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 topic material “Nursing and Health Reform.” Discuss how these two provisions have impacted, or will impact, your current practice of nursing.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a landmark healthcare reform legislation that was signed into law in March 2010. The ACA has had a significant impact on various aspects of healthcare delivery in the United States, including nursing practice. This paper aims to explore the impact of the ACA on nursing practice by focusing on two key nursing provisions outlined in the topic material “Nursing and Health Reform.”
One of the key nursing provisions of the ACA is the emphasis on preventive care and wellness promotion. The ACA recognizes the importance of preventive care in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Under this provision, certain preventive services and screenings are required to be covered by insurance plans without any cost-sharing for patients. This includes services such as vaccinations, screenings for various diseases, counseling for tobacco cessation, and preventive health check-ups.
This provision has had a significant impact on my current practice of nursing. As a nurse, I have observed an increased emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention in patient care. Previously, healthcare was often focused on managing acute illnesses and providing treatment after patients had become sick. However, with the ACA, there has been a shift towards a preventive care model, where nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of preventive services and screenings.
In my practice, I have witnessed an increased focus on education and counseling regarding lifestyle modifications. For example, I regularly provide counseling to patients about the benefits of maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use. Additionally, I educate patients about the importance of regular screenings for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. The goal is to identify potential health issues early on and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent the progression of diseases and improve outcomes.
Furthermore, the ACA has also expanded access to healthcare services through the establishment of health insurance marketplaces and the Medicaid expansion. This expansion has resulted in increased insurance coverage for millions of previously uninsured individuals, including many low-income and vulnerable populations. This has further impacted my practice as a nurse, as I am now encountering a larger number of patients with insurance coverage.
The impact of this provision can be seen in several ways. Firstly, patients who were previously unable to afford necessary healthcare services can now access them. This has led to an increase in the number of patients seeking preventive care and regular check-ups. As a nurse, I have witnessed an increased demand for services such as screenings, immunizations, and health promotion counseling.
Secondly, the increased insurance coverage has improved patients’ ability to adhere to prescribed treatment plans and access necessary medications. This has resulted in better disease management and improved health outcomes for many patients. As a nurse, I have noticed that patients are more likely to follow through with recommended treatments, attend regular follow-up appointments, and take their medications as prescribed.
Finally, the Medicaid expansion has also resulted in increased access to mental health and substance abuse services for many individuals. This has been particularly beneficial for patients with co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, as it allows for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to their healthcare needs.
In conclusion, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has had a significant impact on nursing practice through its key provisions, such as the emphasis on preventive care and wellness promotion, and the expansion of insurance coverage. These provisions have led to a shift towards a preventive care model, with nurses playing a crucial role in educating patients and providing preventive services. Additionally, the increased insurance coverage has improved patients’ access to healthcare services and medications, leading to better disease management and improved outcomes. Overall, the ACA has transformed nursing practice by expanding the scope of care and improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery in the United States.