create in a separate document.
|
Why This Healthcare Issue Is Important And Should Be Included In The Agenda For Legislation
Mental health issue in the country has bee increasingly important with 1 out of 5 people suffering from depression. Currently the current pandemic has further increased the susceptibility of people to mental health illness due to loss of their loved ones, loss of work, loss of properties and loneliness due to isolation and restriction of movements (Xie et al. 2022).
Currently, the cost of living has gone exceptionally high and further sent more people into depression and this can cause a hopeless state in the country To prevent suicides and homicides it is important to ensure that mental health has been avidly addressed and that there is legislation ensuring that it can be affordable to all people regardless of their income. This way, the country will be more productive and it is possible that the suicide rates will greatly decrease and that more people will be safe as everyone will have a chance to address their mental issues.
Role Of The Nurse In Agenda Setting For Healthcare Issues
It is important to understand that the nurse plays a crucial role as the patient’s advocate (Salmond & Echevarria, 2017). When compared to other people, the nurse has the most contact with patient and is likely to understand the issues they are facing better as compared to other people.
Therefore it is important for the nurses to ensure that when they are treating patients, all the issues the patients are experiencing are addressed ad the only way this can happen is by being more active in legislation and creating agenda for policies involving healthcare (Oldland et al. 2020). Additionally, they can offer insight on the current health issues being experienced hence offering a sense of direction to an administration wants to improve health in the country.
References
Barry, C. L., Huskamp, H. A., & Goldman, H. H. (2010). A political history of federal mental health and addiction insurance parity. The Milbank Quarterly, 88(3), 404-433.
Canady, V. A. (2022). President Biden’s national strategy to support MH workforce, address crisis. Mental Health Weekly, 32(10), 1-3.
Grob, G. N. (2005). Public policy and mental illnesses: Jimmy Carter’s presidential commission on mental health. The Milbank Quarterly, 83(3), 425-456.
Oldland, E., Botti, M., Hutchinson, A. M., & Redley, B. (2020). A framework of nurses’ responsibilities for quality healthcare—Exploration of content validity. Collegian, 27(2), 150-163.
Palpant, R. G., Steimnitz, R., Bornemann, T. H., & Hawkins, K. (2006). The Carter Center Mental Health Program: addressing the public health crisis in the field of mental health through policy change and stigma reduction. Preventing chronic disease, 3(2).
Salmond, S. W., & Echevarria, M. (2017). Healthcare transformation and changing roles for nursing. Orthopedic nursing, 36(1), 12.
Xie, Y., Xu, E., & Al-Aly, Z. (2022). Risks of mental health outcomes in people with covid-19: cohort study. bmj, 376.
Place your order now for a similar assignment and get fast, cheap and best quality work written by our expert level assignment writers.
Use Coupon: NEW30 to Get 30% OFF Your First Order
FAQs
Comparison of Presidential Healthcare Agendas
In every presidential election, healthcare takes center stage as one of the most crucial issues. The healthcare agendas put forward by presidential candidates have a profound impact on the direction of the nation’s healthcare system. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis and comparison of the healthcare agendas proposed by the candidates vying for the presidency. By understanding their stances and proposals, voters can make informed decisions about the future of healthcare in the United States.
Overview of Presidential Candidates
Before delving into the specifics of each candidate’s healthcare proposals, it is essential to provide an overview of the candidates themselves and the political parties they represent. In this section, we will explore the key healthcare-related proposals put forth by each candidate.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as Obamacare, has been a significant milestone in the U.S. healthcare system. In this section, we will examine each candidate’s stance on the ACA and their proposed changes or improvements to the existing healthcare law.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare has been a topic of intense debate. In this section, we will define and explain the concept of universal healthcare and compare the candidates’ approaches to achieving it. We will also discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with implementing a universal healthcare system.
Medicare Expansion
Medicare plays a vital role in providing healthcare for seniors in the United States. Here, we will discuss the current state of Medicare and the candidates’ plans for expanding its reach. We will analyze the implications of Medicare expansion on healthcare access and costs.
Prescription Drug Prices
The rising cost of prescription drugs has become a major concern for many Americans. This section will delve into the candidates’ proposals for addressing high drug prices, including potential reforms that may impact consumers and the pharmaceutical industry.
Mental Health and Addiction
Mental health and addiction are significant public health issues that require attention in any comprehensive healthcare agenda. We will explore the candidates’ strategies for addressing mental health and addiction, comparing their approaches and potential outcomes.
Maternal and Child Health
Improving maternal and child health outcomes is another critical aspect of healthcare. In this section, we will analyze the candidates’ plans to enhance maternal and child health support and the potential implications for healthcare access and support.
Rural Healthcare
Rural communities face unique challenges in accessing healthcare services. Here, we will discuss the candidates’ strategies for improving rural healthcare and evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of these proposed solutions.
Health Equity and Disparities
Healthcare disparities persist among different populations, highlighting the need for health equity initiatives. We will examine the candidates’ efforts to address health equity and reduce disparities, considering the effectiveness and potential challenges of these initiatives.
Technology and Innovation in Healthcare
Technological advancements have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery. In this section, we will explore the candidates’ approaches to healthcare technology and innovation and assess the benefits and challenges associated with integrating technology into the healthcare system.
Impact of Presidential Healthcare Agendas
The healthcare agendas put forth by presidential candidates can significantly shape the future of the healthcare system. Here, we will analyze how each candidate’s proposals may impact healthcare access, costs, and quality, and discuss potential consequences for the American population.
Public Opinion and Voting Considerations
Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare agendas and influencing election outcomes. In this section, we will discuss the importance of healthcare in voters’ decision-making process and explore how healthcare agendas can sway public opinion and affect voter choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison of presidential healthcare agendas reveals the varying approaches and priorities of the candidates. Healthcare is a critical issue that demands careful consideration from voters. By understanding each candidate’s proposals, voters can make informed choices that align with their values and aspirations for the nation’s healthcare system.
FAQs
- What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
- The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a healthcare law enacted in 2010 to increase access to affordable health insurance for Americans. It introduced various provisions such as health insurance marketplaces, expansion of Medicaid, and the requirement for individuals to have health insurance.
- How do presidential candidates propose to address high prescription drug prices?
- Presidential candidates propose different approaches to tackle high prescription drug prices, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, importing cheaper drugs from other countries, and implementing greater transparency in pricing.
- Will universal healthcare lead to increased taxes?
- Universal healthcare can require increased taxes to fund the system. However, the overall costs for individuals and families may be offset by the elimination of private insurance premiums and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
- How will presidential healthcare agendas impact rural communities?
- Presidential healthcare agendas can have a significant impact on rural communities by addressing challenges in accessing healthcare services, improving infrastructure, and expanding telehealth options to bridge the healthcare gap between rural and urban areas.
- What role does public opinion play in shaping healthcare agendas?
- Public opinion influences political decisions, including healthcare agendas. Candidates often respond to public concerns and preferences to gain support. Public input and engagement can shape the focus and priorities of healthcare policies.
