HR Pulse - Spring 2008 - (Page 58) [ASHHRA ADVOCACY] Getting Involved in Advocacy on a Local Level Make contact with your state legislator and identify their key staff members and what they know about specific legislative topics. Then, share your thoughts and experiences, persuading them to create and vote on public policy that best serves patients. Tell them why you strongly favor or oppose pending legislation. With reallife experience of the impact of proposed legislation, you can serve as an educator to state legislators and become a key resource on topics such as employment law, particularly health care employment law. ASHHRA Chapters can help individuals become active participants in the legislative process, as well. The ASHHRA Advocacy Committee recommends that state chapters develop an advocacy structure. One way to begin is to appoint a “go to” person for state legislative issues and create a communication plan to send members legislative updates. In addition, chapters can encourage members to contact their state representatives by giving them sample letters and contact information. Another committee recommendation is to create a channel of communication with your state hospital association to alert one another of pending bills that need urgent attention. Working collaboratively with other local community organizations, such as the chamber of commerce, can expand your reach as well. Team up with others who have similar interests and concerns, and you can have a greater influence on the process. For more information, contact your local chapter, or feel free to contact a member of the ASHHRA Advocacy Committee in your region. Committee member information and updates on national advocacy topics are available at www.ashhra.org (select “Advocacy” on the left navigation bar). n 58 HR Pulse Spring 2008 he ASHHRA Advocacy Committee encourages all health care HR professionals to become actively involved in the legislative process—not only at a national level but at the state level, as well. As an individual, you can make a difference and influence the legislative process. Begin by searching for pending legislation and legislative initiatives that will impact health care employment. Go to state government Web sites, chamber of commerce bulletins, state hospital association Web sites, and newspapers. T http://www.ashhra.org
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