Analyze U.S. healthcare policy structures and the role of the nursing leader as a change agent at the public policy table.
Directions
You will decide on a policy issue that needs to be addressed. You may choose a policy issue that interests you. Below are suggested topics for proposed policy change, however if you wish to address another topic please contact your instructor for approval:
Treatment of veterans after deployment and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Cost of end of life care.
Costs of drugs in the United States as compared to other countries.
- Quarantine of health care workers that have been exposed to communicable diseases.
- Medical care for illegal immigrants.
- Right to die with euthanasia methods.
- Disclosure of medical records of pilots and other safety sensitive professionals and HIPAA violations.
- Restrictions of roles of nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses in certain states.
- Health care reform.
- Requirements of meaningful use to meet core measures.
- ICD-10 issues.
- Entry into practice issues.
- Mandatory vaccination of children.
- Allowing nurses educated in other countries to practice in the United States.
- Faculty shortages in U.S. nursing education programs.
- You will write a letter using professional business format to one of your Federal legislators outlining what the issue is and why it is important. The letter will address:
- The current policy structure.
- The need for the change.
The suggested change.
Cost implications if the change is implemented.
- The role the nurse as a change agent will take at the policy table.
- Assignment Requirements
- Before finalizing your work, you should:
- be sure to read the Assignment description carefully (as displayed above);
- consult the Grading Rubric (under the Course Resources) to make sure you have included everything necessary; and
utilize spelling and grammar check to minimize errors.
Your writing Assignment should:
follow the conventions of Standard English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);
be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful;
- display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics; and
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important to analyze U.S. healthcare policy structures and the role of nursing leaders as change agents at the public policy table. This topic explores the impact of policy changes on various aspects of healthcare and emphasizes the role of nursing leaders in advocating for necessary changes. The assignment requires students to choose a policy issue, understand the current policy structure, propose a change, assess the cost implications, and discuss the role of nurses as change agents.
Answer:
Title: Analyzing the Role of Nursing Leaders in U.S. Healthcare Policy Structures
Introduction:
In the field of healthcare, policy plays a crucial role in shaping the delivery, accessibility, and quality of care. Understanding the U.S. healthcare policy structures and the role of nursing leaders as change agents at the public policy table is vital for medical college students. This assignment provides an opportunity for students to critically assess a policy issue and explore the potential impact of policy changes. Additionally, it highlights the significance of nursing leaders in advocating for these changes and initiating positive transformations in the healthcare system.
Answer:
When addressing a policy issue, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the current policy structure. This involves examining the existing policies, regulations, and guidelines that govern the particular issue. For example, if the chosen topic is the cost of end-of-life care, students should consider the current reimbursement mechanisms, insurance coverage policies, and healthcare funding allocations related to this aspect of care. Understanding the context in which the issue exists helps students identify areas that require change.
Following the assessment of the current policy structure, students should focus on highlighting the need for change. This involves identifying the reasons or challenges that necessitate policy modifications. For instance, to support the treatment of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), students may emphasize the increasing number of veterans affected by mental health conditions due to their service and the inadequacy of existing policies to address their specialized healthcare needs. Clearly articulating the need for change creates a strong foundation for advocating policy reforms.
Next, students should propose the change they believe would be beneficial in addressing the identified issue. This requires students to provide a well-reasoned recommendation for modifying the existing policies. For instance, in the case of nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses facing restrictions in certain states, students may propose expanded scopes of practice or a uniform regulatory framework that allows these professionals to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The proposed change should align with the identified need and offer a viable solution.
Furthermore, it is crucial to assess the cost implications of implementing the proposed change. Students should thoroughly analyze the potential financial impact associated with policy modifications. This assessment should consider the costs related to training, infrastructure, staffing, and resource allocation required to support the intended change. By analyzing the potential costs, students can evaluate the feasibility of their proposed change and consider potential funding sources or cost-saving strategies.
Lastly, students need to recognize the role of nurses as change agents at the policy table. Nursing leaders can leverage their clinical expertise, research skills, and advocacy abilities to influence policy decisions. For example, nurses can participate in policy discussions, engage in lobbying efforts, conduct research to support evidence-based policies, and collaborate with other healthcare stakeholders to drive change. Emphasizing the role of nursing leaders as change agents reinforces their importance in shaping healthcare policy and highlights their influence in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.
In conclusion, analyzing U.S. healthcare policy structures and understanding the role of nursing leaders as change agents at the public policy table is crucial for medical college students. This assignment provides an opportunity to explore a policy issue, assess the current policy structure, propose a change, evaluate the cost implications, and recognize the vital role of nursing leaders. By engaging in such activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of healthcare policy dynamics and the impact their future roles may have in shaping policy and implementing positive changes in the healthcare system.
