How should nurses assure policy change for advanced practice registered nurses?” What role does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) play in addressing workforce shortages in rural communities?
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Minimum of two scholarly references in APA format within the last five years published
Nurses play an essential role in policy change to advance the practice of registered nurses. To assure policy change, nurses need to be actively engaged in advocacy and lobbying efforts to ensure their voices are heard at all levels of government. Nurses must recognize that policy change is a process, and it requires time and effort to bring about lasting change. Nurses should understand how to navigate the political process and engage policymakers effectively.
One of the most significant changes in healthcare policy in recent years is the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has increased access to healthcare services for millions of Americans, including those living in rural communities. In addressing workforce shortages in these communities, the ACA has provided opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to play a more prominent role in healthcare delivery.
APRNs, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, have been identified as a solution to the healthcare workforce shortages in rural areas. These healthcare professionals are often the primary care providers in rural communities, where there are few physicians available. The ACA has expanded the role of APRNs by allowing them to practice to the full extent of their training and education. This expansion has led to an increase in the number of APRNs practicing in rural areas.
To ensure that policy changes like those introduced by the ACA are successful, nurses need to be actively involved in advocacy efforts. Nurses should engage policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to advocate for policies that will improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural communities. Nurses can work with professional organizations and patient advocacy groups to develop policy recommendations and advocate for their implementation.
In conclusion, nurses play a critical role in assuring policy change for APRNs. The ACA has provided an opportunity for APRNs to address healthcare workforce shortages in rural communities. To ensure the success of these policy changes, nurses need to be actively engaged in advocacy and lobbying efforts. Nurses should work with professional organizations and patient advocacy groups to develop policy recommendations and advocate for their implementation. By doing so, nurses can help to improve access to healthcare services for millions of Americans, including those living in rural areas.