The focus of this assignment is to gain a better understanding of the variety of factors that impact how healthcare in the US is financed and what role research plays in policy decision making.  Further, you will learn about who your representative are, which will be useful in future assignments.

Discussion Board Items—Refer to Discussion Board Guidelines and Grading Rubric as you complete these items. (The expectations are outlined in the Grading Rubrics)

1. What forces have had an effect on increasing health cost over the past 30 years?
2. How is research used to produce effective public health care policies in order to spend public resources wisely? Give one example.
3. Identify your legislators for the state and national level.  Please include the name of your state, district numbers for both your state level representatives and senators, as well as those on the national level. To respond to this item, you will have two US senators, one US Congressman, one state senator and one state representative
4. What contexts or factorsinform crafting/developing/creating policy?
5. Why should legislators use research evidence in public policymaking?
6. Why are effective programs not always implemented?

 

Discussion Board Grading Rubric: 50 points possible per module discussion board

CRITERIA	10 Points For Each Criteria	8-9.9 Points For Each Criteria	6-7.9 Points For Each Criteria	0-5.9 Points For Each Criteria
Integration of Assigned Reading Assignment and Professional Resources	Discussions show evidence of knowledge and understanding of reading assignment and applicability of professional resources; includes other resources beyond the assigned reading that extend the learning.	Discussions show evidence of knowledge and understanding of reading assignment and applicability to professional resources.	Discussions show little evidence of knowledge and understanding of reading assignment and applicability to professional resources.	Discussions show no evidence of knowledge and understanding of reading assignment and applicability to professional resources.
Quality of Initial Post and Responses to Other Students and Instructor	Student responds to the posted questions for the initial post and responses to peers with substantial, thoughtful ideas, clearly communicates ideas or opinions, and poses additional questions that deepen the discussion.	Student responds to the posted questions for the initial post and responses to peers with thoughtful ideas and clearly communicates his or her ideas or opinions, and poses additional questions that deepen the discussion.	Student responds to the posted questions for the initial post and/or responses to peers in a way that does not clearly indicate deep thought or original ideas or opinions.	Student responds to the posted questions and/or responses to peers but misses the main idea of the session or discussion.
Utilizes Professional Language	Postings consistently show appropriate, professional vocabulary and writing style.	Postings usually show appropriate, professional vocabulary and writing style.	Postings often include inappropriate vocabulary and writing style.	Postings consistently show inappropriate vocabulary and writing style.
Ensures Timeliness of Discussion	Student posted initial (first) response on time by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday and responded to at least one peer’s initial post on an additional day by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday night.	Student posted initial response on time but only partially met participation requirements for the week.	Student posted initial response late but did participate in forum discussions on other days as required.	Student did not post initial response on time and did not participate on additional days.
Grammar, Syntax, APA Format	No errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation with overall application of APA format including citations and references	Minimal errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling with overall application of APA format including citations and references	Multiple errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling with below average application of APA format, i.e. minimal citations and many errors in APA format	Excessive errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling with no evidence of APA format…i.e. no citations or references.