A fundamental step in writing a health policy brief is seeing the big picture. Assume that a legislator or a person of influence has asked you to provide them with objective information to help them decide on how to vote on a bill. Here are some critical questions that you need to ask:
What is the issue/legislation under consideration?What is the intent of the legislation or proposed legislation?What is the impact of the legislation on cost/quality of care/ and access to care?What are some potential unintended consequences of the legislation?Who is likely to support or oppose the bill?What evidence exists to strengthen your arguments?What other information does the legislator need to make an informed decision?
Statement of the Issue/Problem: Briefly describe the health policy issue of interest to you. Who isaffected and how are they affected? What is the problem that this policy brief addresses? Who is yourtarget audience for this brief? What was your rationale for selecting this issue?2. Background: Provide an explanation of the problem and its significance with supporting data aboutthe issue. Include impact of the issue on cost, access, and quality of care.3. Responses and Policy options: What has been done (or proposed) about the issue. Include relevantinformation for example current laws needing to be changed, current debate about the issue. Have otherorganizations addressed it? Are there pending legislative or regulatory proposals?4. Recommendations: Depending on the issue list recommendations about what different actors shoulddo—e.g., Congress, state legislatures, relevant government agencies, health systems leaders, other nursingorganizations, etc