How nurses assure policy change for advanced practice registered nurses
How should nurses assure policy change for advanced practice registered nurses?” What role does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) play in addressing workforce shortages in rural communities?
Sample Solution
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have the potential to make a significant contribution in addressing workforce shortages in rural communities due to their ability to provide a wide range of services, including primary care and mental health. However, there are many barriers that prevent APRNs from effectively practicing in these settings. These include
state scope-of-practice laws, limited access to resources, and financial constraints. In order for APRNs to be able to fully meet the needs of rural populations and help alleviate the shortage of healthcare providers in these areas, policy changes must take place at both the federal and state level.
At the federal level, policy change is necessary in order for APRNs to be eligible for reimbursement under Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made some progress towards this goal by allowing nurse practitioners with certain qualifications and certifications to receive reimbursement as primary care providers under Medicare Part B. This has allowed APRN’s greater flexibility when it comes to providing services such as preventive care or prescribing medications without having to refer patients elsewhere.
In addition, several states have enacted legislation that allows APRNs greater independence when practicing within their scope of authority including prescribing medication without physician oversight or involvement ownership rights over their own practices without physician partnership agreements In order for further progress towards full independence across all states though more action is needed on both sides; not only do states need additional legislation but Congress needs pass bills that would allow broader reimbursement options for insured services provided by nonphysician providers such as APRNs.
State legislatures also play an important role when it comes policy change for advanced practice registered nurses . State leaders can enact laws that allow more autonomy by removing restrictions such as prescriptive authority limits or certificate-of-need requirements from scope-of-practice laws so they can exercise their independent judgement while providing quality patient centered care . Additionally , they should look into implementing policies that incentivize healthcare professionals such as loan repayment programs or increased funding which will help attract people looking into entering healthcare professions especially those who may want work within underserved areas where there are known provider shortages . Finally increasing awareness around any new regulations related our current pandemic could go a long way into helping ensure safer working conditions during this time through specific measures being put in place at both state & local levels .
Overall , policy change plays a critical role when it comes addressing workforce shortages particularly within rural communities since changing laws & regulations makes it easier for advanced practice registered nurses be able avail resources more easily , increase autonomy , improve patient safety outcomes & ultimately provide better access high quality health care . The ACA has been instrumental helping establish some foundation plateaus however future legislation & decisions will determine how far we can actually go achieve our goals making sure everyone receives appropriate treatment regardless where live .