Advocacy Through Legislation: Opioid Abuse
Requires Lopeswrite
Assessment Description
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, attached, 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.
-31750151765Advocacy Through LegislationIdentify 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.00Advocacy Through LegislationIdentify 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.
Prescription opioid abuse is a pervasive and escalating problem in Virginia, deeply impacting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. The victims of this crisis range from patients prescribed opioids for pain relief who inadvertently develop a dependence, to those who misuse these drugs recreationally. Additionally, it affects families devastated by the addiction or loss of a loved one, and healthcare professionals struggling to balance pain management with potential misuse. Current ramifications include an alarming increase in opioid-related overdoses, fatalities, healthcare costs, and associated criminal activities. If the issue continues unchecked, it will further strain Virginia's healthcare system, escalate social problems, and most distressingly, claim more lives.
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.
The key to addressing this crisis is multifaceted, involving improved prescription practices, enhanced patient education, and wider access to addiction treatment services. Legislation plays a crucial role in this solution, given its capacity to effect systemic change. Firstly, laws can mandate stricter guidelines for opioid prescriptions, ensuring these potent drugs are only used when absolutely necessary. Secondly, legislation can enforce educational programs on the dangers of opioid misuse for patients prescribed these medications. Lastly, laws can increase funding and accessibility for addiction treatment services, providing much-needed help for those already caught in the grip of addiction. This comprehensive approach, enabled through legislation, is essential to combat the current opioid crisis and safeguard the future health of Virginians.
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.
3166745781050© 2019. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.00© 2019. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.Evidence 1
A 2020 study by the Holmgren et al., found that implementing prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) significantly reduces opioid-related overdoses. PDMPs provide a database that allows physicians to track patient prescription histories, helping to identify potential misuse or over-prescribing.
Evidence 2
Massachusetts passed a law in 2016 limiting first-time opioid prescriptions to a seven-day supply, requiring verbal screenings for students about substance use, and mandating that hospitals have substance misuse evaluation capabilities. A subsequent study showed a significant reduction in opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts (Hackman et al., 2021).
Stakeholder Support
Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.
Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1
Healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, would support this legislation because it ...