Health Policy Memo Instructions Format: • Page Length: 1-2 pages (not including

Health Policy Memo Instructions
Format:
• Page Length: 1-2 pages (not including reference page)
• Font: 12-point, Times New Roman
• Margins: a minimum of ½ inch margins
• Citation Style: Please use general principles of APA and keep your reference list in APA
format. Because this assignment has a strict page limit, you may choose to use numbered
citations to save space (please see the examples posted to the D2L course site).
Paper Components:
Please include all the following components. Expanded descriptions and a template are found
below. Also, please reference the examples that are found in the D2L course.
• The Heading
• Executive Summary
• Background
• Issues
• Options
• Recommendation
• References
Expanded Paper Components Descriptions:
The Heading should include the name of the policy maker to whom you are addressing your
memo, your name, the subject, and the date. Address the memo to someone who has influence
over the bill. It can be the committee leader, your state’s representative, bill co-sponsor, or the
President, depending on where in the legislative process the bill is.
The Executive Summary should briefly describe the issue. When doing so, you should try to
answer the below questions. This paragraph must grab the policy makers’ attention and get them
to want to read the rest of the memo.
1. What is the issue?
2. What is the size and scope of the problem and who is affected?
3. Why is a decision needed?
4. What key information is contained in this memorandum?
5. What course of action are you recommending?
The Background outlines essential points, which explain how this issue has evolved or become a
concern. Use statistical data to define the problem and choose your sources carefully. Choose
persuasive data to explain your position. If you are relying on data from the internet, be certain
that it is credible. List only those sources that you used heavily.
The Issues section describes the key issues that are addressed by the proposed policy. One to
three issues should be identified. Please describe the position(s) others have taken on those
issues? This should include both pro and con positions and a rationale for why these groups have
taken this position should be provided.
1. Example: The American Academy of Pediatrics supports changing school lunches to be
healthier in an effort to reduce childhood obesity and its long-term complications.
However, the National Governors Association are against the bill as they fear it will
result in increased costs of school lunches.
The Options section defines plausible courses of action and the pros and cons of each. One
important consideration is the financial cost of each option. In addition, contemplate the possible
political risks and potential opposition that might result from choosing each option.
1. Example: Option 1- pass bill as is. Describe the pros and cons of doing this. Option 2-
propose amendment to bill. Provide pros and cons of doing this.
In the Recommendation, you will discuss your specific recommended course of action and
rationale. Make your recommendations clear and understandable.
1. Example: I urge you to vote in favor of this legislation because…
The References will be in APA format.
Below is the bill I would like this done on.
H.R.896 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)H.R.896 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)H.R.896 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)
Paper Template
On the following two pages, you will find a template. Please copy and paste them into a Word
document when starting your paper.
To: Rep. Name
From: Name, University of Arizona Doctoral Student, MS, RN (use your current credentials)
Subject: Support for Bill
Date: Date
Executive Summary
Briefly tell the policy maker the following: What is the issue? What is the size and scope of the
problem and who is affected? Why is a decision needed? What key information is contained in this
memorandum? What course of action are you recommending? This paragraph must grab the policy
makers’ attention and get them to want to read the rest of the memo.
Background
Provide brief, essential points that explain how this issue has evolved or become a concern. Use
statistical data to define the problem and choose your sources carefully. Choose persuasive data to
explain your position. If you rely on data from the internet, be certain that it is credible. List only
those sources that you used heavily.
Issues
What are the key issues to be addressed by the proposed policy? One to three issues should be
identified. Example – reducing fat content and calories in school lunches can reduce childhood
obesity. Introducing healthy eating early in life can promote healthy eating habits later in life.
Options
What are the plausible courses of action, along with the pros and cons of each? What are the
approximate financial costs of each option? What are the political risks and potential opposition that
might result from choosing an option?
Recommendation
Discuss your specific recommended course of action and why. Make your recommendations
clear, and understandable.
References
Author, A., Author, B., & Author, C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, volume
number(issue number), pages. https://doi.org/xx.xxx/yyyy