What If the Legislation I Oppose Passes?
If legislation that you do not like passes you can continue to express your concern about the legislation by sending your legislator information about the negative impacts. For example, if your legislator supported additional cuts to Medicare, you could invite him/her to visit your institution and you could graphically demonstrate which programs will be affected by the cuts. Be diplomatic. You want to let your legislator know that your concerns were valid but you do not want to jeopardize your relationship by harshly judging him/her based on a single opposing vote.
You can also attempt to influence regulations that are drafted by the agency with the authority to carry out the directives in the legislation. Contact government affairs staff at your state hospital association, or the Vice President, Planning and Policy Development, to find out which agency will be involved and where you can get copies of draft regulations. There is usually a public comment period before regulations are finalized. You may be able to influence the process so that the regulations mitigate some of your concerns about the legislation.
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