...TOPIC/ISSUE Health Canada’s approval on Linepharma’s abortion pill Mifepristone has taken more than 106 days longer compared to 40 other new medications approved in recent years; the longest of which took 644 days to be approved (Grant, 2014). This issue holds political significance for several reasons: Unequal Access to Abortion Services – Approval of Mifepristone will equalize access to these services in areas where they are scarce as women can obtain the service through their family doctor. Privacy – The approval of Mifepristone will allow family physicians to prescribe this medication so that abortion can happen within the confidentiality of the patient and their primary care physician. Medication Safety – The substitute abortion medication is Methotrexate, a chemotherapy medication that is inferior to Mifepristone as it requires more time to work, is less predictable, and is more likely to cause birth defects should the abortion fails. Political Issue – There are suspicions that the Harper Government is politically involved in the Mifepristone’s latest delay as it will conveniently postpone the decision until after the fall election. Canadian Women Rights – Since the medication has been approved and has been greatly beneficial to women in many other countries, Mifepristone’s delay has also been seen as an issue of women’s right to a medical treatment that is considered as the Gold Standard for medical abortion. ANALYSIS – Policy Cycle, Key Interests, Institutional...
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...Discuss the ways that health can be conceptualized by a society When viewing the concept of health by individuals in a society, different answers will surface. Some people may view it in a positive or negative way or may even have both negative and positive perception. Some may conceptualize health as being the absence of diseases and illnesses and on the opposite side; individuals may associate health with disease, hospitalization and possible death. These are also the negative views on health. This is evidence that health does not have a solid definition. In 1948, World Health Organization (WHO) described the word health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. From my perspective, WHO definition of health, tries to include health mental, physical and social well-being into the definition, rather than just viewing health as just an asset. One way to truly understand this definition is by breaking down the key words used. Namely, physical well-being, social well being and mental well being. Physical well being can be defined as the overall physical appearance of different individuals, which includes physical fitness, healthy diet and keeping physically fit. When it comes to social well being, it can be defined as the state in which human beings are able to coexist with other human beings. Adaptation is very important when it comes to social wellbeing because, it is of upmost importance that in order...
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...Patient-Centered Health Care Home Many people in the United States do not have access to high quality primary care. There is substantial evidence indicating that sufficient access to high quality primary care results in lower overall health care costs and lower use of higher cost services, such as specialists, emergency rooms, and inpatient care. A large amount of the nation’s dollars are spent on health care. This large budget affects providers, patients, employers, and payers such as Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurers. This is a primary concern in many states including, Minnesota. There are significant gaps in the quality of health care that patients in the United States receive. The current health care payment and delivery system is particularly poor at providing care for people with chronic conditions. As a result of these factors, policy makers debated over proposals that can actually be effective. Some of these proposals aimed for reducing cost, focusing on patient, and improving quality of care. An example of a proposal that focused on patient-centered care and increased quality of care is the creation and introduction of Patient-Centered Health Care Home (PCHCH), also known as “Medical Home.” The introduction of the PCHCH in Minnesota will increase patients’ accessibility to health care services, give them power to be involved in decisions regarding their care, have continuity of care with their physicians, prevent duplication of services, reduce health care cost, and...
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...Health Policy and Economics Health Policy and Economics Professor: Eric Oestmann Tools: Gradebook Email Live Doc Sharing Dropbox Journal Webliography Tech Support Help Week 2: Understanding Health Economics - Case Study C S Week 2 Case Study: Solving the Medicare Crisis You are chief of staff to your brother-in-law, Representative Howard Hughes, who was recently elected to fill out a term in Congress. He has been asked to participate in a panel discussion on the Medicare funding crisis. You have been asked to prepare paper for him. The panel is asked to respond to a proposal for reducing Medicare expenditures by enrolling participants in HMOs. What does the Congressperson say? The following key questions must be addressed in the paper: Is Medicare in a state of crisis? Are radical measures necessary to preserve the program? How is Medicare funded now? Why do elderly people feel that Medicare is an insurance program and not a welfare program? Is this perception accurate? Should there be a Medicare program at all? Why should the government be involved in providing insurance to elderly preople? Does Medicare have detrimental effects on the market for healthcare or on the market for health insurance? Are these economic effects, offset by the positive effects of the Medicare program for the elderly? What about the positive effects of caring for the elderly for society? Are there any externalities here? Justify your position on either economic efficiency or equity grounds...
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...March 26th 2013 Health policies is determined by several factors including genetic inheritance, personal behaviors, access to quality health care, and the general external environment such as the quality of air, water, and housing conditions. In addition, a growing body of research has documented associations between social and cultural factors and. For some types of social variables, such as socioeconomic status or poverty, robust evidence of their links to health has existed since the beginning of official record keeping. For other kinds of variables such as social networks and social support or job stress evidence of their links to health has accumulated over the past 30 years. It should be emphasized at the outset that the social determinants of health can be conceptualized as influencing health at multiple levels throughout the life course. For example, poverty can be conceptualized as an exposure influencing the health of individuals at different levels of organization within families or within the neighborhoods in which individuals reside. Moreover, these different levels of influence may co-occur and interact with one another to produce health. For example, the detrimental health impact of growing up in a poor family may be potentiated if that family also happens to reside in a disadvantaged community where other families are poor rather than in a middle class community. Furthermore, poverty may differentially and independently affect the health of an individual at...
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...Health Care Spending Policy Health care spending continues to rapidly rise in our nation and shows no means of slowing down in the near future. Health care in our nation is labeled as a crisis because the cost of care is steadily outpacing the economy which puts a burden on families, businesses, and the public. The cost of care is rising at a rate that will exceed the average income and cause devastating effects on the public because of the inability to afford care. This issue brings tremendous stress to families that are working to survive in our nation and have to worry if they are financially able to afford care if needed. The health care expenditure data for our nation must be examined to identify where we can safely provide cuts to the cost while continuing to provide quality care. An important aspect of cutting costs is identifying how the public pays for the services they receive and the percent of total expenditures they represent. Health care spending is a crisis in our nation and steps must be taken to alleviate this issue. The future must also be considered because health care is an important aspect of any country. A forecast of the future economic needs of our health care system is important to identify because this issue will not go away if we do not take action. Our nation must work together to establish a more efficient and effective health care system. Initiating effective policies are the way to address the growing concerns of healthcare spending. ...
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...centers and 2 surgery centers, it is crucial that we stay abreast of current policy and changes to policy as they occur, in an effort to stay competitive in the marketplace. This is the most current research as it relates to the development of ACOs in New Jersey and an overview of how this activity may impact our health system. I am providing this to the board of trustees for review. Cantor, J. C., Chakravarty, S., Tong, J., Yedidia, M. J., Lontok, O., & DeLia, D. (2014). The new jersey medicaid ACO demonstration project: Seeking opportunities for better care and lower costs among complex low-income patients. Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, 39(6), 1185-1211. doi:10.1215/03616878-2822622 This article describes a project broadly similar to Medicare and commercial ACOs, the New Jersey demonstration addresses the unique concerns faced by populations served by Medicaid. It uses hospital all-payer billing data to estimate savings from care improvement efforts among inpatient and emergency department users in thirteen communities that are candidates for participation in the New Jersey demonstration. The project examines their characteristics to examine Medicaid accountable care strategies. It gives a thorough overview of potential savings among Medicaid enrollees to determine if Medicaid ACOs can develop ways to successfully address the high burden of chronic illness and behavioral health conditions prevalent in the prospective demonstration communities. Randell...
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...Health Care Reform: the Macro Perspective Andrew Ojo HCS/550 December 16, 2013 Connie Melton Health Care Reform, the Macro Perspective Often a time individuals living in America wonders how the health care system could change for the better. One problem that has constantly troubled the minds of consumers have been the subject of health care cost and restrictions invoked by health care coverage providers. At the moment, most of the American people need quality health care services resulting mainly from lack of health care coverage. Here in the United States health care policy and health care service has become controversial domestic issue. Most Americans have this believe that there is a strain on their budgets resulting from how much they have to pay for health care, even employers are complaining that they pay too much as share of cost for employees (Shader, 2013). According to William (2009), the U. S spend a huge portion of its gross national product mainly on health care as compared to other countries. U.S Chamber of Commerce (2013), “The United States spends $2.7 trillion a year on healthcare, and in 2011, the government was on the hook for $38.6 trillion in unfunded liabilities for Medicare”. At present, the United States has relatively poor outcomes in the state health for her citizens to show for the expenditures. In a bid, to find a lasting solution to this concerns, the legislative arms in conjunction with government heads enacted a series of laws in recent...
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...Health Policy Analyst A healthcare policy is not promised to be easy. When dealing with Healthcare policies there are many approaches that have to be considered before the policy can be put into effect. Majority of healthcare policies have to be a custom to the needs and concerns of patients in all fields. Policy analyst has the ability to make the decision when choosing a preferred course of action. More than most public policy domains, health care challenges policy makers with its multiplicity of goals. A well-functioning health care system must be responsive to the needs and concerns of individuals (patients, clinicians) while also taking into account collective interests in health and medical care. The WHO describes the balancing between individual and collective objectives as the "stewardship" function in health care systems (Travis et al. 2003). Policy analysts are not responsible for the decisions of the defects of the public. Policy analysts have to define the problem by doing research on the pros and cons, they also have to choose and explain different policies and possible outcomes, while still preparing to submit a valid solution method. Gather information is the most important factor as well as Different policy alternatives being questioned in this processing stage. A Policy analyst can’t amend all public problems, but they can support different decisions by determining if a new policy is needed to support the purpose. Policy analyst has to compare...
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...the ways that health can be conceptualized by a society. What are the determinants of health in humans? What is the connection between how a society defines health and how it pursues health? Has increased access to technology changed that perception over the last decade? Discuss the connection between health policies, health determinants, and health. Abstract Health policies, health determinants and health are all categories that are intertwined with one another. As technology becomes more advanced within the health industry, society’s perception on healthcare may change for the better or for the worst. And with the new technology, new policies arise. Deliberate the ways that health can be conceptualized by a society. The World Health Organization makes a concept of health in a way that a patient should be cared for in all aspects of their well-being. This not only includes the physical concepts but also the social and psychological components of their health. What this means is that society should not only conceptualize health but also pursue health in all of the areas mentioned. There are many influences to our health whether it is our beliefs, the economy, social and cultural way of living, physical environment and the circumstances that we are dealt with. With that being said, health is the basic and dynamic force that affects the way we live our life. An example of factors that impact health positivity is:...
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...Health Policy Unit 4 IP Cassandra Nunnelly AIU Online October 25, 2013 Abstract The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 2003, was signed into existence by President Bush on December 8, 2003. To approve the H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription drug and modernization conference agreement, on November 22, 2003, the House of Representatives voted 220 to 215 and on November 25, the Senate voted 54 to 44 in order to approve the conference agreement. This Act over the years is intended to provide prescription drug benefits to seniors. It will also provide subsidies to insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and would allow private plans to compete with Medicare 2003. Health Policy The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act 2003, was signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2003. To approve the H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription drug and modernization conference agreement, on November 22, 2003, the House of Representatives voted 220 to 215 and on November 25, the Senate voted 54 to 44 in order to approve the conference agreement. This Act is created to provide prescription drug benefits to seniors. It will also provide subsidies to insurance companies, health maintenance organizations, and would allow private plans to compete with Medicare 2003(Jennifer O’Sullivan, Hinda Chaikind, Sibyl Tilson, Jennifer Boulanger, and Paulette...
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...experiences that contribute to decision making. I originated from Nairobi, Kenya and was raised in a middle class conservative Christian household. All my life has focused on respect for my culture, language, good health, good work ethics, professionalism, reliability, optimism, respect for all humans, respect for laws, religion, education, friendships and keeping up with major life events like graduation, birthdays, baby showers and weddings. As Christian I believe in God and the existence of Christianity which has been a source of my strength all my life. In our younger years, all the family members were encouraged to participate in church activities which I still believe is important to my lifestyle and has given me confidence and believe that I am who I am today because of God. As nurses, the beliefs we have developed may be related to the stereotypes that we have formed around issues like sexuality, abortion, alcohol, marriage, ageing and disability, health care policy and other people’s rights (Federico, 2009). As healthcare workers our duty is to provide services that meet or target group and help them feel empowered without being judgmental thus avoiding imposing our values and beliefs on other people (Federico, 2009). Beliefs and opinions about health care policy Newport (2013) states that recent research on healthcare quality, cost and coverage shows that quality of healthcare is a constant concern. Americans continue to be much more positive and believe in the...
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...Social Policy: Texas Mental Health Elizabeth Awad University of Texas at Arlington Social Policy: Texas Mental Health Historical Background A recent change in the Texas law was passed for the Code of Criminal Procedure under the 84th Legislature, Under Texas Law Article 46B.102. CIVIL COMMITMENT HEARING: MENTAL ILLNESS is covered when (a) the court determines that the defendant may be a victim of mental illness, then the court shall hold a hearing to determine whether the defendant should be court-ordered by the state of Texas to mental health services under Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code. And (b) Proceedings from the committed defendant determine that they should be court ordered mental health services that are governed by Subtitle C, Title 7, Health and Safety Code. “Mental Health does not respect zip codes, mental health affects everybody and formed the Texas State of Mind to ensure that Texans can have access to mental health help when they need it” states Tom Luce, Chief Executive Officer of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute who decided to advocate for court ordered and non-court ordered state funded mental health treatment for all Texans (Texas State of Mind., 2015, March 24). Texas Mental Health has been a longstanding concern for Texans and Americans altogether. In 2014, The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute initiated to help serve Texans. Back in July and August of 2012, The Meadows conducted a quantitative research project to its previous...
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...Health Policy Issues Mellissia Barrett HCA497 Dr. Gloria Wilson November 12, 2012 Health Policy Issues Health care has been around since ancient times. And through the years the health care field has made many changes, splitting into different sects just as mental health, primary care, and specialty care. The cost of health care has changed and so has how we access that health care. Physicians once made house calls and now they are housed in office buildings or hospitals. Goods were once traded for fee for service providers and now people have insurance of every shape and size. Quality was a priority once, but has that held up through the years? Numerous policies have helped to shape the health care system from what it once was, to what it has become today; the following explores the viewpoints and roles of different policy makers and stakeholders on the aspects of access, cost and quality of care. As a stakeholder, what role does a Managed Care Organizations (MCO) play when it comes to access of care? Managed care organizations are a collaboration or network of hospitals, specialists, in primary care physicians. MCO’s discourage running unnecessary diagnostic testing and treatments, use primary care Physicians to control referrals to specialists, and use case management especially for high cost conditions to encourage less expensive treatments (Turnock, 2012). The purpose of a managed care organization is to achieve cost control by implementing aggressive...
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...Running head: PATIENT SELF DERTERMINATION ACT POLICY BRIEF Patient Self Determination Act H.R. 5067 (101st) Patient Self-Determination Act Policy Brief United States Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) in 1990 as an amendment to the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990. In effect December 1, 1990 the PSDA legislature required many hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, home healths and other health care organizations to be responsible for giving information about advances health care directives to patients upon their admission to the facility. The objectives of the Patient Self Determination Act were first, to provide education concerning an individual’s rights in state laws to make their own decisions with regards to their healthcare, as well as the right to refuse treatment. Second, to encourage better preparation of advanced directives (ADs) to be used should the person/ patient become incapacitated. Lastly, to decrease end of life cost by avoiding unwanted or unnecessary care (Patient Self Determination Act, 1990). History of the PSDA A noteworthy motivation for the development and eventually the passing of the PSAD was a 1990 Supreme Court decision (Cruzan v Director, 1990). In this case, the parents of Nancy Cruzan, a comatose girl, requested that her nutrition and hydration be terminated but the hospital employees refused. The court acknowledged that there are right to refusal of care, however Nancy Cruzan...
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