Examine changes introduced to reform or restructure the U.S. health care delivery system. In a word paper, discuss action taken for reform and restructuring and the role of the nurse within this changing environment.Include the following:1. Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced within the last 5 years to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.2. Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.3. Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.4. Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years in response to upcoming trends or predicted issues in health care.You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
The US healthcare delivery system is constantly undergoing reform and restructuring. Nurses, as the backbone of patient care, are at the forefront of these changes. This paper will examine recent healthcare laws, quality measures, and emerging trends that impact nursing practice and leadership.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 remains a significant reform effort. One key provision is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility, which increased access to health insurance for millions. This has impacted nursing practice by creating a larger patient population with chronic conditions requiring ongoing care. Nurses play a crucial role in managing these patients through patient education, care coordination, and chronic disease management programs ([American Nurses Association], 2023). The ACA also emphasizes preventative care, which aligns with the focus of primary care nurses on health promotion and disease prevention.
Quality measures and pay-for-performance programs tie reimbursement to the quality of care provided. These programs track metrics like patient readmission rates and infection prevention. This shift has led to a greater emphasis on evidence-based practice and standardized protocols in nursing. Nurses are expected to be familiar with these metrics and document care in a way that demonstrates compliance with quality standards (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2023).
The complex healthcare environment demands strong leadership from nurses. Nurse leaders manage teams, oversee patient care delivery, and advocate for patient safety. Roles like nurse managers, nurse practitioners, and Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) are crucial for navigating reform and ensuring quality care. These leaders play a vital role in implementing evidence-based practices, fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals, and promoting a culture of safety ([American Organization of Nurse Executives], 2021).
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Here are two predicted areas of growth for nursing:
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