Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
Nurses empower themselves by stepping into advocacy roles to influence health policies that promote physical activity and combat rising obesity rates across diverse populations in the United States. As a nurse, how often have you thought to yourself, If I had anything to do about it, things would work a little differently? Engaging in policy discussions can feel intimidating at first, but it opens doors to meaningful change in healthcare delivery. 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. Gaining familiarity with legislative processes helps build confidence in contributing to these vital conversations.
To Prepare:
- Select a bill that has been proposed (not one that has been enacted) using the congressional websites provided in the Learning Resources. Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement.
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 (proposed, not enacted) 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. Exploring diverse viewpoints strengthens your understanding of the bill’s potential impact on public health.
- 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. Crafting respectful responses to opposition can foster productive dialogue in policy debates.
- Recommend at least one amendment to the bill in support of your position. Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement.
Legislation Comparison Grid Template
Legislation Comparison Grid Template
Use this document to complete Part 1 of the Module 2 Assessment Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement
| Health-related Bill Name | |
| Bill Number | Description |
| Federal or State? | Legislative Intent |
| Proponents/ Opponents | Proponents: |
| Opponents: | |
| Target Population | |
| Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees? Is it receiving press coverage?) | |
| General Notes/Comments |
Assignment: Legislation Comparison Grid and Testimony/Advocacy Statement NURS 6050
Exploring bills related to physical activity promotion equips nurses with tools to address obesity trends effectively. Understanding policy advocacy enhances professional growth in nursing practice. Staying informed about legislative updates ensures timely contributions to health improvements. Integrating evidence-based strategies into advocacy efforts amplifies the impact on community wellness.
Sample: Legislation Grid and Advocacy Statement
Legislation Grid
| Health-related Bill Name | Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act |
| Bill Number | S. 1301 |
| Description | This bill, introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown from Ohio, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release periodic reports every decade on physical activity trends and effective strategies (GovTrack.us, 2021). It emphasizes tailoring interventions to various demographic groups, ensuring federal agencies align their promotion efforts with these evidence-based guidelines. Recent updates in physical activity research highlight the need for such structured reporting to adapt to evolving health challenges like increasing sedentary lifestyles (Jayedi et al., 2024). |
| Federal or State? | Federal |
| Legislative Intent | The goal is to leverage cutting-edge research for customized physical activity programs that tackle obesity and related conditions more effectively. By mandating regular updates, the bill aims to boost participation rates in physical activities nationwide, addressing the surge in lifestyle diseases. Enhanced focus on population-specific approaches could significantly lower healthcare costs associated with inactivity (Puciato et al., 2022). |
| Proponents/ Opponents | Proponents: Lawmakers sponsoring the bill, healthcare providers, and at-risk community members seeking better health outcomes. |
| Opponents: Potentially HHS officials concerned about the financial burden of decennial research and reporting. | |
| Target Population | All U.S. residents, particularly those vulnerable to obesity due to insufficient physical activity levels. |
| Status of the bill (Is it in hearings or committees? Is it receiving press coverage?) | As of early 2026, the bill remains in committee discussions after Senate passage in 2021, with limited recent media attention amid broader health policy debates (GovTrack.us, 2021). |
| General Notes/Comments | This legislation offers a vital chance to integrate modern research into obesity prevention, with a strong likelihood of enactment given its alignment with current public health priorities. |
Legislation Testimony/Advocacy Statement
I strongly support this bill as it champions evidence-based methods to encourage physical activity, crucial in curbing the obesity epidemic (Bowen et al., 2021). Obesity rates have climbed from around 30% in the early 2000s to over 42% in recent years, linking directly to higher incidences of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers (Gelius et al., 2020). With only about 20% of Americans meeting recommended activity levels, innovative policies like this are essential for widespread health improvements. Updated guidelines underscore the benefits of regular movement in daily life, making this bill timely and necessary (DiPietro et al., 2019).
To counter opponents worried about research costs every ten years, it’s worth noting that this timeframe allows for substantial data accumulation without excessive frequency. Annual obesity-related expenses in the U.S. exceed $200 billion, dwarfing the investment in periodic reports that could yield long-term savings through better prevention (Piercy et al., 2018). Emphasizing the value of research-driven practices helps bridge gaps in understanding, promoting unity in health policy efforts. A proposed amendment could include incentives for states adopting these guidelines, fostering quicker implementation and measurable outcomes (Katzmarzyk et al., 2019).
References
- Bowen, P. G., et al. (2021). Promoting Physical Activity Through Policy at a Single Safety-Net Clinic: A Pilot Study. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 6(2), e000160.
- Gelius, P., et al. (2020). What are effective policies for promoting physical activity? A systematic review of reviews. Preventive Medicine Reports, 18, 101095.
- GovTrack.us. (2021). S. 1301: Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act. Available at: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/s1301
- Jayedi, A., Soltani, S., Emadi, A., Zargar, M. and Najafi, A. (2024) Aerobic exercise and weight loss in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7(12), p.e2452185. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52185.
- Piercy, K. L., et al. (2018). The physical activity guidelines for Americans. JAMA, 320(19), 2020-2028.
- DiPietro, L., et al. (2019). New scientific basis for the 2018 U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines. Journal of Internal Medicine, 285(5), 572-578. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12910
- DiPietro, L., Buchner, D.M., Marquez, D.X., Pate, R.R., Pescatello, L.S. and Whitt-Glover, M.C. (2019) New scientific basis for the 2018 U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines. Journal of Internal Medicine, 285(5), pp.572-578. doi:10.1111/joim.12910.
- Katzmarzyk, P. T., et al. (2019). Proportion of adults meeting the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans according to accelerometers. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00135
- Jayedi, A., et al. (2024). Aerobic exercise and weight loss in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 7(12), e2452185. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52185
- Puciato, D., et al. (2022). Effectiveness of physical-activity-based interventions targeting overweight and obesity among university students—a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9427. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159427
- Puciato, D., Rozpara, M., Ortenburger, D., Łoś, R. and Urbański, R. (2022) Effectiveness of physical-activity-based interventions targeting overweight and obesity among university students—a systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), p.9427. doi:10.3390/ijerph19159427.
- Tchouaga, J.B.K., Bize, R., Fansi, A., Blais, C. and Tchoubi, S. (2023) Public policies to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior: a narrative synthesis of “reviews of reviews”. Global Health Action, 16(1), p.2194715. doi:10.1080/16549716.2023.2194715.
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