House Healthcare Reform Bill: What’s In It for Nurses?
Like all political propositions, healthcare reform has left nurses wondering what's in it for them. Why should they support a bill? What could it do to their roles?
The American Nurses Association examined the Affordable Health Care for America Act, introduced in late October by the U.S. House of Representatives, finding there's a lot in it pertaining to nurses. For instance, the bill would create programs aimed at building the workforce and reimbursing more for services provided by nurse practitioners.
To give just an overview, the bill would:
- pour a lot of money into educating nurses — an additional $638 million over the next 5 years for various nursing programs to be appropriated from the Public Health Investment Fund. Currently the fund is worth $171 million.
- increase loan repayment benefits for students and faculty.
- increase Medicare payment rate by 5 percent for primary care services of primary care practitioners — including nurse practitioners. Eligible practitioners practicing in health professions shortage areas receive an additional 5 percent.
- establish a demonstration program to reduce the student-to-school nurse ratio in public elementary and secondary schools.
- authorize nurse practitioners to lead various new models of coordinated care, including the "medical home" and Independence at Home pilot program.
- create transparency in nursing homes by detailing its staffing ratios, patient census and staff turnover rates on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid's Nursing Home Compare Web site. The bill would also include whistleblower protection for employees who complain in good faith about the quality of care or services at a skilled nursing facility.
There's a lot more in the bill aimed at strengthening the role of nurses. After you read ANA's full synopsis of the bill here, let your Representative know what you think and share your opinions with other nurses.