The Policy brief is 5 pages (2 spacing) and is divided into five sections, each of which will have a heading and contain specific information.
Graphs, charts, and tables are a great way to get a lot of information across in a concise format (not included in page count).
-Introduction
Define the issue/problem what is the cost/access/quality problem? (see framing the issue)
Why should we care about this issue? What impact is the issue having on access to affordable quality care?
What has brought the issue into the public eye? – Current legislation, court decision, litigation, or other causes?
What makes the issue controversial? Who are the main stakeholder groups impacted by this issue?
What will the bill due to address the issue?
-History and Background
Nature of the Problem and its Public Standing
What is the problem? How large is the problem? Who is affected by the problem? How does it impact access to care? Quality of care? Cost (affordability) of care? Offer data that substantiates the issues impact on access, quality, and cost of care.
What insights are there from academic, professional or public documents on this particular problem? Are there landmark studies? Are there studies that provide guidance as to a possible policy response?
Potential sources of reports and studies:
Institute of Medicine (IOM) and think tanks (see HPF Internet list)
Medical Journals
Health Affairs
Josiah Macy Foundation
Kaiser Family Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
What has been done to address this problem in the (recent) past and how well did those solutions work? What can be learned from these initiatives?
HINT: The History and Background section should supply many answers to the questions in your brainstorm list.
-Outcomes/Stakeholders
Stakeholders are groups with the power and the resources to influence policy. Identify stakeholders by anticipating likely outcomes of specific solutions (or bills) both intended and unintended. What is the bills purpose? Which groups stand to gain? What unintended consequences might result if the bill (or other solution) goes into effect? What stakeholder groups would be negatively affected by these unintended consequences? Is there potential for a coalition of stakeholders?
Identify allies and opponents. Recognize that your audience/decision maker probably cant (or wont) act alone. Which stakeholders have taken a position on this policy issue? What are their positions? Your audience will be most interested in the positions of the 800 lb. gorillas the groups with the most power and influence (and money).
What major alternative strategies have stakeholders proposed as solutions to this problem? How effective would these alternative policies be in increasing access to affordable quality care with a minimum of unintended consequences?
Do the political parties have a position on this issue?
HINT: The Outcomes/Stakeholder section should supply many answers to the questions in your brainstorm list.
-Recommendations
How should your congressmen vote on this bill? Why? Your decision does not have to be black and white you can recommend changes and amendments to the bill.
If your issue does not involve a current bill, what policy do you recommend to address this issue legislation? Make sure you defend your choice with data.
What will determine success? How will you know whether this proposal, if implemented, is successful? What time line and benchmarks could be used to demonstrate to the public that you have solved the problem as initially identified? Are existing data systems available to mark the progress of the policy?
What are the benefits and costs of this policy? Our political culture has designated the marketplace for resolving many allocation issues. Why should scarce public resources be used to help resolve this particular access/cost/quality problem? What are the benefits and costs to the public official (if applicable)?
Remember – the key to your credibility is objectivity.
References
-References
Use at least TEN separate current and credible sources of information cited according to APA style guidelines.
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