- Select an interest group (AARP, AHIP, Coalition for Health Services Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Pharma)
- Discuss how they are pushing their agenda (i.e., mechanisms used to influence policy makers), key obstacles, and spending (consult the Center for Responsible Politics, www.opensecrets.org)
- Investigate the interest group’s website and review their position statements, testimony, and consult media reports to obtain more information on the group’s lobbying efforts.
Submission Requirements:
• Presentation is original work and logically organized. Followed current APA format including citation of references.
• PowerPoint presentation with 5-8 slides were clear and easy to read. Speaker notes expanded upon and clarified content on the slides.
• Incorporate a minimum of 4 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work.
Full Answer Section
Slide 2: Mechanisms for Influencing Policymakers
- Image: Lobbyist shaking hands with a legislator in a suit and tie.
- Lobbying Efforts:
- Direct lobbying: APhA employs lobbyists to directly communicate with legislators and their staff on policy issues.
- Grassroots advocacy: APhA mobilizes its members to contact their representatives and senators, urging support for their positions.
- Political action committees (PACs): APhA's PAC, APhA-PAC, raises funds to support candidates who align with their policy goals.
- Public education campaigns: APhA educates the public and policymakers on issues like medication adherence and medication safety.
Speaker Notes APhA utilizes a multi-pronged approach to influence policymakers. Direct lobbying allows them to present their expertise and arguments directly. Grassroots efforts leverage the collective voice of pharmacists to garner public and political support. APhA-PAC strategically contributes to campaigns, and public education campaigns raise awareness of key issues.
Slide 3: Key Obstacles
- Image: Gavel resting on a soundboard in a courtroom.
- Obstacles to APhA's Agenda:
- Powerful special interests: Pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare industry giants may have opposing lobbying priorities.
- Budgetary constraints: Policymakers may be hesitant to support initiatives requiring additional government spending.
- Public opinion: APhA needs to maintain public support for its positions to be effective.
Speaker Notes APhA faces challenges in advancing its agenda. Powerful lobbying efforts from opposing interests like pharmaceutical companies can create competition for legislative influence. Budgetary constraints can make funding new programs difficult. Public opinion plays a crucial role – APhA needs to maintain public support for its initiatives to gain traction.
Slide 4: Spending on Lobbying (OpenSecrets.org)
- Image: Bar graph representing APhA lobbying expenditures over the past 5 years (Data source: OpenSecrets.org)
- Lobbying Expenditures (2019-2023):
- Provide a graph or chart illustrating APhA's lobbying expenditures over the past 5 years, citing OpenSecrets.org as the data source.
- Briefly discuss trends or noteworthy observations from the data.
Speaker Notes Here (Slide 4), you'll insert a bar graph or chart retrieved from OpenSecrets.org that visualizes APhA's lobbying expenditures over the past five years. Analyze the data, highlighting any trends or significant observations.
Slide 5: APhA Website and Lobbying Efforts
- Image: Screenshot of the APhA website homepage.
- APhA Website Resources:
- Briefly discuss relevant sections of the APhA website (apha.org) that showcase their lobbying efforts.
- Mention specific examples of position statements, testimonies, or media reports that shed light on their policy advocacy.
Speaker Notes The APhA website (apha.org) provides valuable insights into their lobbying efforts. Explore relevant sections like "Federal Advocacy" or "State Advocacy" to identify their current legislative priorities. Mention specific examples of position statements submitted on policy issues, testimonies delivered before congressional committees, or media reports highlighting their advocacy work.
Slide 6: Conclusion
- Image: Diverse group of pharmacists collaborating in a pharmacy setting.
- APhA's Impact:
- Summarize APhA's contributions to advancing medication access and pharmacist practice through their lobbying efforts.
- Briefly mention any recent policy victories or ongoing initiatives.
Speaker Notes The American Pharmacists Association plays a significant role in shaping healthcare policy. Through their lobbying efforts, APhA has advocated for initiatives that improve medication access for patients and expand the scope of pharmacist practice. Mention any recent policy wins or ongoing efforts to showcase their impact.
Slide 7: References
- List at least four scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (published within the last five years) cited throughout your presentation according to APA format.
Slide 8: Speaker Notes
- Briefly summarize the key takeaways from each slide, reiterating the main points discussed throughout the presentation.
Sample Answer
Slide 1: Title Slide
- Title: The American Pharmacists Association (APhA): Advocating for Medication Access and Pharmacist Practice Advancement
- Subtitle: A Look at Their Lobbying Efforts
- Your Name & Affiliation (e.g., Student Researcher, University Name)
Speaker Notes The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is a leading national professional organization representing pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmaceutical scientists. This presentation will explore how APhA pushes its agenda, the obstacles they face, and their lobbying efforts in promoting medication access and advancing pharmacist practice.