discuss:

Over the years, the nursing community has continued to learn of their evolving role, particularly their powerful role in healthcare policy and legislation (Patton et al., 2015).  As more nursing professionals become political activists, the nursing community and other community members will continue to reap the benefits.  Today, nurses have a wide variety of opportunity to have their voice heard in regards to proposed healthcare legislation, which can be done through testimony, or even a written letter (Patton et al., 2015).

            Since healthcare continues to evolve into a rather complex system, it is important to update or change old laws and policies in order to better meet the needs of patients.  According to the ADA at 30 (n.d.), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is just one example of how important it is to keep policy and laws up to date in accordance with the aging populace.  This means that as the healthcare system continues to change, so does the need to keep policies current. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Healthy People 2020, have identified and acknowledged that we cannot limit peoples accessibility to community resources, continue to research and improve data collection along and the fact that federal legislation continues to evolve. (The ADA at 30, n.d.).  By moving healthcare policies forward to legislation, this will continue to allow for improved access to healthcare.

            Law and health policy, (n.d.) explains that both law and policy are essential when it comes to improvement in overall health.  Many of the public health achievements are a direct result of policy mediation.  The Healthy People 2020 began a law and policy project which would reveal evidence showing how law and policy greatly impacts public health (law and health policy, n.d.). 

apa references

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