What is the process that takes an idea or issue and effects change to improve rural health care?
An issue or idea related to rural health may come to light through research findings or concerns expressed by groups or individuals. Membership organizations such as the National Rural Health Association produce policy briefs that express the concerns of their members on rural health issues. Once an issue and potential policy solution is identified, lawmakers in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives craft legislation intended to address the issue, with input from a variety of experts and concerned parties. If the legislation is passed and becomes law, then federal agencies with jurisdiction over the related policy or program will be called upon to issue regulations and enforce the law. The process of identifying and addressing issues is iterative. Each time a change is made, lawmakers, researchers and interested parties examine the results, look for methods that might improve the situation, suggest possible legislation to modify the policy or program, and track the results.
