A bill is pending in the state legislature that will mandate teaching health promotion related to smoking cessation. Which action by the nurse should have the greatest impact on passage of the bill?

Question

a. Explain the rationale for the bill to the school board.
b. Contact the elected representative's office by phone to request support for the bill.
c. Support a health advocate to run for election as state representative.
d. Tell all students about the bill.

Answer 1

ANS: B
Correct: Telephone calls are an effective means of communicating your support for a bill; ask to speak to the staff person assigned to the bill or issue for which the call is being made. After introducing yourself, give a brief and simple message such as, "Please tell Senator/Representative [name] that I support [bill number]."
Incorrect:
a. The school board may have some interest in information about the bill, but they may or may not support the bill; the nurse will have a greater effect on passage of the bill if she directly phones the elected representative's office.
c. The nurse is concerned with passing the bill now rather than later, after an election is held.
d. The nurse needs to communicate directly with the representative's office to support the bill rather than just telling the students; however, telling peers and students about the bill might encourage them to call the representative to express their support.