September 24, 2024
It’s been proven time and again. People can make a difference and, indeed, change the world. This is especially true of people with passion, including PALTmed members. As Daniel Haimowitz, MD, FACP, CMD, said during a recent PALTtalk episode, “Social movements and change are guided by motivated, passionate individuals; and if there’s one thing we know is that PALTmed members have passion. We can funnel that passion into change through advocacy.”
Talking about getting started with state advocacy, Dr. Haimowitz stressed that it’s not about lobbying. “We are stakeholders, constituents. We are talking about advocacy. We want to be advocates for our patients and do what is best for them,” he said. “We're not talking about big steps. Initially, at least, we can take baby steps.” Dr. Haimowitz also noted, “You can advocate through the legislative route, and you can also advocate about regulatory issues or guidance in working with state agencies and state officials.”
It’s okay to admit if you’re new to this, Dr. Haimowitz stressed, even if you don’t know who your state legislators are. With a little time and a Google search, you can find that information and get a sense of their views and key issues. “The very first step is knowing who your state representative is and who is your state senator. Know who’s on the ballot when you vote,” he said. “You can call or email them, and that’s the first step,” he suggested.
You can request a meeting or invite them to visit your facility. You can even start by expressing support on an issue or offering your expertise or insights on post-acute and long-term care-related issues. Dr. Haimowitz stressed, “We are subject matter experts, so you can call your state representatives and introduce yourself and offer your expertise or insights on issues.” An introductory meeting, he noted, “is a really good start if you want to develop a long-lasting relationship.”
While it is important to meet your representatives, don’t underestimate the value of engaging with their staff. “Developing relationships with their staff is extremely important,” said Dr. Haimowitz. These individuals have significant input on issues and advise their bosses on developments, trends, and news. When you engage with a staffer who shares your interests, this can be a powerful connection.
It is important to go into these efforts as a constituent and advocate for your residents and not go in and immediately talk about a problem or ask them for something. Instead, you can talk about specific issues that are good (or bad) for their constituents. You can make a connection and offer help, and this is the start of a mutually beneficial relationship. “You just need to put yourself out there a tiny little bit and make the initial call,” Dr. Haimowitz said.
If you're going as an individual constituent, you are free to say what's on your mind. However, Dr. Haimowitz noted, “If you're going as a constituent who represents an organization, you need to make this really clear. If you're representing an organization, your opinions have to be those that are of that organization.” There is power in numbers, however, so information, data, and materials from PALTmed or your state affiliate can “make your case stronger.”
Get more insights and listen to the full podcast here.