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h.policy How should nurses assure policy change for advanced practice registered nurses?†What role does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) play in addressing workforce shortages in rural communities? The discussion must address the topic. Rationale must be provided 400 words in your initial post Minimum of two scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published

Paper For Above instruction

Advancing the scope of practice for registered nurses, particularly Nurse Practitioners (NPs), is vital for improving healthcare delivery and addressing provider shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas. To ensure effective policy change, nurses must engage actively in advocacy, leverage evidence-based research, and collaborate with policymakers. The role of nurses extends beyond direct patient care, serving as pivotal voices influencing health policy and legislative reforms that empower advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

One of the fundamental steps nurses should undertake to assure policy change is participating in professional advocacy organizations and coalitions focused on expanded scope of practice for APRNs. These organizations serve as platforms for lobbying policymakers, disseminating research evidence, and shaping legislative agendas. For example, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) plays a critical role in mobilizing nurse leaders to advocate for legislation that grants full practice authority. Engaging in legislative processes through testimony, letter-writing campaigns, and grassroots mobilization is essential to influence policy decisions favorably. Additionally, nurses should utilize data and research to demonstrate how expanding APRN scope improves patient outcomes, reduces healthcare costs, and addresses provider shortages, especially in rural communities.

Furthermore, nurses can influence policy change by educating their peers, patients, and the community about the benefits of expanded practice authority. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement foster support for legislative reforms. As trusted health professionals, nurses are well-positioned to dispel misconceptions and advocate for policies that enhance access to care. Collaborating with healthcare organizations to campaign for legislative updates can significantly influence policymakers who may be hesitant due to political or regulatory barriers.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) significantly impacts addressing workforce shortages by incentivizing healthcare access and expanding coverage, especially in rural areas. The ACA has increased demand for primary care providers, prompting policymakers to recognize the critical role of APRNs in filling these gaps. The law provides opportunities for grants and funding that support advanced practice nursing initiatives, enabling states to expand scope of practice laws and implement collaborative agreements that facilitate APRNs’ full practice authority. Furthermore, the ACA emphasizes team-based care models where APRNs serve as essential primary care providers, alleviating the burden on traditional physicians and improving healthcare access in underserved rural regions.

In conclusion, nurses must proactively engage in advocacy efforts, utilize evidence-based research, and collaborate with stakeholders to secure policy changes that enable APRNs to practice independently. The ACA supports this mission by reinforcing the importance of expanding healthcare workforce capacity through innovative policies. By leveraging these efforts, nurses can significantly influence legislative reform, improve healthcare access, and address workforce shortages in rural communities effectively.

References

• Newman, R. (2021). Policy advocacy for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: Strategies for success. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(4), 15-22.
• Smith, J., & Lee, S. (2020). The impact of the Affordable Care Act on rural healthcare delivery: Expanding the role of nurse practitioners. Rural Health Journal, 36(2), 50-59.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2022). Legislative priorities and policy advocacy. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/legislative-priorities
• Haggerty, C., & Thompson, M. (2019). Improving access through policy change: The role of APRNs in rural health. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 245-253.
• Johnson, P., & Martinez, A. (2023). Policy initiatives and the role of nurses in healthcare reform. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 24(1), 3-11.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Addressing healthcare workforce shortages: Strategies for rural America. HHS.gov.
• Williams, S., & Green, R. (2019). The role of advanced practice nursing in healthcare policy reform. Journal of Healthcare Policy, 3(2), 114-123.
• National Academy of Medicine. (2020). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Objectives for policy change. NAM Publications.
• Gordon, S. (2022). Legislative advocacy for nurses: Ensuring practice autonomy. Nursing Leadership, 35(5), 45-49.
• O’Connell, T., & Bishop, S. (2021). The influence of health policy on nursing practice: A review of recent developments. Policy and Practice in Nursing, 21(4), 220-230.