Discussion Question By The Due Date Assigned Post A Response

Discussion Questionbythe Due Date Assigned Post A Response To One Of

In your view, is access to healthcare a basic right? Why or why not? Should any basic healthcare services be provided to all US citizens? What about to US residents who are not citizens? Who should pay for basic healthcare services? Be prepared to defend your opinions.

Examine the ten recommendations formulated to direct the future of nursing in Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report the Future of Nursing (pages 4–16). Select one recommendation and discuss its contribution to improving the health of the US population.

Citations should conform to APA guidelines. You may use this APA Citation Helper as a convenient reference for properly citing resources or connect to the APA Style website through the APA icon below. By the end of the week, comment on at least two of your peers' responses. You can ask questions or respond generally to the overall experience. Be objective, clear, and concise. Always use constructive language, even in criticism, to work toward the goal of positive progress. All comments should be posted to the Discussion Area.

Paper For Above instruction

Access to healthcare remains one of the most debated topics within public health and policy circles, with perspectives varying based on ethical, economic, and social considerations. This paper explores whether access to healthcare should be considered a basic human right, the scope of healthcare services that should be universally available, the financial responsibilities involved, and examines a specific recommendation from the Institute of Medicine’s report "The Future of Nursing" aimed at improving national health outcomes.

Is access to healthcare a basic human right?

Many scholars and policymakers argue that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. This perspective is rooted in the belief that health is integral to human dignity, equality, and the opportunity to pursue a fulfilling life. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations, explicitly states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and well-being, including medical care (United Nations, 1948). Supporters contend that denying healthcare access based on socio-economic status perpetuates inequality and violates basic human rights. Conversely, critics argue that healthcare as a right must be balanced against practical considerations of resource allocation and individual responsibility. The debate often hinges on whether health services should be seen as a collective obligation or a personal responsibility.

Provision of basic healthcare services in the US

In the United States, there is ongoing debate about what constitutes basic healthcare services and whether they should be universally accessible. Many advocate for a healthcare system that guarantees essential services such as emergency care, preventive services, maternal health, vaccinations, and management of chronic diseases to all citizens. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aimed to expand access but still leaves gaps for some populations, especially the uninsured and underinsured (Sommers, 2015). Extending such services to all residents, regardless of citizenship status, raises ethical considerations about inclusivity and public health impacts, especially given the interconnectedness of community health. Ethical and economic arguments suggest that providing access to healthcare for non-citizens improves overall population health, reduces long-term costs associated with untreated conditions, and promotes social cohesion.

Who should pay for basic healthcare services?

Funding for basic healthcare services in the US is a complex issue that involves federal, state, and private sector contributions. Many advocate for a publicly funded system, such as universal healthcare, to ensure equitable access (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2020). Funding sources could include taxpayer dollars, employer contributions, or restructuring of existing programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Ethical considerations favor a system where the burden of healthcare costs is shared broadly, emphasizing social responsibility and collective investment in health. Additionally, policymakers must balance fiscal sustainability with the moral obligation to care for vulnerable populations.

Implication of the Institute of Medicine Recommendations

Turning to the recommendations outlined in "The Future of Nursing," one significant suggestion is to remove scope-of-practice barriers for nurses (pages 4–16). This recommendation emphasizes expanding nurses’ roles in providing primary care and improving access, especially in underserved areas. By allowing nurses greater autonomy and removing restrictive regulations, the healthcare system can better meet the rising demand for services, reduce costs, and improve health outcomes. Evidence suggests that nurses with advanced training can deliver high-quality, cost-effective care, thereby contributing substantially to the enhancement of public health (Buerhaus, Skinner, Auerbach, & Staiger, 2017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognizing healthcare access as a basic human right aligns with principles of equity and human dignity, yet practical implementation requires careful consideration of resources and policies. Ensuring comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services can promote societal well-being while addressing ethical imperatives. The recommendation from the Institute of Medicine to expand nurses’ scope of practice stands out as a strategic approach to advancing health outcomes, reducing costs, and bridging gaps in healthcare delivery. Ultimately, a collaborative effort involving policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities is necessary to craft sustainable and equitable health systems that serve all populations effectively.

References

• Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2017). The future of the nursing workforce in the United States: data, trends, and implications. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8(2), 40-46.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2020). Key facts about the uninsured population. https://www.kff.org/uninsured/fact-sheet/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/
• Sommers, B. D. (2015). The Affordable Care Act and the future of health insurance coverage in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(4), 348-355.
• United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights