Nurses play a crucial role in the policy development model by advocating for evidence-based policies that improve patient outcomes and healthcare access. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses contribute valuable insights into patient needs, gaps in care, and systemic challenges that policymakers must address (Milstead & Short, 2019). In the policy development process, nurses engage in agenda-setting, policy formulation, and evaluation, ensuring that proposed legislation aligns with best practices in patient care. Their direct experience with patients suffering from mental health conditions uniquely positions them to advocate for policies that reduce barriers to care, such as stigma, provider shortages, and inadequate insurance coverage (Williams et al., 2020). Through professional organizations and grassroots advocacy, nurses influence legislation that promotes fair access to mental health services.

Attending the Bipartisan Policy Center’s virtual discussion on mental health care public policy offers an opportunity for nurses to advocate for integrating mental health services into primary care. Key points a nurse could bring to this discussion include the importance of early intervention, the necessity of increasing mental health provider availability, and strategies to reduce stigma associated with mental illness (Corrigan et al., 2017). Nurses can also emphasize the need for policies that provide adequate funding for mental health training programs and telehealth services to expand access to underserved populations. Additionally, they can highlight patient-centered approaches that prioritize holistic care, ensuring mental health needs are addressed alongside physical health concerns. By contributing their clinical ability and patient advocacy experience, nurses can help shape policies that lead to more effective and accessible mental health care.

References

Corrigan, P. W., Bink, A. B., Schmidt, A., Jones, N., & Rüsch, N. (2017). What is the impact of self-stigma? Loss of self-respect and the “why try” effect. Journal of Mental Health, 26(4), 351-358.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Williams, S. D., Phillips, J. M., & Koyama, K. (2020). Nurse advocacy: Adopting health in all policies approach. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 25(3), 1–14