...Healthcare reform and policy establishment has been driven by politics since modern medicine began to make a rise in our western culture. In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt was the first to attempt to integrate a national health care program within social security. President Harry Truman proposed a multi payer insurance fund while in office but also was unsuccessful. Multiple presidents have attempted to succeed at providing healthcare reform and finally succeeded in 2010 with the Affordable Care Act. Each political party has their own agenda that they use to guide the policies they support. Unfortunately, many health care providers are not aware of the policy challenges that our profession faces daily and the impact our government has on healthcare policies. Policy making is driven by committees within our federal and state government where bills that have been presented are reviewed. Each party typically will push for new policies that benefit their political party often voting for bills in the legislature that gain the most popular vote. The passing of policies through our legislature impacts healthcare in various ways. For example take the Bill presented by Illinois congresswomen on safe patient-staff ratio. If this bill is passed and becomes policy, hospital systems will be forced to revamp patient census requirements, when there is only one study available showing improved quality of care. . It is crucial that evidence based practice be incorporated with policy making...
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...1. Three examples of healthcare policies in New Jersey that fall under state regulation: 1. Standards for Licensure of Adult and Pediatric Day Health Services N.J.A.C. 8:43F 2. Adult and Pediatric Day Health Services N.J.A.C. 8:86 3. New Jersey Patient Safety Act Three examples of healthcare policies that fall under the regulation of the federal government: 1. HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 2. Administration for Children and Families (ACF) 3. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 2. As consumers, we obtain most of our healthcare needs from the market rather than through our government. In certain situations, lack of resources can make it difficult to purchase goods and health services directly from the seller, therefore the government puts specific programs in place. For example, Medicare, a universal program for those with financial struggles and who are 65 years or older, is put in place to treat people who have been diagnosed with a serious illness regardless of their ability to pay. Another healthcare service that is offered to the underprivileged population is Medicaid. “Because of its selective nature towards a particular subset of people, this type of program is offered on a need base for care only and is often less expensive” (Nickitas, D. M., et al., 2011, p. 11). Therefore, the offered benefits of Medicaid are more wide ranged than a universal program such as Medicare. Both of these services...
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...individual health professions have renewed their focus on current health care policies in an effort to reduce the threat of emerging infectious diseases (Simmerman, 2012). The basic definition of an emerging or re-emerging infectious disease is a disease whose incidence has increased in a defined time period and location. If the disease was unknown in the location before, the disease is considered to be emerging. However, if the disease had been present at the location in the past and was considered eradicated or controlled, the disease is considered to be re-emerging ("Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases," n.d.). Some of the diseases identified as emerging and re-emerging are the Avian influenza (H5N1), West Nile virus, Monkey pox, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which an increase in outbreaks was noted in early 2003 (Simmerman, 2012). Emerging infections are caused by pathogens that are present in the environment and when these opportunistic pathogens are given the right conditions, they are able infect new host populations. Another major factor is infections that are antimicrobial drug resistant. In order to meet the challenge of these infections healthcare providers need to contribute more to monitoring, research and training. A sustainable program fund needs to be provided in order to shape and implement policies that will improve the public health infrastructure. Healthcare facilities need to improve their preparedness for emergency situations. ...
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...Nurse as an Advocate Nursing Leadership Health Policy Advocating for Health Care Policies. Nurse’s Vital Role as Policy Advocates Introduction “I’m not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward” Thomas Edison (1847-1931). In today’s healthcare system, nurses are aware of the inconsistencies and the troubles that the healthcare system faces, and a need for a change. Expert nurses and nurses with vast experience are stepping forward and motivated to take part in advocacy roles. This movement is initiating a great wave of change in nursing world and how nurses influence a change in policies, regulations and law that oversee the health care system. Nurses stepping into this arena requires great deal of courage and knowledge on how the policies and politics interchange hands to implement a major change in health care system. The nurses who step up into this role should have the will, power and with power comes responsibility to negotiate through the legal system. Methods to advocate for health Nurses taking part in advocacy is not new anymore, but what advocacy means is still a mystery in nursing world. Great theorist like Florence Nightingale and her efforts, did influence other nurses throughout the nursing profession to step out of the box and shape the health system, where discover, heal and teach remains the core motto. Nurses throughout the world in some shape or form initiated policy recommendations, represented their view...
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...Professional Development of Nursing Professionals Vivienne Wulff Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V October 10, 2014 Abstract Institute of Medicine (IOM) put out a report in 2010 about the future of nursing. It is an in-depth look at the role nurses should play in a changing healthcare system, as the new legislative reforms are phased in over the next decade. The report contains three key messages related to nursing. The key messages that the IOM recommends are for transforming nursing practice, transforming nursing education, and nursing leadership. I will be discussing the impact of the report on the above mentioned key messages. I also will look at how this report will impact or change the way I practice nursing today to meet there stated goals. Professional Development of Nursing Professionals Impact on Nursing Education In order to give quality, safe and effective care, we as nurses must be up to date on the current practices and continue with our education. By continuing our education, we can ensure that we, as nurses, are up to date on the latest medical treatments, medications, and infectious diseases. “The primary goals of nursing education remain the same: nurses must be prepared to meet diverse patients’ needs; function as leaders” (Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, 2011, p. 164). Patient care has become more complex over the years with all the new technology that is out...
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...political actions in nursing are the workplace, community, government and organization. The workplace sphere addresses issues affecting jobs and patient care. “This addresses the policy work that is done is a variety of places to influence the size, educational preparation, and competence of the nursing workforce” (Chaffee, Mason, Leavitt, 2014). The community sphere addresses issues affecting community health. “Helping to shape the health and welfare of our communities and the nation fulfills part of nursing’s contract with America’s citizens”. (Ennen, 2011). The government sphere addresses laws, rules and regulations governing nursing practice. Lastly, the organization sphere addresses issues which shape nursing practice. “Nursing professional associations act as advocated for nursing’s unique interests and causes” (Ennen, 2001). These spheres all involve nursing and how nurses can get involved in health policies and make changes to improve healthcare and patient safety....
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...Magnet Status and Healthcare Changes Hollie Kennedy Walden University NURS 3001, Section 10, Issues and Trends in Nursing November 8, 2014 Magnet Status and Healthcare Changes Magnet status has become the gold standard for healthcare organizations in the past few years. Policy changes, goal setting, meeting those goals and documenting all this to achieve magnet status. Achieving Magnet status is a rigorous, long, and costly process. Magnet status was designed to make healthcare organizations safer, reduce infection, mortality, hospital acquired UTI, and fall rates. Improving employee satisfaction and retain nurses was another reason. Only a handful of healthcare organizations nationwide has received magnet status. Once received it has to be maintained every four years. The purpose of this paper is to discover how magnet status drives healthcare changes. History of Magnet Status The nursing shortage of the 1980s had researchers curious how some hospitals were able to retain nurses. High nurse turnover and vacancy rates were affecting most hospitals. Researchers looked at the hospitals that were retaining nurses and what they were doing right. Magnet status was created in 1983 after investigating hospitals that retained nurses; it was determined that these hospitals had quality patient, resident, and client care. Magnet organizations have a history of positive nurse and work satisfaction linked to increased autonomy in practice, structural empowerment, participation...
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...Mississippi Nursing Summit was held in Jackson, MS at the Jackson Convention Complex. This convention consisted of various speakers that discussed various issues that are occurring in the nursing profession. The first speaker was Carl Magnum, the President of the Mississippi Nurses Association Board of Directors. Magnum gave an introduction and discussed the importance of legislature and unity among nurses. The next guest speaker was Phyllis Johnson, RN, and the executive director of the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Johnson gave an insight into the Board of Nursing and its policies and regulations. Johnson also discussed the future of healthcare and artificial intelligence. The next speaker was Donnie Scoggin,...
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...Introduction In recent years, the healthcare industry has experienced a looming nursing crisis in health facilities. This problem has posed crisis towards establishing better health for those in need. The primary concern concerning this looming nursing shortage is identifying the root cause. Apparently, it appears as if that this crisis established its primary source in nursing training and retention in hospitals, care facilities, and other institutions. It appears as if there is serious downfall in the practicum of nurse-executive. Consequently, the concerned authority seems to portray weakness strategies in conducting this nursing practicum that has led to shortages of faculty. The big inquiry is whether these training facilities offer standardized training that would present the needed feedback facilitating nursing transition and retaining nursing staff. The central focus would then be whether this strategy would pose positive impacts in nursing training. This capstone project will explore these nursing concepts with a primary intention of presenting the root cause of nursing crisis in health facility. Annotated Bibliography Seago, A. J., Alvarado, A., Keane, D., Grumbach, K., & Spetz, J. (2006). The nursing shortage: is it really about image? Journal of Health Management, 51(2), 96-10. A research conducted in tertiary institutions Central Valley by Seago and the rest confirmed that nursing occupation lagged behind other occupations. This perspective is attributed by...
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...Nursing Practice in Maryland Myrnie Johnson Walden University Nurse 3000 Section 6, Issues and Trends in Nursing August 18, 2013 Nursing Practice in Maryland Nurse Practice Acts (NPA’s) are a set of laws that are individualized state-to-state that define the scope of nursing practice. The guidelines of the NPA and its rules provide safe parameters within which to work, as well as protect patients from unprofessional and unsafe nursing practice (“Nurse Practice Act, Rules & Regulations”, 2013). The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of professional standards and legislation on nursing in the state of Maryland. Scope of Practice New graduate registered nurses (RNs) must fill out an application to take the NCLEX-RN examination in Maryland after they have successfully completed an education program approved by the Board of Nursing (BON). If this program was completed in another state, the program must be comparable to those approved by the BON in Maryland. The Maryland NPA defines an “approved” program as one being “in compliance with the regulations of the board” and “holds a certificate of approval from the Board of Nursing” (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). If the applicant is from Puerto Rico, they must pass a Spoken English test. All applicants must then complete a Criminal History Background Check application with fingerprinting and declare their primary state of residence (Maryland Board of Nursing, 2011). Effective in 2013, Maryland...
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...Regulations and Policy HCS/545 November 23, 2015 Health Care Law, Regulations and Policy Health Care law and legislation came about to define the scope of acceptable practice of clinicians, while protecting the public’s individual rights. Miller and Hutton states “Law can be defined as a system of principles and processes by which people who live in a society attempt to control human conduct to minimize the use of force in resolving conflicting interests.” When creating laws, conflicting interest often takes into consideration the basis ethical principles that includes autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to name a few. Laws, particularly health care laws are often in the form of a statutes, such as the nurse practice act, that serves as a guidance for nurses to know what defines and limits our practice. As such, the law also regulates how statures must be enforced. Administrative agencies, such as the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services under the auspices of the Health and Human Services, have created rules and regulations to enforce statutory laws. When we look at laws in nursing and other industries, it is an extension to address ethical issues that universally affects our society. Health care agencies are mandated to adhere to the rules that are created by regulatory agencies that can come in the form of laws, regulations, or codes, and are enforced through controls that make sure that these rules are adhered too. Policies are then...
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...NUSING QUALITY EXPERT Student`s Name Instructor`s Name Institution`s Name INTERVIEW WITH A NUSING QUALITY EXPERT The Mayor clinic is among the top ranked healthcare organizations which serves its patients with a lot of dignity and respect. The services at Mayor are among the best in the region hence the reason for being ranked among the top ten best healthcare organizations in the region. Since quality improvement has been the increasing concerns in many hospitals, Mayo healthcare has been among the healthcare centers which have based much of their focus on quality improvement. This has been done by development of departments as well as employing of staff that are specialized in this role. These include the nursing quality experts who are trained in different fields to ensure that high quality services are delivered to their patients in the right environment. Some of the roles that these nursing quality experts are entrusted with include, nurses more so experienced nurses are able to observe the patterns of patient`s behavior and the tale cues that would help to understand the patient`s condition. In this way it is possible to evaluate whether the patient needs intensive care or is improving. This therefore led to improvement of quality care services that are offered to the patient in a healthcare organization. Nurses are also able to assess their patients and give responses based on their experience and observation that they make. This can serve as a forewarning...
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...Immunization against communicable disease in one of the world’s greatest accomplishments in 20th century. Due to vaccination human mortality and morbidity have greatly decreased. All the vaccination and protection against diseases should begin in infancy according to Center of Disease Control (CDC). I believe that the diseases that once killed millions of people have been controlled and some others very close to extinction due to effective vaccines. For example, Polio, measles, mumps and chicken pox were the most feared disease in the world causing death. However, there are some parents are against vaccination putting the children prone to preventable diseases. “In 2000, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that measles...
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...U.S. Health Care Quality Analysis: Legislative History Following up to the 1999 release of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, To Err Is Human, in 2002 a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that only about 5% of physicians considered medical errors as a primary healthcare concern.[1] Congress, however, did not share the physicians’ nonchalant attitude and gave the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) an estimated $50 million towards minimizing medical errors.[2] Senator James Jeffords (R-VT) of the 107th Congress introduced the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (S.2590) to the Senate on June 4, 2002[3] attempting to improve the safety of patients and “…reduce the incidence of events that adversely effect patient safety.”[4] In 2003, President Bush signed into law the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act (P.L 108-173).[5] A section of this law authorized AHRQ to research effectiveness in treatments in order to set a guideline to improve the quality of care.[6] John Eisenberg helped build this program that generates summaries that can help provide health care providers with evidence-based practices that help improve quality of care delivered.[7] Realizing the importance of this research to quality of care, the president signed the Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) into law on February 17, 2009, providing additional funding to continue effective research.[8] This helps to demonstrate the...
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...Military and nuns (Florence Nightingale) were the primary caregivers who provided nursing services, which formed the basis of modern nursing. The passage of time witnessed the evolution the nursing profession where the scope of nursing expanded with the advancement in technology and the changes in the healthcare and politics. Earlier, nurses were prohibited from using thermometers and interpreting results (Sandelowski, 2000), taking blood pressure reading and interpreting readings (Mee, 2006; Sandelowski, 2000), carry out measurements of the pulmonary artery wedge Mee, 2006), removal of peripheral arterial sheaths (Capasso, Codner, Nuzzo-Meuller, Cox, &Bouvier, 2006), or take chest x-rays after peripherally inserting central catheters (Davidson, Bloomberg, &Burnell, 2007; Royer&Earhart, 2007). All the former activities are considered to be within the scope of modern nursing. As is the norm with any other practice changes, evidence has to support the adoption. However, evidence cannot be only component for an evidence-based practice model (LoBiondo-Wood&Haber, 2010). Nurses have to take into consideration the Health Professions Act (HPA) (CRNBC, 2005), the rules and regulations of provincial board of nursing, organizational procedures and policies, and standards that are recommended by professional organizations. These recommendations are offered with respect to clinical competence, educational preparation, patient preferences, and practice setting and environment...
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