Assignment
- Go to your state government web page. Find one health policy enacted within the last two (2) years at the state level. Write down the bill number and the sponsors of the bill and include this information in your initial post.
- Write a minimum of a one-page critical analysis summary of the policy. (250 words double spaced, APA). Your summary should integrate the concepts of advocacy, population health, and the ANA ethical statements (“The CODE”). Be sure to speak to the role of advocacy and population health. Go to:
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The health policies enacted at the state level significantly impact the healthcare system of a country. As a medical professor, it is essential to encourage students to critically evaluate the impact of these policies on the population health and consider the ethical implications. This assignment requires students to review a state health policy enacted in the last two years and provide a summary analysis based on advocacy, population health, and ethical considerations.
Answer:
Policy summary:
The state government of New York enacted the “Telehealth Advancement Act” in 2019 (Bill S66A sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera and Bill A07502 sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Gottfried). This act recognizes the growing importance of telehealth services in contemporary healthcare and aims to expand access to telehealth services for individuals in New York State.
Critical analysis:
The enactment of the Telehealth Advancement Act in New York State is a significant step towards advocating for the improvement of population health. Telehealth services enhance access to quality healthcare for patients who live in remote areas or have mobility constraints. With this policy, individuals can access medical care from their homes, leading to improved health outcomes.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) ethical code emphasizes the importance of providing ethical care to patients. The Telehealth Advancement Act aligns with the ANA ethical code, which underscores the need to prioritize patient safety, individual autonomy, and privacy. The Act requires healthcare providers to follow the same standard of care in-person or through telehealth, ensuring that patients receive safe, quality, and ethical care.
This policy also promotes the role of advocacy by recognizing and addressing some of the major concerns faced by telehealth providers, such as licensing requirements and privacy concerns. The Telehealth Advancement Act has established standards of care, licensure requirements, and reimbursement policies that support telehealth providers’ practice.
In conclusion, the Telehealth Advancement Act in New York State highlights the importance of advocacy in promoting better healthcare access, aligns with the ANA ethical code, and underscores the significance of population health. This policy has the potential to improve healthcare access, facilitate better health outcomes, and break down the barriers that have limited access to care for many individuals in the State.
