“The Power of Advocacy: Why Healthcare Leaders Must Build Relationships with Local and State Legislators”

The Power of Advocacy: Why Healthcare Leaders Must Build Relationships with Local & State Legislators

Healthcare Leadership Beyond the Hospital Walls

Hospitals and health systems don’t operate in isolation. Regulatory decisions, funding allocations, and public health policies set at the local, state, and federal levels directly impact the quality, accessibility, and affordability of care that hospitals can provide.

For healthcare executives, building strong relationships with local and state legislators isn’t just about compliance—it’s about advocacy, influence, and ensuring policies support the patients and communities we serve.

This is something I have experienced firsthand. Throughout my career, I have met with legislators on both sides of the aisle, invited them into my hospitals for tours, and facilitated meaningful discussions with staff and providers. These visits have provided legislators with a real-world perspective on the challenges and innovations in healthcare.

At times, I have also met with local legislators at the state house to share insights on key health policies impacting our communities. These conversations have not only informed policymakers but have also helped secure critical funding, regulatory support, and workforce initiatives that directly benefit patients and families.

Yet, too often, hospitals wait until a crisis arises before engaging with policymakers. Proactive engagement ensures healthcare leaders have a seat at the table when decisions are made.

Why Building Relationships with Legislators Matters

1. Strengthening Hospital & Community Advocacy

Legislators rely on real-world insights when crafting healthcare policies. Hospitals that actively engage with policymakers can:

✅ Advocate for funding & reimbursement policies that sustain critical services.
✅ Highlight local health challenges to drive resources where they’re needed most.
✅ Shape public health initiatives that improve patient outcomes in their communities.

Without these relationships, policy decisions may be made without fully considering the impact on hospitals, patients, and families.

2. Ensuring Financial Stability & Workforce Support

Legislation directly impacts hospital reimbursement rates, grant funding, and workforce pipelines. Engaging with lawmakers can help:

✅ Protect hospital funding and prevent cuts that threaten patient services.
✅ Advocate for workforce development programs that address staffing shortages.
✅ Support rural and urban hospitals in securing grants for facility improvements and expansion.

Hospitals that don’t engage in advocacy may find themselves reacting to unfavorable policies instead of shaping them.

3. Enhancing Access to Care & Community Health Programs

From Medicaid funding and telehealth policies to behavioral health services and emergency preparedness, state and local policies shape the patient experience.

✅ Collaborating with legislators helps secure funding for community health programs, rural access initiatives, and telehealth expansion.
✅ Educating policymakers on social determinants of health ensures legislative action supports food security, housing, and transportation access for patients.
✅ Strengthening relationships with public health officials aligns hospital efforts with broader community wellness strategies.

Proactive engagement ensures hospitals remain central to public health solutions—not just service providers.

How Healthcare Leaders Can Build Strong Legislative Relationships

🚀 Educate & Engage – Regularly update lawmakers on hospital initiatives, financial challenges, and patient success stories.

🚀 Participate in Legislative Events – Attend healthcare advocacy days, policy forums, and town halls to build visibility.

🚀 Invite Legislators to Your Hospital – Give policymakers a firsthand look at challenges, innovations, and the impact of legislative decisions.

🚀 Form Coalitions – Work with state hospital associations, business leaders, and patient advocacy groups to amplify impact.

🚀 Be a Trusted Resource – Offer data-driven insights and patient-centered perspectives to help shape policies before they’re enacted.

Advocacy as a Leadership Imperative

Healthcare executives can’t afford to remain on the sidelines when it comes to policy decisions that affect hospitals, providers, and patients. Proactive engagement with legislators strengthens financial sustainability, expands access to care, and ensures that policies reflect real healthcare needs.

The question isn’t whether to engage—it’s how soon you can start.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

💡 How has legislative engagement impacted your hospital’s ability to serve patients? —I’d love to hear your insights.