Health Reform

According to a Marketplace, American Public Media radio story aired as nurse practitioners (NPs) began their annual conference in Phoenix, health care reform has breathed new life into the care that NPs provide to Americans. With a focus on reducing costs, policy makers, health care leaders, and consumers are viewing access to NPs and the health care they provide in a new light. In many states NPs can diagnose disease, prescribe medications and interpret lab tests. In some rural areas, the NP is the only health care provider available.

On Friday, July 10, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the appointment of a committee to review and update the criteria used to define medically underserved areas and health professional shortage areas. The committee was formed as part of the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

This week, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $250 million in new investments to increase the number of health care providers and strengthen the primary care workforce. This announcement reflects an increasing focus on workforce issues as part of health care reform implementation; the new investments were made possible by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

On Thursday June 3, 2010, the U.S Department of Health and Human Services announced the availability of funds for states and communities to help individuals and caregivers better understand and navigate health and long-term care options. Funds will go to states, Area Agencies on Aging, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Through the grant program, states and local aging and disability programs will be able improve coordinated community-based care and services.

Nurses’ roles as primary care providers will expand under health care reform, especially outside hospital settings, in homes and nurse-led health centers, according to this Modern Healthcare article, which includes highlights of the Medicare Graduate Nursing Education Demonstration project that will increase the number of highly-skilled advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to care for Americans by providing $200 million to bolster their training.

Many nurses view the new law as a good thing—more funding for nurse education; more research and programs for safety and quality; more investment in public health; and promotion of prevention and care management. Others are still trying to understand the implications of the law. Read this Nurse.com article that explores the many aspects of the law and what is means for nurses and health care consumers.