Healthcare Policy Lecture

Instructor

• Dr. Joy Fletcher, Chair of DMP Faculty at Charity School of Nursing since 2018
• Course: Adult Health Nursing, Level One Nursing 113

Overview of Healthcare Policy

• Importance of healthcare policy in patient care.
• Healthcare policy ensures all individuals have access to healthcare services.

Access to Healthcare in the United States

• Three Levels of Healthcare Access:
  • Insured
  • Uninsured
  • Underinsured
• Healthy People 2020 Initiative:
  • Launched in 2010 to increase healthcare access.
  • Aim: Ensure everyone can find care providers and develop rapport.
  • Reduce the number of uninsured Americans.

Progress and Challenges

• 2011: 48.6 million uninsured Americans.
• 2015: Reduced to 37 million uninsured.
• 2020: Further reduced to 28 million uninsured.
• 2021: Increased to 31.1 million uninsured due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare Disparities and Solutions

• Issues: Lack of usual care sources, delays, higher costs, underserved geographic areas.
• Solutions:
  • Affordable Care Act
  • Medicare and Medicaid
  • CHIP program for children
  • Local health departments and community centers

Healthcare Organizations

• Over half a million healthcare organizations.
• Examples: Insurance companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana), Public Health units, private offices.
• Facilities: Urgent care, Ambulatory care, occupational health clinics, hospitals, subacute care facilities, rehabilitation centers.

Specialized Care Facilities

• Assisted Living Facilities: Independent living with community support.
• Home Healthcare Agencies: Provide home care if medically necessary.
• Daycare Centers: For adults and children, including those with Alzheimer's.
• Hospice Services: End-of-life care, inpatient and outpatient services.
• Crisis Intervention Centers: Address immediate healthcare needs.

Regulatory and Accreditation Agencies

• Regulatory Agencies:
  • Government-run, ensure safety and quality.
  • Examples: FDA, CDC, OSHA.
• Accreditation Agencies:
  • Independently owned, promote high standards.
  • Participation is voluntary but affects reimbursement.
  • Example: Joint Commission.

Key Federal, State, and Local Agencies

• Federal: US Department of Health & Human Services
• State: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
• Local: Specific health departments depending on location

Conclusion

• The lecture highlights the importance of healthcare policy in ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their insurance status.

Contact Information

• Reach out via the discussion board for questions.
• Email: JC [email protected]
• Discussion board available for further queries.