HCA320 Discussion Mod 1 Overview According to Nickitas, Mi

HCA320 Discussion Mod 1 Overview According to Nickitas, Middaugh, and Feeg (2019) in areas where there is a great need for primary care providers, advanced prepared nurses are in a key position to address these needs. As direct caregivers and nursing leaders, nurses possess a unique perspective on care needs of healthcare consumers. This week’s module examines advocacy in healthcare and the policy making process. Further you will explore the significance of collaboration between professional nurses, various allied health practitioners and other stakeholders, and how healthcare policies, regulations, and legislative actions influence healthcare in the United States. The focus throughout this course is how you participate, and develop competencies in health care advocacy and how you use your skills to create diverse policy solutions for healthcare consumers. You will also share how you will assume the role of a healthcare advocate committed to promoting policies that impact current healthcare issues. Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. J., & Feeg, M. D. (2019). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals: Advocacy and action. (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers Discussion Question: An ongoing challenge for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) has been changing state legislation that allow APRNs to practice to the fullest extent to which they were academically prepared. For this discussion question, contact the Board of Nursing (BON) in your state or access your BON online. Examine laws that govern APRNs in your state. Consider the following: do APRNs in your state have prescriptive authority; is there legislation in place that allows them to practice autonomously; and finally, if a bill has been passed and adopted, which legislator introduced the bill and who were the strongest advocates for the bill? Then post an initial response that addresses the following: Explain how the lack of autonomy for APRNs impact patients in rural populations? As a health care professional in an advocacy role, what resources could you utilize to guide you in changing policies that impact APRNS in your state? Include in your discussion the type of stakeholders and collaborative partners you would seek to guide or assist you on this cause.