Going from Policy to Law - Transtutors · Thank you, Doug Williams Assistant to Timothy Kohl - - -...
Transcript of Going from Policy to Law - Transtutors · Thank you, Doug Williams Assistant to Timothy Kohl - - -...
Health Care Policy Learnscape 2: Going from Policy to Law
Health Care Policy Learnscape 2 Final November 5, 2012 1
Going from Policy to Law Introduction:
You are an intern working with the Senator’s team to get a health care bill passed. You must follow the
legislative process to select committees, identify stakeholders, communicate with health care providers
about their role, and identify key departments who will be responsible if the bill is passed. You will
provide your recommendation to the Senator and her staff members.
Characters:
1. Student
2. Peter Shackley
3. Quinn Smith
4. Timothy Kohl
Locations:
1. Intern Desk
2. Chairman of the Health Care Board’s Office
3. Conference Room at Senator’s Headquarters
4. Restaurant
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Scene 1: Introduction
In this scene, the student meets with Peter Shackley to discuss developing a health care policy.
Location Intern Desk/Conference room
Scene setup Starts out at intern desk where the student reads email; transitions to
conference room with Peter seated
On-screen characters Peter Shackley
Off-screen characters N/A
On screen text: Well, another day begins…looks like I have a few emails to read.
Note: Student has three emails, which should be read in order.
Email 1:
From: Quinn Smith
Subject: re: Meeting to discuss health care policy
Body:
Hi Peter,
Sure, I can meet with your intern later this morning. How about 11:00?
Thanks,
Quinn
______
> From: Peter Shackley
> Subject: Meeting to discuss health care policy
> Hey Quinn, we have a rising star intern who is working on the Senator’s new health care plan. Do you
have a few minutes free to talk? I am booked today but I don’t think I need to be there.
> Thanks,
>Quinn
On screen text: What in the world is this about?
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Email 2:
From: The Office of Timothy Kohl
Subject: re: Meeting to discuss health care policy
Body:
Hello Peter,
Mr. Kohl is excited to hear about the new policy, but is extremely busy at the moment. Please write back
to schedule an appointment after gathering more information on how it will come together.
Thank you,
Doug Williams
Assistant to Timothy Kohl
- - -
> From: Peter Shackley
> Subject: Meeting to discuss health care policy
> Timothy,
> I was hoping you would have a few minutes to meet with our new intern who is working on the
Senator’s new health care plan. Do you have a few minutes free to talk? We could come by this
afternoon.
> Thanks,
>Quinn
On screen text: I’m getting turned down for meetings I don’t even know about? Where is Peter?
Email 3:
From: Peter Shackley
Subject: Come see me!
I have a busy day planned for you – you probably saw the emails. Come meet me in the conference
room.
-Peter
On screen text: Let’s go see what all of this is about.
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Note: Change scene to conference room.
PETER There you are! Sorry about pulling you into this before talking with you, but
we’re on a tight schedule.
**STUDENT OPTION 1 Okay. What’s the scoop?
STUDENT OPTION 2 What is going on?
Student can choose either option to continue.
PETER The Senator was so happy with your work on the policy description that she
wants you to continue moving forward with developing it.
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
STUDENT OPTION 1 What? I don’t know how to do that.
STUDENT OPTION 2 Sounds great. Let’s get started.
**STUDENT OPTION 3 OK. Where do I start?
Student can choose any option to continue.
PETER Don’t worry, I will help you out. Basically, what we are doing now is building on
what you started before. Welcome to politics! We’re going to move this policy
from being ideas on paper into an actual law.
STUDENT Sounds exciting, but my main expertise is with health care, not politicians.
PETER Hey, politics is everywhere on some level. A lot of health care professionals,
nurses for example, try to avoid anything political because they tend to get a
bad taste in their mouth when they say the word. And sometimes, politics can
be ugly. But the simple fact is, working with Bright Road Health Care, you need
to make sure that your group’s interests are being addressed politically.
Otherwise, you don’t even have a voice in the decisions that affect you.
**STUDENT OPTION 1 Good point. Alright, where do we start?
STUDENT OPTION 2 Right, that makes sense. So what do we do?
Student can choose either option to continue.
PETER We? Haha…I said I’ll help you out, but you’re doing all the legwork here. What
we need to do is get some momentum behind this policy. We need to start
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pushing it through the system, and to do that we need support.
STUDENT OPTION 1 The Senator already supports the policy.
STUDENT OPTION 2 Who do we need to get support from?
STUDENT OPTION 3 I’ll start making calls.
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
PETER RESPONSE 1 One Senator can’t make a law. There’s a lot to do to get this moving – select
committees, identify stakeholders, communicate with health care providers,
and identify the departments that will be responsible if this policy turns into
law.
PETER RESPONSE 2 As many people as possible! But the key things right now are to select
committees, identify stakeholders, communicate with health care providers,
and identify the departments that will be responsible if this policy turns into
law.
PETER RESPONSE 3 You already know who to call? No, it’s not that easy. We need to select
committees, identify stakeholders, communicate with health care providers,
and identify the departments that will be responsible if this policy turns into
law.
STUDENT OPTION 1 What committees?
STUDENT OPTION 2 Didn’t we already identify stakeholders?
STUDENT OPTION 3 I have contacts at Bright Road we can talk to.
STUDENT OPTION 4 I assume DHHS is one of the departments you are referring to?
Student must select all four to continue.
RESPONSE 1 For a policy to become a law, we need to get it into Congress, where it will go
into committees who debate it endlessly and eventually, if we’re lucky, pass it
through to a vote, both in the Senate and then the House. When you talk with
Timothy from DHHS, you’ll want to discuss this more.
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RESPONSE 2 Yes, and we can talk more about that in a minute.
RESPONSE 3 Perfect! And yes, that’s why I set up a meeting with you and Quinn. He’s
expecting you fairly soon, by the way.
RESPONSE 4 Exactly. Timothy has the political clout we need to get things really moving. But,
he doesn’t have a lot of time to spare, so before you meet him you’re going to
need to show that you have spoken with other stakeholders – like Quinn – to
figure out how this bill is actually going to work.
STUDENT Isn’t it enough that we have a good policy that will help a lot of people?
PETER I wish. But it’s not that easy. Look, in a sense, politics is about power. In order
to make a difference, you either need to be in a position of power, where
people will listen to your ideas, or you need to get people with power to share
your message.
STUDENT How do I do that?
PETER There are three main ways: persuasion, intimidation, and manipulation. I’ll be
honest, nobody in Washington is going to be intimidated by an intern. And we’ll
leave manipulation to the career politicians for now. You have a strong
message; use that. Persuade people that you are right, and they will take your
side, and then bring others on board to help. The key for you right now is to
focus on who to talk to. Your energy is best spent on the people who can
influence the political process.
STUDENT So, politicians - people in power.
PETER They aren’t the only ones with power! Anyone who is active in the political
process has some level of power. We’re focusing on Bright Road Health Care
Systems and DHHS right now because they are in the RIGHT positions, but this
law and new policy would apply to all hospitals. Why do you suppose we’re
interested in what Quinn has to say?
Student must click correct answer before continuing.
STUDENT OPTION 1
(INCORRECT)
Because I already know him?
STUDENT OPTION 2 He’s Chairman of the Board for a major health care provider and will
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(CORRECT) understand how the policy affects the overall system?
STUDENT OPTION 3
(INCORRECT)
He knows how to get us in touch with politicians who can help more?
RESPONSE 1 Well, that makes getting you a meeting easier, but that’s not it.
Response 1 kicks student back to options.
RESPONSE 2 Exactly! With him on your side, it shows that your policy has some real
credibility to the industry. That might be just enough to get you in to meet with
DHHS.
Response 2 moves student to next statement from Peter.
RESPONSE 3 Not really. He’s connected, but he’s no lobbyist.
Response 3 kicks student back to options.
PETER Now, why do you think Timothy at DHHS is important?
Student must click correct answer before continuing.
STUDENT OPTION 1
(INCORRECT)
He’s already in government and can help drive the bill forward.
STUDENT OPTION 2
(CORRECT)
DHHS will ultimately have to regulate the law, so he will know how to best write
and implement it.
Student can click any one of the two to continue.
RESPONSE 1 Not exactly. The Senator can do that too, but we need more.
Response 1 kicks student back to options.
RESPONSE 2 Right. He is uniquely positioned to help us piece the details together to
streamline the process
Response 2 moves student to next statement from Peter.
STUDENT OK, I understand now. Before, you mentioned stakeholders, but we already
identified them.
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PETER Yes, and you are going to talk to an important one in a few minutes - Quinn.
What I want you to do there is explore exactly who we need to bring on board.
He may have contacts, or be able to steer us in the right direction for others.
We need people or groups that can get the gears in motion.
STUDENT I see. So, we try to get Quinn on our side, show that we have some momentum
with this policy, and then we can try to convince Timothy?
PETER Now you’re getting it. I’m going to try talking with Timothy to get you some face
time later today, even though he’s busy. You need to come out of this meeting
with Quinn showing that you do.
STUDENT I will do my best.
PETER I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Good luck!
On screen text: Well…no pressure, right?
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Scene 2: Meeting with Quinn
In this scene, the student meets with Quinn Smith, Chairman of the Board for Bright Road Health Care.
Location Chairman of the Health Care Board’s Office
Scene setup Quinn is seated at the table.
On-screen characters Quinn Smith
Off-screen characters N/A
On screen text: OK…let’s see if Quinn is on board.
QUINN Hey there! I haven’t seen you since you joined the political realm. How are you?
STUDENT Great, thanks. And thank you again for meeting with me.
QUINN My pleasure. I love this new policy! What can I do to help? I’m completely on
board!
On screen text: It can’t be that easy....
QUINN Of course, you’re going to need more than the support of Bright Road to really
move this thing.
STUDENT That’s where I’m hoping you can help.
QUINN I’m happy to try. What lobbyists have you talked with? And what other
organizations?
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
STUDENT OPTION 1 Well, we don’t have any lobbyists yet. Do we need any?
STUDENT OPTION 2 You’re the first group I’ve talked to.
**STUDENT OPTION 3 To be honest, nobody.
QUINN Ahh, so you’re starting at the ground floor. That’s an impressive project for an
intern; no offense. Look, everyone in Washington has a hundred different
people looking for their time each day. The way to get your message heard is to
have someone with influence deliver it.
STUDENT Well, that’s where you come in.
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QUINN I’ll help, certainly. But this policy affects a lot of people: insurance companies,
hospitals, doctors, nurses, patients…really, you could argue it affects just about
everyone. What we need to do is find a few groups that represent all those
people and get them on our side.
**STUDENT OPTION 1 Who do you suggest?
STUDENT OPTION 2 Who should I talk to?
Student can choose either option to continue.
QUINN I know a few people who represent the insurance lobby. I can help you out
there. But if you want some momentum right now, look at the nurses.
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
STUDENT OPTION 1
(INCORRECT)
Should I just go talk to them now?
STUDENT OPTION 2
(CORRECT)
By nurses, I assume you mean some group that represents them?
STUDENT OPTION 3
(INCORRECT)
I see how they are affected, but how can nurses help drive the bill forward?
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
RESPONSE 1 Haha, no. They have lives to save at the moment. Look, nurses don’t usually like
politics. They view their job as helping others, and it is. Politics comes across as
a kind of dirty game they like to stay out of, and the sad thing is that this makes
them less of a factor. But there are groups that represent them, and they are
involved in health policy and lobbying.
Response 1 kicks student back to options.
RESPONSE 2 Yes. There are a few that come to mind. Nurses don’t generally like politics, and
don’t like to participate in the process. But they have an important perspective
and there are a few groups that do represent them.
Response 2 moves student on.
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RESPONSE 3 Maybe not individual nurses, but I am talking about groups that represent
them.
Response 3 kicks student back to options.
STUDENT I see what you mean. What kinds of groups are there?
QUINN Well, the American Nurses Association, also called ANA would be a good start.
Actually, a great start. There’s also EMILY’s List, which is a group that tends to
support Democratic women for Congress, but who also tends to represent the
interests of the nursing field. On the other side of the spectrum, the WISH List
group represents women in Congress, from a right-wing perspective. Women
still dominate the nursing industry, and so there are a lot of women’s groups
that tend to align with the interests of the industry.
STUDENT Wouldn’t that make our interest in the policy look potentially sexist?
QUINN Hey, political groups each have an agenda. Every single one. They form because
a group that doesn’t have a strong voice as individuals comes together to get
their voice heard. There are a lot of amazing male nurses, but if you break down
the demographics, a lot of women’s groups do align with the nursing industry.
This isn’t sexist. It’s politics.
STUDENT I see what you’re saying.
QUINN We need to get you moving forward, though. I tell you what, let me help you
out…just a second while I send a couple emails. OK, ANA…EMILY’s list…WISH
list. There. I forwarded the policy to a contact at each group. I will let you know
when any of them get back to me, either supporting you or not. You know I
think we need to get a contact at the American Hospital Association or AHA.
This is not going to fly through if they oppose it…very powerful lobby.
STUDENT Great! Thank you so much.
QUINN Don’t mention it. Like I said, whatever I can do to help.
STUDENT I will touch base with you later when I know a little more.
QUINN I am looking forward to it. Good luck!
Note: Text indicator flashes noting the student has a text.
On-screen text: You get a text from Peter…
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Got us a quick meeting with Timothy. I hope you got something from Quinn, because we don’t want to
waste his time. I’ll meet you at your desk when you get back!
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Scene 3: Prepping for Meeting
In this scene, the student with Peter to discuss the upcoming meeting with Timothy.
Location Intern Desk
Scene setup Peter is seated across from the desk
On-screen characters Peter Shackley
Off-screen characters N/A
On screen text: Let’s see what Peter has to say.
PETER Hey there. How did it go with Quinn?
**STUDENT OPTION 1 It went well. He’s helping me get the ball rolling.
STUDENT OPTION 2 Not bad. He sent out a few emails to look for extra support.
Student can choose either option to continue.
PETER Great! Once we get things moving, it will be a lot easier. Well…that’s not really
true. But at least it’s a start.
STUDENT What do I need to know to be ready to meet with Timothy?
PETER Timothy told me earlier that he personally likes the policy as it is. And since he’s
with DHHS, that’s really good news. But, if he’s going to throw his hat in with
us, he has to know we’re moving forward. I can’t stress how important it is for
us to have DHHS on board.
**STUDENT OPTION 1 Sounds like there’s a story there.
STUDENT OPTION 2 Why is that?
Student can choose either option to continue.
PETER There are a few things you should be aware of. The difference between
legislation and regulation, how to implement the law, and how self-regulation
works. What do you want to talk about first?
Student can click any one of the three to continue. But student must go to all branches before continuing.
STUDENT BRANCH
OPTION 1
Tell me about legislation and regulation.
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STUDENT BRANCH
OPTION 2
How is a law implemented?
STUDENT BRANCH
OPTION 3
What is self-regulation?
Branch 1
RESPONSE 1 Legislation is the process of taking a bill before Congress and eventually getting
it approved, and signed by the President. This makes it law, but there is always
an agency that needs to make sure that law is being followed.
STUDENT Who does that?
PETER Well, it depends on the law. For something affecting national security, the
Department of Homeland Security will oversee it. For us, where it’s a matter of
health care, the DHHS is probably going to be in charge.
STUDENT That makes sense. But what’s a regulation?
PETER Let me give you an example. Let’s say our policy becomes law and DHHS has to
implement it. They will probably start by creating a board to oversee the
distribution of funds, making sure that hospitals are complying with all the
requirements.
STUDENT Of course.
PETER That board will need to implement standards or rules that hospitals have to
follow in order to qualify for funding. Those rules are regulations. They have the
effect of solidifying the law.
STUDENT So they are kind of extensions to the original law?
PETER No. In fact, they can’t, by law, EXTEND the law. They can’t in any way overstep
the initial legislation. However, they can define how to determine if someone is
violating it, and those regulations effectively become part of the law.
Regulations are critical to the actual implementation of the law…the “how to”
STUDENT I think I understand.
PETER This is why it’s so important to make sure that you have backing before the law
goes into effect. Without a good understanding of how the policy will affect
various groups, Timothy won’t have a good idea for how to implement it.
Go back to branch options
BRANCH 2
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RESPONSE 2 Well, it’s important that the initial legislation is very clear, because otherwise,
it’s very hard to determine what sorts of regulations you can create to help
implement it.
STUDENT This is why we’re spending so much time getting opinions from stakeholders?
PETER That’s part of it. But really, we need the new policy to be enforceable. It has to
be something that can be understood and isn’t going to get challenged in courts
later when people don’t understand it and can’t follow it correctly. Or by those
who do not support it and think they can get the legal system to overturn the
law by saying it is unconstitutional. We have to think ahead of the game.
Go back to branch options
BRANCH 3
RESPONSE 3 Regulations are part of the law, where the enforcing agency creates rules that
must be followed in order to stay in compliance. Self-regulation is what
happens when members of that industry are well-educated enough on the
requirements that they actively try to follow them, and encourage others in
their industry to follow them as well.
STUDENT And if the law and regulations aren’t clear, then I imagine that is very difficult to
make happen.
PETER Extremely. This is why we want to get groups like nurses behind the law from
the start. If they have a say in helping shape it, they will be more likely to
support it after it comes into effect. It might also help if they were represented
on boards that are involved in regulation. Nurses are very active in quality
improvement in all types of health care organizations.
Go back to branch options
STUDENT I see. I think I’m ready to meet with Timothy.
PETER Good. He’s going to be here in a few minutes. Good luck!
Note: Email indicator flashes showing the student has a new email.
On screen text: I hope that’s Quinn.
Email 1:
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From: Quinn Smith
Subject: Following up
Body:
Hey, nice meeting with you earlier. I just heard back from my contact with EMILY’s List – they are
interested in hearing more. It’s not much, but it’s a big start
Quinn
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Scene 4: Meeting with Timothy
In this scene, the student meets Timothy from DHHS.
Location Conference Room
Scene setup Timothy is seated at the table. A laptop is in front of the student, as the
student will get an email halfway through the scene.
On-screen characters Timothy Kohl
Off-screen characters N/A
On screen text: Well…this is it! For now…
TIMOTHY Hi there, nice to meet you. I’m Timothy Kohl, from the Department of Health
and Human Services.
STUDENT Nice to meet you, Mr. Kohl. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule.
TIMOTHY Well, your friend Peter said you have a plan worth hearing out. I’m already
familiar with the basics of the Senator’s proposed policy, and it looks good on
paper. But before I invest resources in helping turn your policy into law, I want
to make sure I’m not wasting my time.
STUDENT RESPONSE 1 Of course, I completely understand.
Student can click any one of the three to continue.
TIMOTHY QUESTION But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, either. I’ll give you a chance to make your
pitch later. For now, can I ask what you want from DHHS?
STUDENT OPTION 1
(CORRECT)
As part of the organization that will implement the bill if passed, I want your
input on how to word the bill that will strongly support improved care and a bill
that can be implemented effectively.
STUDENT OPTION 2
(INCORRECT)
Let me answer your question with a question. How can DHHS help us?
STUDENT OPTION 3
(INCORRECT)
I’m hoping you can help me write the bill in such a way it can get approved
more easily.
Student must click option 1 to continue.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE 1 That’s reasonable, I suppose. Well, once you have a solid group of
stakeholders, I would be happy to meet with them and help solidify the scope
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and details of the policy. How are you doing in that regard?
Response 1 moves student to next response set from student.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE 2 Look, I admire your spirit, but I don’t have a lot of time to mess around.
Response 2 kicks student back to options.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE 3 I’ll be honest, I’m happy to help you out once you have a solid plan, but I’m
not here to make your job easy. In fact, it’s going to get harder once you have
me on board.
Response 3 kicks student back to options.
STUDENT OPTION 1
(CORRECT)
I have been working with Peter and Quinn at Bright Road to identify key
stakeholders that we can bring into committee to solidify things.
STUDENT OPTION 2
(INCORRECT)
The Senator is extremely passionate about this and with her leadership, we will
have no problem getting people on board.
STUDENT OPTION 3
(INCORRECT)
I’m strongly considering hiring a professional lobbyist to help us get the
message out there.
Student must click option 1 to continue.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
1
Quinn is on board already? That gives you a solid stakeholder on the state level,
in addition to the Senator. I have to say, you may live up to your own hype after
all.
Response 1 moves student to next response set from student.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
2
It’s her plan, of course she’s behind it. What else do you have for me?
Response 2 kicks student back to options.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
3
Hmmm. Well, lobbyists have their place in politics and we have to work with
them, but at this stage we need to refine exactly what we’re lobbying for. And
the Senator prefers her staff to do the lobbying. Anything else?
Response 3 kicks student back to options.
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STUDENT Thank you, I’m doing my best.
TIMOTHY Senator Powers doesn’t give her staff much of a learning curve before you get
thrown into the fire. You’re doing good so far.
NOTE: Cell phone flashes with email notification.
STUDENT I’m waiting for an important email. Do you mind if I take a moment to check?
TIMOTHY No problem.
NOTE: Student clicks phone to read email.
Email 1:
From: Quinn Smith
Subject: Got another!
Body:
My contact over at the American Nurses Association was REALLY excited when she read about the
Senator’s policy. She has been with the ANA for a long time and is fairly high up. Unfortunately, my
WISH List contact wasn’t quite as excited. I think she will come on board later, but for now I think we
have the nursing community pretty well covered. That should be enough to get some traction with the
government agencies. And I have a call into someone I know at AHA.
Just wanted to share the good news. I’ll talk to you soon.
Quinn
Note: As the student closes the email, Timothy returns.
STUDENT Glad I took the time to read it. I just got word that the ANA is on board and will
be working with us on the policy.
TIMOTHY No kidding? Wow, you just might pull this off. Nursing, hospital administration,
and now I can help you out on the government side…nice work.
STUDENT So you’re in?
TIMOTHY Well, I was in from the start. I just wanted to make sure I was working with the
right person before I let you know. OK, let’s move on. Looking down the road a
bit, what do you see in terms of regulating this policy? Excuse me, regulating
this LAW.
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Student must click all 3 to continue.
STUDENT OPTION 1
I suppose the first thing is making sure that any regulations promote the public
welfare.
STUDENT OPTION 2
Since we are talking about such a personal issue like health care, it’s important
we have transparency in the regulatory process.
STUDENT OPTION 3
Everyone is cautious about adding to the government. We’ll want to make sure
that our regulations are logical and cost-effective.
Student must click all 3 to continue.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
1
Of course. We don’t want to create regulations that interfere with peoples’
ability to receive quality care. As we get our committee together to refine the
policy before sending it to Congress, we will make sure that whatever is in the
law is clearly enforceable, in a way that will benefit public well-being.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
2
Transparency is vital, particularly when we’re talking about health care.
Whatever regulatory board we put together will need to show exactly how it is
evaluating hospitals and other providers.
TIMOTHY RESPONSE
3
And flexible! I mean, we are talking about potentially withholding funding from
non-compliant organizations. We will want a program that provides an
organization the opportunity to fix a problem before they get cut off. Not to
mention a grace period at the beginning to help them get up to standards
before the hammer drops. Your health care contacts will be incredibly
important as we put this part of the plan together.
After viewing all responses, move forward to next statement.
STUDENT I think we are off to a good start. How do you feel?
TIMOTHY Honestly, better than I expected. I have a friend who represents the insurance
lobby. I can get him on board too. We’ll have enough people that we can start a
preliminary committee to put this together. Now, if you don’t mind, I really
need to go.
STUDENT Thank you so much for your time.
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Health Care Policy Learnscape 2 Final November 5, 2012 21
TIMOTHY My pleasure. I really look forward to seeing what you come up with. And next
time I run into the Senator, I’ll put in a good word for you.
STUDENT Thank you, Mr. Kohl.
TIMOTHY Don’t mention it.
Note: Email indicator flashes.
Email 2:
From: Peter Shackley
Subject: Lunch on me?
Hey – you’ve been doing great work. After your meeting with Timothy, meet me at the restaurant and
I’ll prep you for what’s expected next.
Peter
On screen text: Free lunch? Sounds good to me!
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Health Care Policy Learnscape 2 Final November 5, 2012 22
Scene 5: Lunch with Peter
In this scene, the student meets Peter at the restaurant to plan for next steps.
Location Restaurant
Scene setup Peter is seated at the table.
On-screen characters Peter
Off-screen characters N/A
PETER Good to see you. How did it go with Timothy?
STUDENT Great, honestly. He’s on board and excited to get going.
PETER I figured he would be. He can come across as a tough guy when you don’t know
him, but he’s just grilling you a bit to make sure you can produce results. If he’s
on board, you must be doing well.
STUDENT That’s good to hear.
PETER What else is going on?
Student must click both options to continue.
STUDENT OPTION 1 Quinn’s contact at the ANA is very excited as well, and wants to be a part of the
committee.
STUDENT OPTION 2 I think we have a potential partner with EMILY’s List.
Student can click either one to continue.
RESPONSE 1 Really? That’s great! So between Quinn, Timothy, and the ANA, we have a solid
three stakeholders on board. And we think AHA will get on board.
RESPONSE 2 Good news! EMILY’s List doesn’t directly represent a health care interest, but
they do align with nurses a lot, and will help us make sure our policy is on track
with the female demographic. AHA is in process. Hopefully we will hear
something positive soon.
Response 2 moves student to next statement from Peter.
PETER OK, let’s talk about what I need from you now.
STUDENT I’m all ears.
PETER I need you to draft an email to the Senator and me discussing how we move
Health Care Policy Learnscape 2: Going from Policy to Law
Health Care Policy Learnscape 2 Final November 5, 2012 23
forward. Recommend a preliminary committee. Include everyone we have
talked about. Also, describe WHY you think each person should be on the
committee, explaining what they offer and can help with.
STUDENT That makes sense.
PETER Next, think outside of the box a bit. Are there any other stakeholders we should
consider approaching? If so, what would they bring to the table?
STUDENT OK, I can do that.
PETER Finally, talk about how you see DHHS regulating this law, focusing on issues that
will make it easier to implement and more beneficial to the public. Describe the
roles of any board or supervisory powers that you envision them having.
STUDENT Anything else?
PETER Nope! That should keep you busy for a while.
<looking past student> Hey, here comes our lunch. Let’s take a break while we
have a chance.
STUDENT That sounds good to me.
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Health Care Policy Learnscape 2 Final November 5, 2012 24
Scene 6: Making Your Recommendation
In this scene, the student will craft an email to the Board of Directors, with a recommendation. The
recommendation will include each aspect of the analysis, as gathered from the staff.
Location Intern Desk
Scene setup Student is sitting at their desk.
On-screen characters None
Off-screen characters None
On-screen text: Lunch was great, but now it’s time to get back to work.
NOTE: The scene is a close up of the student’s computer screen with the email application open. The
“To:” section is filled with an email group description “Senator Powers, Peter Shackley” and the subject is
already filled in: “Policy Committee Recommendation.”
On-screen text: Type your recommendation in the body of the email below. Your recommendation
should be between 250 and 500 words in length. Don’t forget, you can use the notes you’ve taken
throughout your interviews. Be sure to back up your recommendation with the analysis of the
information gained from the team members. Focus on what each committee member can offer to the
policy, any additional stakeholders you would like to include, and the role you envision for regulatory
departments.
NOTE: The student will be given an option to “Submit” the email after writing it. After the student
submits the email, the computer screen fades to the previous view of the student’s office.
On-screen text: Congratulations! You have sent the recommendation to the Senator.
FADE OUT.
End of Learnscape 2