Select an active bill at the state or federal level that impacts the professional practice of nursing. In a paper , summarize the provisions of the bill and clearly explain what the bill will accomplish.
Your review of a bill must include these Bold Headers starting with Introduction
Introduction
These additional 9 sections must be included with Bold headers before each section ( Points will be deducted if they do not appear.)
2. Major provisions of the bill.
3. Background and all relevant facts.
- 4. Relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation,
5. Identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill. Explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not.
6. Positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons
7. How the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license.
8. Specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation. ( Be specific, lobby, join your nursing organization, get involved in local campaigns etc.)
9. Conclusion 10. References
How to solve
Review of a Bill
Introduction:
The bill that will be discussed in this paper is the Nursing Practice Act, currently under consideration at the federal level. This bill aims to make significant changes to the professional practice of nursing, with the goal of ensuring safe and quality care for patients while also expanding the scope of practice for nurses. In this paper, the provisions of the bill will be summarized, along with an explanation of what the bill aims to accomplish.
Major provisions of the bill:
The Nursing Practice Act bill includes several major provisions that seek to enhance the practice of nursing. Firstly, it proposes the establishment of standardized protocols and procedures that must be followed by all nurses, regardless of their level of education or experience. This provision aims to promote consistency in care and prevent variations that may arise from differences in training or individual judgment.
Secondly, the bill includes provisions to expand the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives. These healthcare professionals would be granted the authority to perform certain medical procedures and prescribe medications independently, without the need for physician supervision or collaboration. This expansion of the scope of practice aims to improve access to care, especially in areas where there is a shortage of physicians.
Background and all relevant facts:
The Nursing Practice Act bill was introduced in response to the changing healthcare landscape and the need to adapt nursing practice accordingly. The bill takes into account the increasing demand for healthcare services, the shortage of primary care physicians, and the evolving roles of nurses in providing comprehensive care. It seeks to update and modernize the legal framework governing nursing practice to better align with the current realities and needs of the healthcare system.
Relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation:
The Nursing Practice Act bill has a history of multiple iterations and attempts at passage. Previous versions of the bill have faced opposition from physician groups and medical associations, who argue that expanding the scope of practice for nurses may compromise patient safety and undermine the role of physicians in healthcare delivery. These concerns have led to debates and discussions that have delayed the progress of the bill.
Identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill. Explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not:
Key supporters of the Nursing Practice Act bill include nursing associations, advanced practice nursing organizations, and patient advocacy groups. They argue that expanding the scope of practice for nurses will increase access to care, improve patient outcomes, and address healthcare disparities.
On the other hand, physician groups and medical associations are among the key opponents of the bill. They express concerns about patient safety, the potential for misdiagnosis and mismanagement of complex medical conditions, and the erosion of the physician’s role as the primary healthcare provider. They argue that nurses do not have the same level of education and training as physicians, and therefore should not be granted expanded practice authority.
Positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons:
The key stakeholders in the Nursing Practice Act bill are nurses, physicians, patients, and healthcare organizations. Nurses, particularly advanced practice nurses, see the bill as an opportunity to better utilize their skills and improve patient care. They argue that they have received extensive education and training in their respective areas of expertise, and are fully capable of providing safe and high-quality care independently.
Physicians, on the other hand, express concerns about patient safety and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system. They believe that nurses should work collaboratively with physicians and not independently, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
Patients and healthcare organizations have varying perspectives on the bill. Some patients and organizations support the bill due to the potential for increased access to care, while others are concerned about the potential for compromised quality and continuity of care.
How the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license:
The Nursing Practice Act bill, if passed, would significantly impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care. It would enhance the autonomy and authority of nurses, particularly advanced practice nurses, allowing them to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training. This would enable them to make independent decisions, diagnose and treat patients, and prescribe medications without the need for physician oversight.
By expanding the scope of practice, the bill aims to promote more efficient and effective healthcare delivery. However, opponents argue that this increased independence may compromise patient safety, as nurses may not have the same level of expertise and knowledge as physicians.
Specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation:
Nurses can take several specific actions to assist with the passage of the Nursing Practice Act bill. Firstly, they can engage in advocacy efforts by joining nursing organizations and getting involved in lobbying activities. They can contact their local representatives and voice their support for the bill, emphasizing its potential benefits for patients and the healthcare system.
Furthermore, nurses can participate in local campaigns and community outreach programs to educate the public and gain support for the bill. By sharing their expertise and success stories of nurse-led care, they can help dispel misconceptions and address concerns raised by opponents of the bill.
Conclusion:
The Nursing Practice Act bill, currently under consideration at the federal level, aims to enhance the professional practice of nursing. By establishing standardized protocols, expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses, and addressing the changing healthcare landscape, the bill seeks to ensure safe and quality care for patients while also maximizing the contributions of nurses to the healthcare system. Support and opposition to the bill stem from differing perspectives on patient safety, the role of physicians, and the potential impact on healthcare delivery. Nurses have a crucial role in advocating for the bill, engaging in specific actions to support its passage, and contributing to the ongoing discussion around the future of nursing practice.
