Nursing Advocacy and Health Reform

Health Care Reform Law Begins to Have Effect on Nursing

DC — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:33:17 +0000

Health Care Reform Law Begins to Have Effect on Nursing.

What a terrible “blogger” I have been. It has been a very long time since I have posted anything. I think it is very important for nurses to realize that the health reform law that was passed has huge benefits for the nursing profession because we had a large say in the bill as early supporters. This link illustrates many of the benefits that are already being noticed for nursing. It is important to know, as nurses, that this law will benefit you. While there is still room for improvement, such as increased reimbursement for NPs, this is progress toward better meeting the health needs of the people we serve.

The Health Insurance Provisions of the 2009 Congressional Health Reform Bills: Implications for Coverage, Affordability, and Costs – The Commonwealth Fund

DC — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:53:16 +0000

Here is a link that compares and analyzes both the House and Senate bills that have been passed thus far. While neither clearly solves the problems with the American health system, each provides drastic improvement to coverage and access when compared to the current system.

via The Health Insurance Provisions of the 2009 Congressional Health Reform Bills: Implications for Coverage, Affordability, and Costs – The Commonwealth Fund.

Senate passes healthcare overhaul — latimes.com

DC — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:06:54 +0000

Here is the latest progress toward health reform. Happy Holidays.

Senate passes healthcare overhaul — latimes.com

Posted using ShareThis

Young, Uninsured, and Seeking Change: Health Coverage of Young Adults and Their Views on Health Reform–Findings from the Commonwealth Fund Survey of Young Adults, 2009 – The Commonwealth Fund

DC — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 03:59:44 +0000

While the nation awaits a final Senate vote and the compilation of the House and Senate bills into a final bill, I wanted to provide you this new informative study that shows the need for a final push toward the passage of health reform legislation. I would encourage nurses, health professionals and citizens to contact your senators and representatives to encourage them to support this legislation. Have a Happy Holiday.

Young, Uninsured, and Seeking Change: Health Coverage of Young Adults and Their Views on Health Reform–Findings from the Commonwealth Fund Survey of Young Adults, 2009 – The Commonwealth Fund.

Leveling the Field – Ensuring Equity Through National Health Care Reform

DC — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:27:25 +0000

It is important to remember the role of the nurse as an advocate. This role is one of the hallmarks of the profession. As health care reform is continuing to be discussed, it is important for nurses to remember that reform will help to eliminate disparities. By speaking up and working toward this goal, nurses are able to demonstrate their advocacy with a unified voice to create a better future for millions. The following link is a report about decreasing the presence of disparities through policy reform.

Leveling the Field – Ensuring Equity Through National Health Care Reform.

DC — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:23:27 +0000

This blog has been dedicated to providing only the facts related to issues of nursing advocacy and health reform, but when I found this cartoon on another blog, I had to re-post it. I do not know who the artist is because it was not listed on the other blog. I believe this cartoon presents a clear picture about who is actually in control of the current system as we are working toward reform. On a side note, notice that there are no nurses sitting at that table.

Nursing Provisions in House Health Care Reform Bill

DC — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:13:41 +0000

There are many parts of the proposed House reform bill that are not commonly discussed in the media and public forum. One of these parts are the proposed changes to the nursing profession. This link will provide the reader with more information about what the proposed House bill will mean for the future of nursing.

Nursing Provisions in House Health Care Reform Bill.

Public Health Insurance Plan

DC — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:10:25 +0000

Here is a link to a policy brief that outlines how a public option would work under health reform.

Public Health Insurance Plan.

A Survey of Primary Care Physicians in 11 Countries, 2009: Perspectives on Care, Costs, and Experiences – The Commonwealth Fund

DC — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:17:51 +0000

Here is a link to a new study that shows how the US ranks compared to other countries around the world in various categories including the use of health information technology and access to care.

A Survey of Primary Care Physicians in 11 Countries, 2009: Perspectives on Care, Costs, and Experiences – The Commonwealth Fund.

Kids Spoon-Fed Marketing and Advertising for Least Healthy Breakfast Cereals

DC — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:54:30 +0000

Although this is not directly related to health reform, it is an issue that falls within the realm of health policy. Childhood obesity has been proven to significantly increase the probability of adult obesity. Obesity and its complications are a great contributor to the cost of health care. By addressing it in early childhood, health costs will decrease over the lifetime. It is important that nurses advocate on behalf of children with regard to issues that directly effect their health and future development. Obesity in children has been proven not only to have a negative impact on physical health, but on mental health and development as well. While the reduction in cost can be seen as a motivating factor to pursue policies that limit marketing of unhealthy foods, it is imperative to remember that children are individual human beings whose future is our future.

Kids Spoon-Fed Marketing and Advertising for Least Healthy Breakfast Cereals.