Lobbying: everyone's responsibility.

Abstract

Health legislation is increasingly important to us as citizens and infection control professionals. The clearest need for influencing policymakers is in cost-cutting activities and the resulting impact on health care delivery. Health care professionals (HCPs) can highlight for lawmakers those health systems that are cost-effective and beneficial to the public. HCPs can help explain to constituents the costs and the scientific reasons for proposed changes. Additionally, HCPs are aware of nonmonetary costs, including emotional and social deficits, or indirect costs, of health-related programs. These should be addressed in the discussion of costs with government officials. Infection control personnel have shown effective means of reducing the cost of health care. ICPs must publicize their role in cost saving at the government level, as well as within individual institutions. Protecting the patient's welfare and cost control do not often go in tandem in this country's multibillion dollar health care industry. Infection control is almost unique in this respect. It is crucial to our patients, the employers for whom we work, and to ourselves that we share this information with those who decide public policy.