The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) was passed into legislation in March of 2010. Identify the impact of this legislation on your nursing practice by choosing two key nursing provisions outlined in the American Nurses Association “Key Provisions Related to Nursing” summary at . Discuss how these two provisions have impacted, or will impact, your current practice of nursing.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a comprehensive healthcare reform legislation that was signed into law in March 2010. The ACA outlines several key provisions aimed at improving access to healthcare services, enhancing quality of care, and reducing healthcare costs. As a nurse, it is essential to understand and assess the impact of this legislation on nursing practice.
One key nursing provision outlined in the American Nurses Association (ANA) “Key Provisions Related to Nursing” summary is the expansion of Medicaid eligibility. The ACA extends Medicaid coverage to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL), resulting in a significant increase in the number of individuals eligible for Medicaid. This provision has had and will continue to have a profound influence on nursing practice by increasing the patient population eligible for Medicaid and requiring healthcare professionals to adapt to this change.
The expansion of Medicaid eligibility has had a direct impact on my current nursing practice. As a nurse working in a community health clinic, I have witnessed an influx of patients who were previously unable to afford healthcare services. With the expansion of Medicaid, these individuals now have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and necessary treatments. Consequently, my workload has increased as I am responsible for delivering care to a larger population.
Moreover, the expansion of Medicaid has necessitated significant changes in documentation and billing processes within my practice. Ensuring accurate and timely claims submission and reimbursement has become a priority to sustain the financial viability of the clinic. Nurses have had to familiarize themselves with Medicaid guidelines, eligibility criteria, and reimbursement mechanisms to effectively navigate this new landscape. These changes have challenged nurses to develop new competencies and adapt their practice to meet the demands of Medicaid beneficiaries.
Another notable provision of the ACA that has impacted nursing practice is the emphasis on preventive care services. The legislation mandates that insurance plans cover a range of preventive services without cost-sharing, including screenings, vaccinations, and counseling. This provision has led to a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, from a predominantly reactive model to a proactive and preventive approach. Nurses have played a crucial role in the implementation of preventive services, including education, screening, and counseling.
In my current practice, I have observed the integration of preventive care services into routine patient encounters. As a primary care nurse, I am now responsible for conducting various screenings and assessments to identify and address potential health risks. For instance, I routinely administer vaccinations to eligible patients, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, to prevent the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases. I also provide counseling on lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation or weight management, to promote healthy behaviors and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
The emphasis on preventive care has challenged nurses to expand their knowledge and skills in areas such as health promotion, risk assessment, and population health management. Nurses must stay updated on the latest evidence-based guidelines and recommendations to deliver effective preventive care interventions. Additionally, they must engage in ongoing education and professional development to enhance their competency in promoting positive health behaviors and addressing individual and community-level risk factors.
In conclusion, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has had a profound impact on nursing practice through its provisions related to Medicaid expansion and emphasis on preventive care services. The expansion of Medicaid eligibility has increased the patient population eligible for healthcare services, requiring nurses to adapt their practice to meet the needs of these individuals. The focus on preventive care has necessitated the integration of preventive services into routine patient encounters, challenging nurses to expand their knowledge and skills in health promotion and risk assessment. It is crucial for nurses to stay informed and adapt their practice in response to these changes to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.