Health Regulatory Agencies 1heal

Health Regulatory Agencies 1heal

Health Regulatory Agencies 1heal

Identify regulatory agencies that regulate health and the health care system within the US, create a table listing your 5 regulatory agencies and address the following: 1. Describe the agency, level of regulatory authority (local, state, federal), scope of regulatory authority, and role within the US healthcare system. 2. Address relevance of the organization or the organization’s authority to the APRN/DNP graduate. 3. Describe relevance to specialty area, area of practice, or setting of practice. For an example, mental health. Submission Requirements: · In the table, write the 3 criteria above and respond to them. · The table is to be clear and concise and students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation and misspelling. · The table is to be complete and thorough. It should include all items indicated in the assignment. · Incorporate at least 3 current (published within last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. · Complete and submit the chart by 11:59 PM ET Sunday.

Paper For Above instruction

The regulation of healthcare within the United States involves multiple agencies that serve distinct functions at various levels—federal, state, and local. For APRNs and DNPs, understanding the roles and scope of these agencies is vital for compliance, advocacy, and delivering safe, effective care in their chosen specialty areas. This paper provides an overview of five key regulatory agencies, examining their authority, scope, and relevance to mental health practice for advanced nursing professionals.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is a federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that primarily focuses on the prevention, control, and response to infectious diseases. Its scope includes monitoring emerging infections, conducting research, and implementing health policies aimed at safeguarding global and national public health. The CDC collaborates with international and local agencies to enhance disease surveillance, immunization programs, and emergency preparedness efforts.

For APRNs, especially in mental health, the CDC’s work in monitoring infectious disease outbreaks and providing guidelines for control can influence mental health practices during public health emergencies, such as pandemics. The CDC's focus on vaccination and infection prevention also bears relevance for mental health patients who may be vulnerable during infectious outbreaks.

2. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA is a federal agency overseeing the safety and efficacy of foods, drugs, biologics, and medical devices. It enforces regulations concerning approval, labeling, and post-market surveillance, ensuring public health protection. The agency supports research and innovation in drug development, including mental health medications, and sets guidelines for prescribing controlled substances.

For APRNs, knowledge of FDA regulations helps ensure safe and effective prescribing practices, especially concerning psychotropic medications. The FDA’s role in monitoring drug safety and approving new medications directly impacts mental health treatment options, making it essential for APRNs practicing in psychiatric and behavioral health settings.

3. U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

The ATSDR is a federal agency responsible for assessing health risks associated with hazardous substances in the environment. Its activities include investigating environmental health threats, responding to emergencies involving toxic substances, and providing guidance on hazardous waste management.

In mental health practice, particularly in community and environmental health, APRNs can utilize ATSDR guidelines to evaluate environmental risks affecting mental health conditions. For example, exposure to hazardous chemicals may contribute to psychiatric symptoms or neurodevelopmental issues, and the ATSDR’s findings can aid in assessment and intervention planning.

4. Maryland Office of Health Care Quality

This is a state-level regulatory agency responsible for monitoring healthcare quality within Maryland. It grants licensure and certification to health facilities, oversees compliance with state and federal standards, and ensures the quality of care in medical settings.

For APRNs practicing in Maryland, this agency guarantees that the facilities adhere to quality standards, that providers possess appropriate licensure, and that patients receive high-quality care. It also plays a role in ensuring mental health services meet regulation standards, thus directly impacting APRN practice in psychiatric care settings within the state.

5. The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission is a private, non-profit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations across the US, including hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and rehabilitation centers. It establishes performance standards, conducts regular surveys, and promotes quality improvement.

Accreditation by the Joint Commission assures APRNs working in accredited facilities that they are practicing in environments committed to high standards of care. For mental health professionals, this accreditation influences organizational practices, ethical standards, and quality outcomes, which are critical for delivering safe psychiatric and rehabilitative services.

Conclusion

Each regulatory agency plays a unique role in shaping the landscape of healthcare and mental health practice in the US. For APRNs and DNPs, understanding these agencies enhances compliance, promotes patient safety, and supports professional development within their specialty areas. Staying informed about regulatory standards and revisions ensures that advanced practice providers deliver evidence-based, safe, and effective care aligned with national healthcare priorities.

References

  • Chaffee, M. W. (2015). Policy & politics in nursing and health care (7th ed.). Elsevier Science Publishing.
  • Holler, J. (2013). The emergency response program at the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Journal of Environmental Health, 76(3), 46-47.
  • Jha, A. K. (2018). Accreditation, quality, and making hospital care better. JAMA, 320(23), 2419–2420.
  • Tappero, J. W., et al. (2017). US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and its partners’ contributions to global health security. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 23(Suppl 1), S5–S14.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Overview of the FDA's role. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/about-fda
  • National Institutes of Health. (2023). Research at NIH. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/research-training
  • Maryland Department of Health. (2021). Office of Health Care Quality. Retrieved from https://health.maryland.gov/ohcq
  • Joint Commission. (2023). Accreditation Standards. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/about
  • U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2022). About ATSDR. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/about.html

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