Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things
would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in
fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in
hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of
course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many
nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the
opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid; 1- to 2-page Legislation
Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
Based on the health-related bill you selected, complete the Legislation Comparison Grid
Template. Be sure to address the following:
• Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed.
• Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill.
• Identify the target populations addressed by the bill.
• Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees?
• Is it receiving press coverage?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1- to 2-page Legislation
Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
• Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your
position.
• Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific
and provide examples.
• Recommend at least one amendment to the bill in support of your position.
Federal and State Legislation
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things
would work a little differently? Increasingly, nurses are beginning to realize that they do, in
fact, have a role and a voice.
Many nurses encounter daily experiences that motivate them to take on an advocacy role in
hopes of impacting policies, laws, or regulations that impact healthcare issues of interest. Of
course, doing so means entering the less familiar world of policy and politics. While many
nurses do not initially feel prepared to operate in this space effectively, the reward is the
opportunity to shape and influence future health policy.
The Assignment: (1- to 2-page Comparison Grid; 1- to 2-page Legislation
Testimony/Advocacy Statement)
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
Based on the health-related bill you selected, complete the Legislation Comparison Grid
Template. Be sure to address the following:
• Determine the legislative intent of the bill you have reviewed.
• Identify the proponents/opponents of the bill.
• Identify the target populations addressed by the bill.
• Where in the process is the bill currently? Is it in hearings or committees?
• Is it receiving press coverage?
Part 2: Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Based on the health-related bill you selected, develop a 1- to 2-page Legislation
Testimony/Advocacy Statement that addresses the following:
• Advocate a position for the bill you selected and write testimony in support of your
position.
• Describe how you would address the opponent to your position. Be specific
and provide examples.
• Recommend at least one amendment to the bill in support of your position.
Federal and State Legislation
Part 1: Legislation Comparison Grid
