Health issue requiring advocacy from the nursing profession:

Primary care access for patients

Introduction

Primary care is the first line of defense against disease and illness. It is essential for preventing and managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Primary care also provides essential services such as immunizations, preventive screenings, and mental health care.

However, many people do not have access to quality primary care. This is especially true for people in rural and underserved communities. These communities often have a shortage of primary care providers, and people may have to travel long distances or wait long periods of time to see a doctor.

Existing or necessary health policy and/or politics

One way to address the shortage of primary care providers is to expand the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). NPs and PAs are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide a wide range of primary care services. However, in many states, NPs and PAs are required to work under the supervision of a physician. This can limit their ability to practice independently and to meet the needs of patients in underserved communities.

One policy that could help to improve access to primary care is to allow NPs and PAs to practice independently. This would allow NPs and PAs to open their own practices in underserved communities and to provide care to patients without having to rely on a physician.

Why is this significant to nursing?

Nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals in the United States. They play a vital role in providing primary care to patients. By advocating for policies that expand the role of NPs and PAs, nurses can help to improve access to primary care for all patients.

Other stakeholders

Other stakeholders who would be concerned with the health issue of primary care access include:

• Patients: Patients are the primary stakeholders in this issue. They are the ones who are most affected by the shortage of primary care providers.
• Physicians: Physicians are another important stakeholder group. They may be concerned about the impact of expanding the role of NPs and PAs on their own practices.
• Policymakers: Policymakers are responsible for developing and implementing policies that affect access to healthcare. They are another important stakeholder group in this issue.

Plan for advocacy

One way to advocate for policies that expand the role of NPs and PAs is to educate policymakers about the benefits of these policies. Nurses can also advocate for these policies by contacting their elected officials and urging them to support legislation that would expand the role of NPs and PAs.

Nurses can also advocate for policies that expand the role of NPs and PAs by working with other healthcare organizations. For example, nurses can work with the American Nurses Association (ANA) to advocate for these policies at the national level.

Conclusion

Primary care access is a critical health issue that affects millions of Americans. Nurses can play a vital role in advocating for policies that expand access to primary care for all patients. By educating policymakers and working with other healthcare organizations, nurses can help to make a difference in the lives of millions of people.

Specific actions that nurses can take to advocate for policies that expand the role of NPs and PAs:

• Contact their elected officials and urge them to support legislation that would expand the role of NPs and PAs.
• Work with the ANA and other healthcare organizations to advocate for these policies at the national and state levels.
• Educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of expanding the role of NPs and PAs.
• Share stories of patients who have benefited from care provided by NPs and PAs.
• Support organizations that are working to expand the role of NPs and PAs.

By taking these actions, nurses can help to improve access to quality primary care for all patients.