Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare - Coursework Example

It has been health care that has stirred national discourse and focused national attention for the past few years. During the intense debate over the health reform proposals that resulted in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010, we had a graphic illustration of how our health care and nursing system is made up of various organizations and groups that often cannot agree on how the system should be structured and strategies implemented. Scholars and researchers have tried to identify that quality health care is not accessible to all. This paper delineates health care policy in availing quality health care to all people. Implementing strategies to improve access to health care will benefit not only Missouri Citizens but also United States as a whole. House Bill 1467 “confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care” was introduced by the legislators to increase access to health care for all. Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007) assert that ethnic and racial disparities are the major factors that promote inequality in access to health care. ...
The meeting had been arranged by our tutor through mail. State Policymakers Involved in Policy Issue Our tutor’s efforts assisted this class project by contacting legislators; Erick Borch, John Williams and Eve Reeves, to be interviewed before the end of the legislative session. By interacting with the legislators, they gave their contact information such as their email addresses, cell phone numbers and postal addresses. Since associating is an imperative part in engagement processes, our tutor’s letter and follow up booked us an appointment with the legislators later the afternoon. Two of the interviews took place in the offices and at a lounge in the parliament. Conceptual Framework When commencing the interview, the theme of each question focused on the overall responsibilities of nurses and their imperative roles in United States health care system. This set the platform for the policy priority issue of improving access of health care to all. From the interview, it was apparent that the nurses have a significant role to play in improving access of health care to all. From the talk with the legislators, it was noted that some nurses do not want to work in the rural areas and that some of the nurses may discriminate against some of the races and communities when offering health care to patients. In reference to Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007), advancing accessibility to health care is best attained by centering on the background and people. Background focuses on the situations and the circumstances surrounding health care accessibility. People are the key players in the contextual situations and circumstances. Health care access is a multifaceted phenomenon. It is surrounded by potential, realized and equitable access. ... Read More