All responses should be a minimum of 300-400 words, scholarly written, APA formatted and referenced. A minimum of 2 references (within 5 years) are required. Lobbying Lobbying is the “process of influencing public and government policy at all levels: federal, state, and local” (Lobbying, n.d. from http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Lobbying). The U.S. healthcare system and patients are influenced by legislation at the state and federal levels. Lawmakers may not fully understand the implications of laws, and may rely on others to inform them. “Nurses have a unique opportunity to lend their expertise in influencing policy at all levels of government” (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.). The ANA is one professional nursing organization that represents the interests of all nurses, noting that “nurses are represented across the board and that nurses interests are not ignored by bureaucrats who lack true knowledge of the issues at the bedside” (ANA Policy and Advocacy, n.d.). Anyone can lobby a legislator. Lobbyists use time spent with legislators to explain the goals of the organizations which they represent. The ANA offers a host of resources for members and non-members related to policy and advocacy. American Nurses Association: Policy and Advocacy http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/Policy-Advocacy There are other organizations that provide information related to the issues of your particular specialty. You should be knowledgeable about your specialty organization(s) and consider membership in both the ANA and a specialty organization. The The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers these guidelines for lobbying: QUESTION In 300-400 words, Supposing you are an ethics committee member or lobbyist, discuss any legislation that you are passionate about (i.e., legalizing marijuana, banning cell phone use while driving)? This is basically a free-for-all discussion. Remember to enter a Subject line that uniquely describes your response. All responses should be a minimum of 300-400 words, scholarly written, APA formatted and referenced. A minimum of 2 references (within 5 years) are required. To be completed tomorrow 11/15 at 8pm