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An Overview of the Federal Legislative Process

This resource provides everything you need to understand the basics of the policymaking process, and take action at the grassroots level. Provides details about conducting effective meetings with Members of Congress, writing compelling letters, and honing legislative champions. ICP's have a wealth of information to offer policy makers. Download this document and learn how to leverage your expertise and help foster the implementation of sound health care policy.

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An Overview of the State Legislative Process

As you, the infection control professional (ICP), becomes familiar with your state legislative process, it is essential that you have an understanding of the critical stages in the process.  With this knowledge, it is likely that you will have an effective influence on legislation when fully aware of these critical stages.

As you understand and monitor the activities of your state legislature, you will begin taking positions in favor of certain pieces of legislation and in opposition to others.  In many cases, all you may wish to achieve is a slight change in the language of one section of a bill.  On other occasions, there may be whole sections you want to change or delete.

The steps in this document outline the legislative actions which take place during each stage of the legislative process.  The comments following each step indicate the suggested action for each successive step in the process.

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State Legislative Sessions

The 2007 state legislative sessions have begun and it is more important than ever to get involved and be informed of what is happening in your state. For more information on when your state convenes and adjourns for the 2007 legislative session please click here.

How a Bill Becomes a Law in Your State

The route that a bill takes to become a law varies from state to state. Click here for a list of links to sites that explain the process for each state and the District of Columbia.

Establish and Maintain Relationships with your State Legislators

Because many important decisions made about infection prevention and control are political decisions, it is critical that you establish on-going relationships with your state legislators.  Not only is this one of the most effective ways to participate in the political process, but also as a constituent, you help legislators determine the importance of legislation.  Typically, legislators must review thousands of bills and most never get any further than being introduced.  However, if they have relationships with constituents who support/oppose certain bills, those get much more of their attention.

The steps outlined in this document will assist you in establishing and maintaining relationships with you state legislators.

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Tips On Providing Effective Testimony

Providing testimony is a wonderful opportunity for Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to persuade their elected officials.  The following document offers tips for providing effective oral testimony before your legislative committee.

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FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE LINKS

THOMAS - Library of Congress Legislative Service Site
http://thomas.loc.gov

U.S. Senate
http://www.senate.gov

U.S. House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov