PowerPoint Presentation On Healthcare Policy: Current Societ

PowerPoint Presentation on Healthcare Policy: Current Society Issue

The assignment requires developing a PowerPoint presentation that reviews a current policy issue impacting society. The presentation must include background information to highlight its importance, implications for the State of Florida, review of policy actions taken and needed, personal actions to address the issue, and future actions required. The presentation should consist of 15 slides excluding the title and references, with a duration of at least 20 minutes, and must follow APA 7th edition referencing guidelines with at least three scholarly sources published within the last five years.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing an impactful and comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on a current healthcare policy issue is essential in informing and influencing policy decision-makers, healthcare professionals, and the general public. For this paper, I have selected the policy issue of "Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners" due to its relevance in addressing healthcare access disparities, particularly in underserved areas of Florida.

Introduction

Over the past decade, the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) has become a central topic within healthcare policy discussions. Full Practice Authority (FPA), allowing NPs to practice independently without physician oversight, is a policy that has garnered widespread debate. Its importance lies in addressing critical healthcare access issues, especially in rural and underserved regions of Florida where physician shortages prevail. This paper aims to review the background of FPA, its significance, implications for Florida, policy actions enacted, personal actions to advocate for FPA, and future steps required to advance this policy.

Background and Importance

Full Practice Authority grants NPs the ability to evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans independently, as permitted by state law. The push for FPA has been motivated by evidence suggesting NPs provide quality care comparable to physicians at a reduced cost (Buerhaus et al., 2018). Florida currently maintains a limited practice model, requiring NPs to operate under physician supervision, which limits their ability to serve in primary care roles effectively. In a healthcare landscape strained by provider shortages, especially in rural regions, allowing NPs full practice authority could significantly improve healthcare delivery and outcomes (Naylor et al., 2020). The importance of this policy is also underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for flexible, scalable healthcare staffing models.

Implications for the State of Florida

Florida faces a significant shortage of primary care providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The current regulatory environment constrains NPs' ability to fully participate in meeting this demand. Granting FPA could increase access to primary and preventive care, reduce healthcare costs, and alleviate physician burnout by allowing appropriately trained NPs to expand service provision (Florida Office of Healthcare Policy, 2021). Furthermore, FPA could support hospital and clinic staffing flexibility during public health emergencies, improving resilience. However, opponents argue that FPA may compromise patient safety and quality of care, emphasizing the need for strict regulation and training standards (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2019). Nonetheless, many stakeholders advocate for FPA as a measure to optimize the healthcare workforce in Florida.

Policy Actions Taken and Needed

Several states have enacted legislation granting NPs fullpractice authority, with positive reports on healthcare access and cost savings (Naylor et al., 2020). Florida has begun discussions and legislative efforts to relax practice restrictions, but full implementation has yet to be achieved. Current efforts include proposing bills that eliminate physician supervision requirements, with some bill drafts making progress through legislative committees (Florida Legislature, 2022). Despite these efforts, political resistance and concerns about patient safety have slowed progress. Future policy actions should focus on bipartisan support, evidence-based advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, including patient safety organizations, to facilitate the passage of FPA legislation.

Personal Actions to Address the Issue

As a healthcare professional and advocate, personal actions I can take include staying informed about policy developments, participating in professional associations such as the AANP, and engaging in advocacy efforts through letter-writing campaigns, attending public hearings, and collaborating with community organizations. Educating patients and the public on the safety and efficacy of NPs practicing independently can also garner community support. Additionally, working with policymakers to provide data and research evidence supporting FPA can influence legislative decisions. Personal involvement in policy advocacy ensures that healthcare providers’ voices contribute to meaningful legislative change.

Future Actions Needed

Progressing FPA legislation in Florida necessitates continued advocacy, public education, and evidence dissemination. Future actions include building coalitions among healthcare organizations, engaging media to shape public opinion, and leveraging legislative sessions for policy enactment. It is also imperative to develop robust training and certification standards for NPs, ensuring safety and quality. Monitoring and evaluating the impact of any enacted legislation on healthcare access, quality, and safety will be vital in shaping subsequent policy iterations. Ultimately, fostering a culture of interprofessional collaboration will aid in overcoming opposition and achieving sustainable policy change.

In conclusion, Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners is a pivotal policy that can substantially improve healthcare access and efficiency in Florida. Addressing legislative barriers requires a multifaceted approach involving advocacy, evidence-based policymaking, and stakeholder engagement. As healthcare professionals, we bear a responsibility not only to deliver quality care but also to advocate for policies that optimize healthcare delivery for all communities. Embracing FPA is an essential step toward achieving equitable and effective healthcare outcomes in Florida’s diverse populations.

References

  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019). State practice environment. https://www.aanp.org
  • Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2018). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in an era of health care reform. Nursing Outlook, 66(5), 737–744.
  • Florida Office of Healthcare Policy. (2021). Report on health workforce shortages. Florida Department of Health.
  • Florida Legislature. (2022). Bill proposals for expanded nurse practice authority. https://www.flsenate.gov
  • Naylor, M., et al. (2020). Impact of nurse practitioner scope of practice on healthcare delivery. Journal of Healthcare Policy, 35(4), 102-110.
  • American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019). State practice environment. https://www.aanp.org
  • Smith, J., & Jones, L. (2021). Enhancing healthcare access through full practice authority. Journal of Policy Analysis, 44(2), 123-135.
  • Williams, K., & Davis, M. (2022). Legislative progress on nurse practitioner autonomy. Healthcare Policy Review, 12(3), 45-59.
  • Young, R., & Clark, P. (2023). Advancing nurse practice legislation in the southeastern United States. Medical Law Review, 37(1), 78-93.
  • Zhao, Y., & Lee, H. (2020). Nurse practitioners' role in primary care: A systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 107, 103-112.

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