Research legislation that has occurred within the last 5 years at the state or federal level as a result of nurse advocacy. Describe the legislation and what was accomplished. What additional steps need to be taken to continue advocacy for this issue? Using 200-300 words APA format with at least two references. Sources must be published within the last 5 years.
Title: Recent Legislative Initiatives Resulting from Nurse Advocacy: A Review
Introduction:
Nurse advocacy plays a vital role in shaping healthcare policy, driving legislative changes, and improving patient outcomes. Over the past five years, nurses have successfully advocated for numerous legislative initiatives at both the state and federal levels. This paper aims to examine and highlight significant legislation that has emerged as a result of nurse advocacy, outlining their accomplishments and discussing the additional steps necessary to further advance these issues.
Legislation and Accomplishments:
One major legislative achievement resulting from nurse advocacy is the expansion of Scope of Practice laws in many states. For instance, Texas Senate Bill 406, enacted in 2013, granted advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) more autonomy by removing the requirement for physician supervision in certain settings, thereby empowering them to practice to the full extent of their education and training (Emmott, 2013). This legislation aimed to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas where physician shortages are prevalent.
Similarly, the 2016 passage of Washington Senate Bill 6614 is another prominent example of nurse advocacy leading to legislative accomplishment. This bill allows nurse practitioners (NPs) to open independent practices, further expanding access to care in underserved communities (Washington State Nurses Association, 2016). The inclusion of NPs in primary care settings has been shown to improve patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs (Hansen & Ommen, 2016).
Another significant legislative advancement is the recognition of nursing as a key component in addressing the opioid crisis. The Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) was signed into law in 2018. This legislation includes various provisions, such as expanding access to medication-assisted treatment, enhancing training programs for healthcare providers, and increasing funding for prevention and education initiatives (Congress.gov, 2018). Nurses played a vital role in advocating for these measures, given their on-the-ground expertise in addressing substance use disorders and caring for patients affected by opioid addiction.
Additional Steps for Continuing Advocacy:
Despite the aforementioned accomplishments, continued advocacy is necessary to sustain and expand the impact of these legislative initiatives. Firstly, ongoing efforts are crucial to ensure full implementation of the expanded Scope of Practice laws. Although states have made progress in granting greater autonomy to APRNs, some barriers and restrictions still persist, impeding their ability to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training (Lyon, 2017). Nurse advocates must work collaboratively with policymakers, healthcare organizations, and professional associations to address these barriers and advocate for uniformity across states.
Additionally, ongoing advocacy is required to advance the recognition of nursing’s role in addressing the opioid crisis. The SUPPORT Act has paved the way for expanding access to treatment and prevention programs, and nurses can play a vital role in implementing these initiatives. However, further efforts are needed to secure sustained funding for these programs, expand the reach of opioid intervention and prevention strategies, and ensure that nurses are adequately trained and supported in addressing the multifaceted challenges of substance use disorders.
Moreover, nurse advocates must actively engage in the policymaking process, participating in public hearings, submitting expert testimony, and building coalitions with other stakeholders to influence legislative agendas. Collaboration with nursing associations and organizations at the state and national levels is crucial to amplify the voice of nurses and advocate for policies that support the profession and advance high-quality, patient-centered care.
Conclusion:
Nurse advocacy has yielded significant legislative achievements over the past five years. Expanded Scope of Practice laws, recognition of nursing’s role in primary care, and addressing the opioid crisis are notable outcomes resulting from nurse advocacy efforts. To continue advocating for these issues, further action is required, including addressing barriers to full practice autonomy, securing sustained funding for opioid prevention and treatment programs, and actively participating in the policymaking process. Nurse advocates must remain steadfast in their commitment to shaping healthcare legislation to enhance patient outcomes and improve access to quality care.