What to Expect
There is a rare chance you will meet with your member of Congress. Most likely, you will meet with a health staffer from the office, usually a legislative assistant or legislative correspondent. These staffers handle the healthcare portfolio and brief the member of Congress on issues raised by constituents. Do not be disappointed if you don’t meet directly with your member of Congress; staffers are critically important gatekeepers of information and often have a deeper understanding of details of issues within their respective portfolio.
When your meeting begins, make sure to introduce yourself, explain why you requested the meeting, and describe your concerns. Remember that you are representing yourself as an individual healthcare professional. You should not speak on behalf of your institution, your employer, or any other professional organization unless you are authorized to do so. Make sure to give the staffer an opportunity to ask questions.