Assignment

Someone with experience/knowledge in the Health Care field and experience in writing white papers.

Position Letter/White Paper (APA Format)

The health policy topic will be on "Medicare Reform in America"

1. Pick a health policy topic of your interest that is supported by research such as is done in a White Paper and/or peer reviewed professional articles.

2. Research whether or not there are policies/laws related to the topic; i.e., laws in place which need support, laws in the legislative process needing support, or does a new policy needs to be proposed.

3. Decide what you believe is the best approach; research the topic from both the pro and con perspective (when one understands the opposition, one can frame his/her own proposal better). Students are to be "mini" experts on the topic of interest.

4. Decide whom (local, state, national, agency, organization) to address your white paper to.

5. Write a 1 page, maximum 1.5 page letter - no longer. Legislators are very busy. Grab their attention, state the case, reinforce the case, restate the case.

a. State your case in the clearest, most succinct terms.

b. Give supporting evidence (A reference list may be attached if you believe it will strengthen your proposal. No citations in the text of the letter, but for rare exceptions).

c. Close with the original statement or another version or what you want the legislator to do.

d. If money is required, propose a solution. A funding source for the proposal is a required element. There is no mission without margin.

e. Sign your name with your degree(s) or certifications and contact information.

f. Use business letter style; use correct salutation and closing. Appropriate salutations for legislators are available on the web.

Please include all references used for this paper.

Put the references on separate sheet entitled, Bibliography

Separate the references into list of pros and cons

APA Format.