Week 2 Position Paper
A position paper is a document you could present to a legislator to seek support for an
issue you endorse. Present your position on a current health-care issue in a one-page
paper, following the assignment guidelines below. You can select your issue topic from
newspapers, national news magazine articles, professional journals, or professional
association literature.
Your position paper should:
• Be quickly and easily understood.
• Be succinct and clear.
• Appear very professional with the legislator’s name and title on top and your
name and your credentials at the bottom.
• Condense essential information in one, single-spaced page, excluding the title
and reference list pages.
• Be written using correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and APA
format.
• Clearly describe the issue that you are addressing in the opening paragraph.
• Include 3–4 bullet points regarding why you are seeking the legislator’s vote,
support, or opposition. Bullet points should be clear and concise but not
repetitive and should reflect current literature that substantiates your
position.
• Summarize the implications for the nursing profession and/or patients.
• Conclude with two recommendations that you wish to see happen related to
your issue, such as a vote for or against, a change in policy, or the introduction
of new legislation.
• Use current APA Style, correct grammar, and references as appropriate.
The literature you cite must be from peer-reviewed journals and primary source
information.
Title: The Urgency of Expanding Mental Health Services in Rural Communities
Senator Jane Doe
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Position Paper on the Expansion of Mental Health Services in Rural Areas
Prepared by:
John Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Date: [Insert Date]
Introduction
- Mental health services in rural communities are critically underserved, leading to significant health disparities and higher rates of mental health issues.
- The purpose of this position paper is to advocate for increased federal funding and policy support to expand mental health services in these areas.
Key Points for Legislative Support
- Accessibility: Rural areas have fewer mental health professionals per capita compared to urban areas, necessitating immediate action to improve access to mental health care.
- Preventative Care: Enhancing mental health services helps in early diagnosis and treatment, preventing more severe health complications and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
- Economic Impact: Improved mental health services contribute to greater workforce productivity and lower absenteeism, boosting local economies.
- Equity: Expanding services addresses the significant disparity in healthcare access between rural and urban populations, promoting equity in healthcare.
Implications for Nursing and Patients
- Nursing Profession: Enhanced services will require more healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, leading to job growth and enhanced roles in rural healthcare settings.
- Patient Outcomes: Patients will benefit from increased availability of mental health resources, leading to better overall health outcomes and quality of life.
Recommendations
- Legislative Action: Advocate for the passage of legislation that increases funding for mental health services in rural communities.
- Policy Change: Recommend the implementation of incentives for mental health professionals to work in rural areas, such as loan forgiveness and competitive salaries.
Conclusion Expanding mental health services in rural areas is essential for addressing the current healthcare disparities and improving the health outcomes of underserved populations. Your support in passing relevant legislation and policies will be pivotal.
References
- [Author Last Name, Initials]. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), pages. DOI
- [Author Last Name, Initials]. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), pages. DOI
Your Name, Credentials
Contact Information