Nursing & Health-Care-Policy
#1 Ricardo Alfonso Lazaro
Nursing & Health-Care-Policy
Healthcare policymaking is a continuous process that needs to adapt to the changing needs of the health care delivery system. Nursing is a critical part of the health care system as it makes up the largest healthcare workforce, which puts them at the forefront of health care policy and politics. To advocate for nursing and the delivery of quality care, it is vital that nurses understand the structure and process of policymaking in the health care system
History of Healthcare Policy and Politics in Nursing
The history of healthcare policy and politics in nursing dates back to the early 1800s when the first nursing school was established by Florence Nightingale. Nursing became an organized profession in the late 19th and early 20th century when state and federal laws were enacted to standardize the education and practice of nurses (Leavitt, 2020). The establishment of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1896 further solidified the voice of nurses in healthcare policy and politics. The ANA has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and interests of nursing in health policy decisions (American Nurses Association, 2010).
Structure of Healthcare Policy and Politics in Nursing
The structure of healthcare policy and politics in nursing can be broadly divided into three levels: micro, meso, and macro level. At the micro level, nurses have a say in the policymaking process within their organization. They play a vital role in decision-making that affects patient care, such as developing and implementing policies, protocols, and procedures (Mervosh & Jeffries, 2020). Nurses also participate in professional committees that develop and advocate for healthcare policies that impact the nursing profession. At the meso level, nursing organizations, such as the ANA, are involved in healthcare policy making. These organizations participate in lobbying for issues affecting nursing and healthcare delivery, such as inadequate nursing staffing (American Nurses Association, 2010). At the macro level, nursing organizations partner with government agencies and policymakers to influence laws and regulations affecting the healthcare sector.
Process of Healthcare Policy and Politics in Nursing
The process of healthcare policy and politics in nursing involves multiple steps and stakeholders. The process is initiated by identifying a health care issue that requires policymaking. Once identified, policymakers, such as legislators, develop a bill to address the issue. However, before being implemented, the bill must go through various stages and agencies for approval at both the state and federal level. Nurses are involved in this process through their participation in professional organizations and lobbying efforts. Nurses also play a critical role in bridging the gap between policymaking and the implementation of policies in practice (American Nurses Association, 2010).
Conclusion
In conclusion, healthcare policy and politics are critical aspects of nursing, and understanding the history, structure, and process is essential for nurses to advocate for the profession and improve healthcare delivery. Nurses play a vital role at all levels of policymaking, and it is essential that they are actively involved in the policymaking process to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients and the profession.
#2 Francia Guerrier
Historical Evolution:
Over time, historical developments, societal demands, and political agendas have affected healthcare policy and politics in nursing and healthcare delivery systems in the United States. Gaining knowledge of the U.S. healthcare policy’s history, composition, and workings can help one better appreciate the intricacies of the system and the place of nursing within it.
The early 20th century saw initiatives to alleviate social injustices and promote public health, which laid the groundwork for modern American healthcare politics and policy. Motivated by leaders such as Florence Nightingale, nurses started pushing for changes that would improve healthcare and advance social justice.
The growth of associations for professional nurses, like the American Nurses Association (ANA), gave nurses more clout when it came to influencing legislation and participating in decision-making processes.
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration’s 1965 creation of Medicare and Medicaid was a turning point in the history of healthcare policy. These initiatives attempted to cover healthcare costs for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, the underprivileged, and those with impairments. In putting these strategies into action, nurses were instrumental in promoting patient-centered care and fair access to resources.
Healthcare Policy Framework:
The United States’ healthcare policy framework is complex, encompassing local, state, and federal levels of government. Federal organizations that supervise the application of healthcare laws and regulations include the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Kramer and Schmalenberg (2003) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The U.S. Congress and other legislative bodies enact legislation that influence the healthcare system, such the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
State governments are also heavily involved in healthcare policy; their duties range from managing Medicaid programs to controlling insurance markets. Local governments can also assist community-based healthcare services and carry out public health campaigns. The intricate relationship between federal, state, and local entities illustrates how dispersed the American healthcare system is Aiken et al. (2002).
Healthcare Policy formation Process:
A number of parties are involved in the formation of healthcare policies, including the public, advocacy organizations, legislators, and healthcare providers. Agenda-setting, which involves identifying and prioritizing issues based on political or public health concerns, is a common first step in the policymaking process. The next step is the formulation of policies, which involves the development, discussion, and improvement of ideas via legislative procedures.
The ACA’s adoption in 2010 serves just one illustration of the policy-making process in operation. This historic law sought to encourage preventative care, control insurance practices, and provide access to healthcare coverage. Despite strong political resistance, advocacy organizations, healthcare providers, and legislators who understood the need for healthcare reform helped the Affordable Care Act (ACA) become law Kramer and Schmalenberg (2003) .
Nursing’s Role:
Because of their special status as front-line caregivers and patient advocates, nurses are vital players in the political and healthcare landscape. Nursing associations that actively advocate for policies on behalf of patients and nurses nationwide include the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Kramer and Schmalenberg’s (2003) research emphasizes the significance of nursing influence in healthcare policy decisions by highlighting the impact of nursing leadership on patient outcomes and organizational performance. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that practice settings and nurse staffing numbers have a major impact on patient safety and care quality (Aiken et al., 2002).
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