By Ron Ordona, DNP, FNP-BC, GS-C, WCC
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare advocacy, CMSA and case managers have taken a proactive role in shaping policies that impact patient care, access to resources, and the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. This year, case managers from across the country participated in a Virtual Hill Visit, where they engaged with legislators to discuss critical issues that affect their profession and the patients they serve. This experience was not only a significant learning opportunity but also a resounding success.
The Power of Virtual Advocacy
While traditional Hill visits involve traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers in person, the shift to virtual meetings has opened doors for greater participation. This format allowed case managers who may not have had the opportunity to travel to directly engage with their representatives from the comfort of their offices or homes. Leveraging video conferencing technology, case managers effectively conveyed their priorities and concerns, demonstrating the power of virtual advocacy.
Key Issues on the Table
During these meetings, case managers highlighted several pressing issues, including:
- Robust appropriations for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- Long-term extension of telehealth reimbursement waivers.
- Robust appropriations for HRSA health care workforce development to ensure access to high quality care, especially for those living in rural areas.
A Learning Experience for Many
For many case managers and CMSA members (including me), this was their first experience engaging directly with policymakers in a virtual platform. The preparation process involved learning how to effectively communicate key messages, understanding legislative processes, and working collaboratively with advocacy groups. The experience provided a deeper appreciation of the impact that grassroots advocacy can have on shaping healthcare policy.
Participants gained confidence in their ability to be change agents, realizing that their voices matter and that their firsthand experiences provide invaluable insights to legislators who rely on real-world stories to inform policy decisions.
Measurable Success
The Virtual Hill Visit was met with enthusiastic responses from legislators, many of whom expressed a newfound appreciation for the role of case managers in healthcare. Follow-up discussions have already been scheduled, and some offices have committed to further exploring policy changes that align with the concerns raised.
Additionally, case managers have reported feeling more empowered to continue advocacy efforts beyond this event. Many are now more engaged with professional organizations and policy initiatives, ensuring that their influence continues to grow.
Looking Ahead
This successful Virtual Hill Visit is an annual CMSA event facilitated by the CMSA staff and the Public Policy Committee. Advocacy does not end with one conversation—it requires ongoing effort, persistence, and collaboration. Case managers are now better equipped with the knowledge and experience to continue making an impact at the legislative level. Moving forward, integrating virtual advocacy efforts into annual advocacy strategies will be key to maintaining momentum and ensuring that case managers' voices remain strong in shaping healthcare policies.
Conclusion
The case management community proved that even in a virtual setting, their voices can be powerful and persuasive. This initiative was not just about sharing concerns but about actively shaping the future of case management and healthcare. With continued dedication, case managers will remain at the forefront of advocating for policies that enhance patient care and professional sustainability.
Have you participated in a Virtual Hill Visit? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! To get involved with CMSA's Public Policy efforts, click here: https://cmsa.org/advocacy/public-policy/
Bio: Ron Ordona, DNP, FNP-BC, GS-C, WCC, is a nurse practitioner and clinical director of Senior Care Clinic House Calls in Sacramento, California. Ordona works extensively with the Geriatric population in community-based care as a Health Services Director for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) and Administrator of Congregate Living Health Facilities (CLHF- “cliff”) of Care Home by RNs where, as part of his function as facility administrator is involved case management of complex cases (e.g., TBIs, stroke, work comp cases, etc) in an effort to get them to be able to return to home or be with their family. Ordona does extensive work in policy as a member of the CMSA Public Policy Committee, as a member of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) Health Affairs Committee’s Home Health and Hospice Coalition, and as co-chair of the California Association for Nurse Practitioner (CANP)’s Health Policy and Practice Committee.