Development Of US Health Care In Hospitals Based On The Foun

Development Of Us Health Care In Hospitals Based On The Foundation

Development of U.S. health care in hospitals based on the foundation of U.S. law

Respond to the following: from the scenario, relate the basic steps in the development of U.S. health law, leading up to the present, to you or an employer’s need for health insurance coverage in light of the provisions that the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) sets forth. Rationalize the fundamental way in which these laws play a pivotal part in understanding the roles that today’s health care administrators play. Analyze the transition of health care from the 18th Century leading up to the 21st Century. Evaluate the degree and quality of care established within 18th Century U.S. hospitals, as compared to the level of care seen in today’s hospitals. Examine the primary roles of progressive health care law in shaping the current modern environments. Cite sources appropriately.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of U.S. health care law has been a complex process that reflects broader social, economic, and political changes over centuries. Understanding this progression is essential for comprehending current health care systems and regulations, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The foundations of U.S. health law began in the 18th and 19th centuries, when early hospitals and medical practices were often unregulated, and care was frequently inconsistent. As the nation evolved, laws such as the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906), the Hill-Burton Act (1946), and the Social Security Act (1935) laid the groundwork for organized health care and insurance systems, culminating in the ACA enacted in 2010 (Blendon et al., 2017). The ACA expanded access to health insurance, mandated coverage for pre-existing conditions, and aimed to reduce disparities, aligning legal frameworks with societal needs (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2021). These laws directly influence the health coverage requirements of individuals and employers—mandatory insurance provisions, subsidies, and regulations ensuring coverage for vulnerable populations. They have also shifted the role of health care administrators, who now focus on compliance, quality improvement, and patient-centered care within a rapidly changing legal landscape (Shortell & Kaluzny, 2014). From the 18th century’s rudimentary hospitals to today’s advanced medical centers equipped with cutting-edge technology, the quality and scope of care have dramatically improved. Early hospitals often lacked hygiene standards and specialized services, resulting in high mortality rates (Clarke & Engelhardt, 2012). Modern hospitals, on the other hand, emphasize evidence-based practices, patient safety, and comprehensive care. The progressive health care laws have played crucial roles in this transformation by establishing standards, promoting quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring equitable access. For example, the implementation of the Medicare and Medicaid programs under the Social Security Act significantly expanded hospital beds and improved care standards for vulnerable populations (Rowe, 2018). In conclusion, the legal evolution of health care has been fundamental in shaping the system's current structure, improving care quality, and ensuring access for diverse populations. The ACA’s provisions exemplify how legislation continues to adapt to societal needs, underscoring the vital role of health law in modern health care administration (Schoen et al., 2019).

References

  • Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., & Morin, P. C. (2017). Trends in public opinion about health care policy. New England Journal of Medicine, 377(13), 1221-1228.
  • Clarke, J., & Engelhardt, H. T. (2012). History of hospitals: The development of hospital care in the United States. Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Rowe, J. (2018). Medicare and Medicaid: Evolution of government’s role in hospital funding. Health Affairs, 37(4), 620-626.
  • Schoen, C., Osborn, R., Squires, D., & Doty, M. (2019). Access, affordability, and insurance complexity are often worse in the United States compared to ten other countries. Health Affairs, 36(12), 2014-2023.
  • Shortell, S. M., & Kaluzny, A. D. (2014). Healthcare management: Organization design and behavior. Cengage Learning.
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2021). The Affordable Care Act. https://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/about-the-aca/index.html