Advocacy Through Legislation: Declining Number of Serving Professionals

Advocacy Through Legislation
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Advocacy Through Legislation
Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below. For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal.
Problem
In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

Data from recently conducted surveys in California regarding the future and current demand and supply of registered nurses (RNs) reveal that the state needs to address healthcare needs for its population due to a declined number of serving professionals (Spetz et al., 2022). While many older RNs are exiting nursing, researchers have found that employment rates remain steady (Wolfson, 2021). This problem introduces a challenge of inaccessibility of care in medical facilities for citizens because the number of medical cases is either steady or increasing in different parts of the state. Although the problem affects all members of society, rural communities are the most disadvantaged because of the lack of infrastructure. Some of the current ramifications associated with the limited number of caregivers and the subsequent inaccessibility of healthcare services in rural California include increased cases of advanced stages of illnesses, lower annual earnings due to untreated sicknesses, higher disability and mortality rates, poor health outcomes, and fewer preventive services. If the issue continues, things will be tougher for the people living in remote areas of the state. The regions will be unstable to the extent that the government will not be able to deal with possible future infectious disease outbreaks.

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.

Given the identified challenges, the healthcare system must engage nurses in the search for convenient care options that drive access to healthcare by village dwellers and other citizens of California. In this case, the introduction of telehealth is seen as a perfect solution. Telehealth refers to the utilization of information technologies in healthcare management. These innovations can allow patients from across the state to access health care services remotely regardless of the geographical terrain. The advocacy will call for the state government to ensure that all five state hospitals in California have an efficient computer system. The system will allow patients to access health services via their smartphones, PCs, or tablets in the comfort of their homes. This initiative will reduce congestion in medical facilities. Furthermore, individuals living in remote regions will access RNs for specialized medical attention. Legislation is the best course of advocacy because it ensures that the implementation involves many stakeholders, including development partners, communities, private sector actors, health providers, regulators, policymakers, and caregivers. Such a robust force of multiple players may be hard to undermine. At the same time, the state government’s suggestions for the ratio of RNs and patients in California have been overridden by the declining number of specialists. Therefore, the best approach would be a policy reform that ensures that earlier promises are met.

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.

Evidence 1

According to Spetz et al. (2022), there have been reports of nursing shortages in California, particularly for RNs with expertise in specialized fields like emergency care, intensive care, labor and delivery, and perioperative care. This shortage is magnified in rural communities. The problem is associated with poor health outcomes for patients and increased costs of treating diseases in their late stages for the state government.

Evidence 2

Haleem et al. (2021) state that telehealth can make health care more available, organized, and effective. Furthermore, telemonitoring and telephone-based care of vital signs in patients suffering from cardiovascular conditions increases the quality of life and decreases the risk of hospitalization and mortality (Haleem et al., 2021).

Similar Legislation

A similar law in California attempting to address the issue of nurses’ shortage is the requirement for two registered nurses per patient ratio. However, with the continued decreasing number of nurses, this law will not hold. The proposed new policy is a necessity.

Stakeholder Support
Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1

Administrators at the hospitals will be a key stakeholders because they are responsible of ensuring that the operations of these facilities run sm...