Health Policy Change
Amendment of any health policy is a demanding task since it has many requirements. Such is the case given the need to understand every element of the existent health policy and spotting a deficiency before coming up with a changed version of the legislation. As a proof of this statement, this discussion aims at identifying a public policy that deserves change given its flaws in the recent past. Additionally, it entails a proposition of the much-needed alterations, their effectors and the process of institutionalizing them. In light of such information, it is beyond doubt that nurses will become conversant with the process of health policy changes and have the inspiration to take part in policy development processes.
Health Policy Requiring Changes
Primarily, identification of an existent public policy in the USA that requires immediate change is of the utmost interest to this discussion. That is the case given the need for an effective policy framework to guide health care decisions made by nurses. Currently, in the state of Texas, a policy that exemplifies the need for change is the Housing First Policy for the homeless persons. The Housing First Model dictates that people languishing in homelessness receive housing services as soon as possible before seeking to address other associated issues (Grein, 2017). Typical examples of such matters include but limited to mental health concerns, drugs, and substance abuse as well as the lack of education services.
Reasons for Making Changes
Despite its efficiency in reducing homelessness in other states such as Utah and even Texas to some extent, there are concerns that this approach has some flaws that need quick attention to become highly effective. That is the case given that the implementation of Housing First policy for the homeless residing within the Texas has faced its fair share of problems. A case in point is the recent incidence of frustrated critics in Dallas who expressed their dissatisfaction with the existent program of housing the homeless within this city. They observed that there is an increase in numbers of homeless persons and the infestation of city shelters with drug dealers and criminal activities instead of offering house services to the homeless (CBS Local Media, 2016). Clearly, this instance depicts the failures of this policy within Texas.
Another reason for alarm is the poor quality of lives led by beneficiaries of this model of ending homelessness. For instance, mental illness, drugs, and substance abuse as well as illiteracy deeply roots among the newly settled homeless population in this model (Grein, 2017). Such an observation points out to an undoing of this policy.
Evidently, these are valid reasons necessitating a rethink of this approach of tackling the issue of homelessness in Texas.
Proposed Changes
In light of the factors spearheading for the much-needed alterations, it is important to come up with a proposal of what must change to optimize the success of this policy in the future. Central to the required reforms is beyond housing initiatives, which will target to provide mental health services, education services, and rehabilitation services for drug addicts. An inclusion of this kind will ensure that the homeless persons lead high-quality lives that have been lacking ever since the implementation of Housing First policy in Texas due to its oversight of these needs. Epitomizing this advantage of this new proposed approach is the state of Utah’s report that has seen a massive reduction (91%) of the homeless persons within its boundaries (Mcevers, 2015). As such, an adoption of these reforms will improve the homelessness in Texas.
Implementation
The plan for implementation of the policy is also worth noting since it will provide a clear pathway for its institutionalization. The implementation plan begins immediately after the adoption of the proposed policy, which is attainable through the support of various ways. For instance, it is achievable through the decision of either the cabinet or minister, consensus among state agency directors or court ruling. To lobby for the passage, one must seek actively for the support of the bill through interacting with the principal figures in the cabinet responsible for enactment (Longest, 2010). With their support, the passage of the policy is beyond doubt.
That said, it is vital to note that a plan for policy implementation entails many activities. According to Longest, (2010) the activities that form part of the policy implementation plan include dissemination of information about the policy, briefing and training key players of execution and putting the policy plan into action. Such actions are necessary for the implementation of the proposed policy since they will ensure that key players like state agencies are aware of the newly adopted policy, and have the required competencies for implementation of the policy. The ramification of these actions is the smooth implementation of the changed Housing First policy and reduction of homelessness in Texas like in other states.
Championing for Change
Strategies used to champion for the change in the guideline are also of the essence in understanding this policy making process. Longest, (2010) is of the opinion that individuals in the leadership positions can champion for change through influencing the responsible persons within the cabinet to support the enactment of the proposed bill. Furthermore, they can use their excellent communication skills and strong relationship with the legislators to sway their decision for voting for the policy adoption. Similarly, in this case, the two interventions are crucial for championing for the intended change for the Housing First policy. Such is the case given that the legislators within the cabinet and state agencies directors are very critical for the implementation of the policy due to the vested mandate to do so. As such, seeking their support is essential for passage of the bill.
Conclusion
In closure, it is beyond doubt that altering an existent public policy or forming new policies is a demanding task. That is the case given the possibility of resistance. As such, seeking opportunities that will enhance support of the proposed new policy is of the essence for its adoption and implementation. Failure to do so, however, will result in a failed process and an ineffective framework for action system that fails to address issues affecting individuals like for this case homelessness. Therefore, it is high time for the nurses to rethink about the current legal system and grasp opportunities for improving it.
References
CBS Local Media,. (2016). Critics & Supporters Clash At Dallas Homeless Commission Meeting. Dfw.cbslocal.com. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2016/09/13/critics-supporters-clash-at-dallas-homeless-commission-meeting/
Grein, P. (2017). Texas Homeless Network – Housing First. Thn.org. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from http://www.thn.org/blog/97-housing-first
Longest, B. (2010). Health policymaking in the United States (5th ed.). Chicago: Health Administration Press.
Mcevers, K. (2015). Utah Reduced Chronic Homelessness By 91 Percent; Here’s How. NPR.org. Retrieved 6 January 2017, from http://www.npr.org/2015/12/10/459100751/utah-reduced-chronic-homelessness-by-91-percent-heres-how
