References: Milstead J. A., Short N. M., 2019 Health Policy

Referencesmilstead J A Short N M 2019 Health Policy And Po

Identify and analyze the key features of health policy and politics relevant to nursing practice, with an emphasis on government response, regulation, and the evolving scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). Discuss how legislative frameworks impact nurse autonomy, access to care, and healthcare outcomes. Include an examination of recent developments in health policy, such as full practice authority for APRNs, and how these influence the delivery of nursing care in various healthcare settings. Support your discussion with scholarly literature, current policy statements, and credible sources that illuminate the complex relationship between health policy and nursing practice.

Paper For Above instruction

Health policy and politics are integral to shaping the landscape of nursing practice, profoundly impacting both regulatory frameworks and the delivery of healthcare services. As healthcare systems evolve, nurses increasingly find themselves at the crossroads of policy decisions that influence their scope of practice, autonomy, and ability to provide high-quality care. Understanding the features of health policy and the political environment is essential for nurses aiming to advocate effectively for patient care and professional recognition.

At the core of health policy is the regulation of healthcare professionals, including licensing, scope of practice, and authority granted by state and federal legislation. Milstead and Short (2019) highlight that these regulations are often formulated through a complex interplay of government agencies, legislative bodies, and professional organizations. Government response to healthcare challenges, such as access disparities and quality of care, leads to regulations that either expand or restrict practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). For example, the move toward full practice authority (FPA) has been a significant trend, characterized by legislative efforts to allow APRNs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently, without physician oversight.

The importance of FPA is rooted in efforts to address primary care shortages, especially in rural and underserved communities. Bosse et al. (2017) emphasize that granting APRNs full practice authority is crucial for transforming primary care by increasing access and reducing healthcare costs. Conversely, opposition from some physician groups and policymakers underscores ongoing political debates about the adequacy of nurse-led care. These debates expose the competing interests that influence health policy, often shaped by professional lobbying, healthcare economics, and political ideologies.

Regulatory agencies such as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) play key roles in setting standards for nursing practice and advocating for policies that support safe, autonomous nursing roles. The NCSBN’s initiatives to streamline licensure and promote APRN regulation demonstrate the influence of nursing organizations in shaping health policy. Moreover, the American Nurses Association (ANA) advocates for policies that enhance nurse autonomy and influence healthcare legislation at the federal and state levels, emphasizing the importance of policy literacy among nurses to foster effective advocacy.

The changing legal landscape influences not only practice authority but also healthcare access and quality. Neff et al. (2018) demonstrated that states with more permissive nurse practitioner regulations see improved population access to care, especially in primary care. These regulations enable APRNs to serve as primary care providers, alleviating the burden on physicians and expanding service reach. However, restrictive regulations in some states hinder this potential, underscoring the importance of policy reform rooted in evidence-based practice and population health needs.

The integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) and technology further impacts health policy. Halm (2018) discusses the evaluation of EBP education through tools like the Fresno test, which assess nurses’ proficiency in translating research into practice. Technology, including mHealth solutions, also influences policy directions by promoting stakeholder engagement and data sharing. Peterson et al. (2015) highlight the significance of considering all stakeholders, including patients, providers, and policymakers, in developing effective health policies that leverage technological advancements.

Overall, the dynamic interplay between health policy and nursing practice necessitates that nurses stay informed and actively participate in policy development. Legislative changes, such as expanding APRN practice authority, are pivotal in improving healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas. Nurses’ involvement in advocacy, aided by understanding regulatory mechanisms and current policy debates, ensures that healthcare reforms align with the goals of quality, access, and safety. The future of nursing increasingly depends on active engagement in health policy to shape a healthcare system responsive to societal needs.

References

• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Bosse, J., Simmonds, K., Hanson, C., Pulcini, J., Dunphy, L., Vanhook, P., & Poghosyan, L. (2017). Position statement: Full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses is necessary to transform primary care. Nursing Outlook, 65(6), 761–765. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.10.002
• Halm, M. A. (2018). Evaluating the impact of EBP education: Development of a modified Fresno test for acute care nursing. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(5), 272–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12291
• Neff, D. F., Yoon, S. H., Steiner, R. L., Bumbach, M. D., Everhart, D., & Harman, J. S. (2018). The impact of nurse practitioner regulations on population access to care. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 379–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2018.03.001
• American Nurses Association. (n.d.). ANA enterprise. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.nursingworld.org
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (n.d.). Licensure. Retrieved September 20, 2018, from https://www.ncsbn.org
• Peterson, C., Adams, S. A., & DeMuro, P. R. (2015). mHealth: Don’t forget all the stakeholders in the business case. Medicine 2.0, 4(2), e4. https://doi.org/10.2196/med20.4349
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.