As rheumatology health professionals, we advocate daily on behalf of our patients. We advocate to other health professionals, community agencies, and insurance providers. Additionally, we must learn to advocate effectively about issues related to our professional practice with our political representatives. To be effective advocates, we must keep current about issues and pending legislation that affects our patients and practice, and learn to communicate effectively with legislators. Hundreds of bills are introduced every legislative session on a wide variety of topics.
Health professionals have expert knowledge and experience in their respective fields.
Legislators want to hear from informed constituents who provide them with information that will help as they identify the key issues and formulate their positions. Grassroots advocacy led to the passage of the Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996. This Act prohibits health insurers from restricting hospitalizations for newborns and mothers to less than 48 hours for vaginal deliveries and 96 hours for Caesarean section deliveries. Whichever method of communication you use, the following are some helpful tips for making your contact more effective. Working through your state professional association is one of the best ways to keep current on state and local legislation affecting health professionals and health care issues.