In 2009, President Obama took office with many issues on his domestic agenda to tackle, namely reforming the U.S. healthcare system. He intends for the more than 46 million who don't have health insurance to get coverage; to reduce healthcare spending in the U.S.; to cut costs of insurance premiums for employers and individuals; and to improve healthcare quality.
"When it comes to the cost our healthcare system, the status quo is unsustainable. Reform is not a luxury; it's a necessity," Obama told the American Medical Association in June.
During the summer months, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives began preparing legislation to reform healthcare. Any legislative package Congress approves will go to Obama to sign into law.
Will Obama fulfill his goal to pass comprehensive healthcare reform in the U.S.?
Turn to this blog as ADVANCE for Nurses follows the legislative goings on in Washington and looks at how it will affect staff nurses, nurse educators and patients.