Research legislation that has occurred within the last five years at the state or federal level as a result of nurse advocacy. Describe the legislation and what was accomplished. What additional steps need to be taken to continue advocacy for this issue?
The Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research
The STAR Act was signed into law in 2018 during President Trump’s governance. It was created to fulfill specific objectives. Firstly, it was intended to boost research efforts that are related to pediatric cancer. Secondly, it was designed to unlock new understandings that could enhance the tracking and reporting of childhood cancer. Thirdly, the bill is expected to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life, especially children (LLS, 2020).
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The bill has two main titles. Title 1 addresses the maximization of investigations through discovery. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is required to offer support for the collection of medical specimens for cancers that have less effective treatment options in comparison to others. These specimens should be studied for the development of better treatments. The Centers should award grants that support such research for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Cancer Advisory Board should possess relevant knowledge about pediatric oncology. Title II involves maximization of delivery as it pertains to care, life quality, caregivers’ support, and survivorship. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should support studies that are intended to monitor the current care models for juvenile cancer survivors. The development of the workforce in childhood cancer units should be prioritized. The result of best practices that should govern the management and care that cancer survivors receive is also highlighted as important (Congress.gov, 2017).
The STAR Act’s immediate achievements are connected to the release of funding by respective agencies such as the CDC and NIH. Between 2019 and 2023, at least $30 million will be released annually to support research efforts that are geared toward fighting childhood cancer (CAC2, 2020). To continue advocacy for the fight against childhood cancers, the various players in the oncology sector should keep highlighting the multiple challenges that inhibit research and the adoption of evidence-based treatments for children with cancer. The bill should be complemented through an agency that regulates the research to ensure it meets the various best practices in the health industry.
References
CAC2. (2020). ADVOCACY – Legislative Achievements. Retrieved from https://cac2.org/interest-groups/advocacy/legislative-achievements/
Congress.gov. (2017). S.292 – Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Act of 2018. Retrieved from Congress.gov: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/292
LLS. (2020). Childhood Cancer STAR Act. Retrieved from Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: https://www.lls.org/advocate/childhood-cancer-star-act