Policy Assessment
Instructions
Before submitting your Assessment, carefully review the rubric. This is the same rubric the assessor will use to evaluate your submission and it provides detailed criteria describing how to achieve or master the Competency. Many students find that understanding the requirements of the Assessment and the rubric criteria help them direct their focus and use their time most productively.
Rubric
To complete the Work Product Assessment, you will select a recent (within the last 5 years) national or state health policy that has had substantial impact on healthcare consumers. Specifically, you will be looking at a high-impact health policy to analyze the diverse and divergent perspectives that informed its development and then to assess its impact at the local organizational level. You will then write a persuasive letter to a policymaker presenting the perspective of an organization and other stakeholders.
Detailed and current information on health policy may be found on many websites, including those of:
· American Hospital Association (AHA)
· Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
· The Kaiser Family Foundation
· Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
· American Public Health Association (APHA)
· AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons)
After choosing a health policy, select a local healthcare organization that is impacted by that policy. This might be a public agency, a healthcare facility, or any organization substantially influenced by the policy. It might also be the healthcare organization in which you work. You will evaluate the impact of the policy on the organization’s operations and outcomes. You will also write a letter to a policymaker who has influence over the action of the policy. This task requires you to take a large and complex topic (the policy) and synthesize it into digestible information that can be used to inform the policymaker of issues raised by the policy.
This assessment has two-parts. Click each of the items below to complete this assessment.
Part 1: Policy Assessment
In a 4-page report:
· Briefly explain the issue addressed by the policy.
· Explain the background of the policy’s formulation.
· Describe key stakeholders involved in the evolution of the policy.
· Categorize which of the stakeholders would be considered advocacy groups and which would be classified as business interests. Explain how you differentiate the two categories and why this differentiation matters.
· Explain the diverse perspectives of the key stakeholder involved in the evolution of the policy.
· Explain the role of various government agencies and officials, including public health agencies, in the evolution, formulation, and implementation of the policy.
· Briefly explain the diverse perspectives of the government agencies and officials with regard to the policy.
· Determine the ongoing role of law and regulation in the evolution, formulation, and implementation of the policy.
· Identify key local organizations and stakeholders impacted by this policy.
· Briefly explain the overarching diverse perspectives of the organizations and stakeholders with regard to the policy.
· Analyze the impact of the policy on those organizational stakeholders.
Part 2: Letter to a Policymaker
For Part 2, identify a policymaker who is a member of the U.S. Congress from your state of residence. If you are from a territory, you will identify the equivalent legislative person. If you are an international student, you may choose any person who is responsible for enacting healthcare policies or laws in your area. You will write a letter to the policymaker that focuses on the organization you selected, for Part 1, in support of or opposition to the issue you selected. Your letter should be written in a respectful tone and focus on the evidence supporting your position, instead of merely expressing your personal thoughts and opinions. You must also provide evidence from the peer-reviewed literature to support your position. The letter should use a professional letter format, including salutation and address.
In a 2-page letter:
· Explain the relevance of the health policy to the organization.
· Describe the expected impact of the policy on organizational outcomes.
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE AN A; YOU MUST FOLLOW THE RUBRIC VERY CLOSELY. THE RUBRIC SHOWS SCORES 1-3, 3 BEING THE HIGHEST
©2014 Walden University 1
LE004: Analyzing Policies From Diverse Perspectives: Analyze a policy from the diverse perspectives of policymakers, interest groups, healthcare
administrators, and other stakeholders to assess impact on an organization.
Assessment Rubric
0 Not Present
1 Needs Improvement
2 Meets Expectations
3 Exceeds Expectations
Part I: Policy Assessment
Sub-Competency 1: Explain the formulation of a health policy.
Learning Objective 1.1: Describe the issue addressed by a health policy.
Response is missing. Response does not fully or accurately explain the issue addressed by the policy.
Response accurately and succinctly describes the issue addressed by the policy.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response describes relevant current issues or ongoing concerns related to this policy.
Learning Objective 1.2: Explain the background of the policy formulation.
Response is missing. Adequate background of the policy’s formulation is not provided.
Response provides adequate and succinct background of the policy’s formulation.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response uses one or more examples of the policy in action to demonstrate an understanding of formulation of health policy at state or federal level.
Sub-Competency 2: Categorize health policy stakeholders within the context of two distinct groups: advocacy groups and business interests.
©2014 Walden University 2
Learning Objective 2.1: Describe key stakeholders involved in the formulation of a health policy.
Response is missing. Response does not adequately identify the key stakeholders involved in a health policy.
Key stakeholders identified include advocacy groups, providers, payers, suppliers, organizations, and consumers, (as appropriate). Response explains why each identified stakeholder has an interest in this policy.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response provides additional information about the role of advocacy groups in the formulation of this policy.
Learning Objective 2.2: Categorize health policy stakeholders as advocacy groups or business interests.
Response is missing.
Stakeholders are inaccurately categorized as advocacy groups or business interests. Insufficient or incorrect rationale is provided for categorizations.
Stakeholders are accurately placed into two categories: advocacy groups and business interests. Rationale is provided for the categorizations. Explanation is provided as to why these categorizations matter.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response briefly explains how advocacy groups or business interests identify a relevant issue/concern in the formulation of this policy.
Learning Objective 2.3: Explain the diverse perspectives of key stakeholders involved in the evolution of the policy.
Response is missing. Response does not adequately and/or accurately explain the diverse perspectives of four key stakeholders.
Response accurately and fairly explains the diverse perspectives of four key stakeholders with regard to the health policy. Response provides one
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response briefly explains the diversity of perspectives regarding this
©2014 Walden University 3
rationale for each stakeholder perspective.
policy from key stakeholders.
Sub-Competency 3: Explain the role of government agencies and officials, including public health agencies, in the formulation and implementation of health policy.
Learning Objective 3.1: Describe the role of government agencies in the formulation and implementation of a health policy.
Response is missing.
Response insufficiently addresses the role of specific government agencies and officials in the formulation of this policy.
Response identifies the key government agencies (including public health agencies) and officials involved in the formulation and implementation of this policy. Response describes the roles that these government agencies and officials played throughout the process.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response describes two constraints that government agencies faced in formulating and implementing this policy.
Learning Objective 3.2: Explain the diverse perspectives of the government agencies and officials with regard to the policy.
Response is missing. Response does not adequately and/or accurately explain the diverse perspectives of the government agencies and officials with regard to the policy.
Response accurately and fairly explains the diverse perspectives of the government agencies and officials with regard to the policy. Response provides one rationale for each perspective.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response briefly explains the diversity of perspectives regarding this policy from government agencies and officials.
Sub-Competency 4: Explain the role of law and regulation in the formulation and implementation of health policy.
©2014 Walden University 4
Learning Objective 4.1: Describe the role of law and regulation in the formulation and implementation of a health policy.
Response is missing.
Response identifies fewer than four accurate examples of the role of law and regulation in the formulation and implementation of the health policy.
Response identifies four examples of the role of law and regulation in the formulation and implementation of the health policy.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response describes two constraints to implementing the policy that arose from a legal or regulatory perspective.
Sub-Competency 5: Analyze the impact of policy on organizational stakeholders.
Learning Objective 5.1: Identify key organizational stakeholders impacted by a health policy.
Response is missing. Response identifies fewer than five organizational stakeholders who will be impacted by the policy. Rationale for selection and description of impact is insufficient and/or inaccurate.
Response identifies at least five organizational stakeholders who will be impacted by the policy. Response provides rationale for selecting these five stakeholders and describes how they will be impacted.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response indicates which organizational stakeholder is likely to be most impacted by the policy and describe examples of the impact.
Learning Objective 5.2: Explain the overarching diverse perspectives of the organizational stakeholders with regard to the policy.
Response is missing. Response does not adequately and/or accurately explain the diverse perspectives of the organizations and stakeholders with regard to the policy.
Response accurately and fairly explains the diverse perspectives of the organizations and stakeholders with regard to the policy. Response provides one rationale for each perspective.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response briefly explains the diversity of perspectives regarding this policy from the organizations and stakeholders.
©2014 Walden University 5
Learning Objective 5.3: Analyze the impact of the policy on organizational stakeholders.
Response is not provided. Response identifies fewer than three areas within the organization that will be impacted by the policy and/or provides insufficient description of the impact.
Response identifies three areas within the organization that will be most impacted by the policy. Response provides rationale for selecting these three areas, including a description of how these areas will be impacted.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response provides a brief explanation of the impact of the policy in relation to ethics and cost- effectiveness.
Part 2: Letter to a Policymaker
Sub-Competency 6: Summarize the impact of health policy on an organization.
Learning Objective 6.1: Explain the relevance of a health policy to an organization.
Response is missing.
Response provides fewer than three points of relevance of the policy to the organization and/or insufficient rationale.
Response provides three points of relevance of the policy to the organization. Response provides rationale for each of the three points.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response describes one constraint the policy will place on the organization.
Learning Objective 6.2: Describe the expected impact of a policy on organizational outcomes.
Response is missing. Response identifies fewer than four outcomes, provides insufficient explanation for the impact on outcomes.
Response identifies four organizational outcomes that will be impacted by the health policy. Response explains how these outcomes will be impacted by the policy.
Demonstrates the same level of achievement as “2” plus the following: Response provides at least one example of how the policy will have a positive or negative impact on the organizational outcome.
PS001: Written Communication: Demonstrate graduate-level writing skills.
©2014 Walden University 6
0 Not Present
1 Needs Improvement
2 Meets Expectations
3 Exceeds Expectations
Learning Objective PS 1.1: Use proper grammar, spelling, and mechanics.
Multiple major and minor errors in grammar, spelling, and/or mechanics are highly distracting and seriously impact readability.
Multiple minor errors in grammar, spelling, and/or mechanics are distracting and negatively impact readability.
Writing reflects competent use of standard edited American English. Errors in grammar, spelling, and/or mechanics do not negatively impact readability.
Grammar, spelling, and mechanics reflect a high level of accuracy in standard American English and enhance readability.
Learning Objective PS 1.2: Organize writing to enhance clarity.
Writing is poorly organized and incoherent. Introductions, transitions, and conclusions are missing or inappropriate.
Writing is loosely organized. Limited use of introductions, transitions, and conclusions provides partial continuity.
Writing is generally well- organized. Introductions, transitions, and conclusions provide continuity and a logical progression of ideas.
Writing is consistently well-organized. Introductions, transitions, and conclusions are used effectively to enhance clarity, cohesion, and flow.
Learning Objective PS 1.3: Apply APA style to written work.
APA conventions are not applied.
APA conventions for attribution of sources, structure, formatting, etc., are applied inconsistently.
APA conventions for attribution of sources, structure, formatting, etc., are generally applied correctly in most instances. Sources are generally cited appropriately and accurately.
APA conventions for attribution of sources, structure, formatting, etc., are applied correctly and consistently throughout the paper. Sources are consistently cited appropriately and accurately.
Learning Objective PS 1.4: Use appropriate vocabulary and tone for the audience and purpose.
Vocabulary and tone are inappropriate and negatively impact clarity of concepts to be conveyed.
Vocabulary and tone have limited relevance to the audience.
Vocabulary and tone are generally appropriate for the audience and support communication of key concepts.
Vocabulary and tone are consistently tailored to the audience and effectively and directly support communication of key concepts.
PS005: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze professional issues and inform best practice.
©2014 Walden University 7
Learning Objective PS 5.1: Analyze assumptions and fallacies.
Analysis of assumptions is missing.
Response is weak in assessing the reasonableness of assumptions in a given argument. Response does not adequately identify and discuss the implications of fallacies or logical weaknesses in a given argument.
Response generally assesses the reasonableness of assumptions in a given argument. Response identifies and discusses the implications of fallacies and/or logical weaknesses in a given argument.
Response clearly and comprehensively assesses the reasonableness of assumptions in a given argument. Response provides a detailed and compelling analysis of implications of fallacies and logical weaknesses in a given argument.
Learning Objective PS 5.2: Generate reasonable and appropriate assumptions.
Assumptions are missing. Response does not adequately present and discuss key assumptions in an original argument.
Response presents and discusses key assumptions in an original argument.
Response justifies the reasonableness and need for assumptions in an original argument.
Learning Objective PS 5.3: Assess multiple perspectives and alternatives.
Assessment of multiple perspectives is missing.
Response does not identify nor adequately consider multiple perspectives or alternatives.
Response identifies and considers multiple perspectives and alternatives.
Response justifies selection of chosen alternative relative to others.
Learning Objective PS 5.4: Use problem-solving skills.
Problems and solutions are not identified.
Response presents solutions, but they are ineffective in addressing the specific problem.
Response presents solutions that are practical and work in addressing the specific problem.
Response presents compelling supporting arguments for proposed solutions.
PS006: Information Literacy: Apply appropriate strategies to identify relevant and credible information and data in order to effectively analyze issues and make decisions.
Learning Objective PS 6.1: Identify credible sources.
Credible sources are missing.
Some sources are credible, appropriate, and relevant to the topic.
Most sources are credible, appropriate, and relevant to the topic.
All resources are credible, appropriate, and relevant to the topic.
©2014 Walden University 8
Learning Objective PS 6.2: Analyze findings from relevant sources.
Analysis is missing. Analysis superficially reflects relevance of findings to the identified problem, issue, or purpose.
Analysis clearly reflects relevance of findings to the identified problem, issue, or purpose.
Analysis clearly reflects relevance of findings to the identified problem, issue, or purpose, and synthesizes findings to generate new insights.