Name
Chamberlain University
NR-451: RN Capstone Course
Prof. Name
Date
This presentation will discuss the selected healthcare policy bill and its summary. We will examine the potential impact of the bill on professional nursing practice standards if passed and the implications if it is not enacted. Further, we will analyze how the bill could influence my nursing practice, communication strategies to address concerns related to the bill, and support for the legislation under different scenarios. Ultimately, we will explore the impact of the bill on the broader community.
Bill Name: ACCESS Act or Support for Seniors Act
Bill Number: H.R. 596 – 117th Congress – 1st Session
Titles:
The ACCESS Act (H.R. 596) aims to enhance the capacity of nursing facilities to access telehealth services and acquire technologies that enable virtual visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This legislation comprises three sections: Section 101 addresses supplemental appropriations, Section 201 offers definitions, and Section 301 establishes emergency designations.
The ACCESS Act is designed to enhance connectivity during the COVID-19 emergency to improve healthcare access, particularly for seniors. It allocates funding as emergency spending to boost telehealth services and virtual visits in skilled nursing facilities. Specifically, the bill offers additional funding for the Telehealth Resource Center Program, aiming to eliminate barriers to telehealth for these facilities. This program is managed by the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth within the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
Furthermore, the legislation provides funding for grants to nursing facilities, enabling them to support virtual visits for residents during the COVID-19 emergency. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for developing guidance for these grants and coordinating with the Federal Communications Commission to ensure access to telecommunications and broadband services.
If enacted, the ACCESS Act would lead to several significant changes in professional nursing practice standards, including:
The bill empowers skilled nursing facilities to utilize telehealth services effectively, which could improve patient outcomes. Telehealth facilitates communication between patients and healthcare providers, reducing the risk of infection and allowing patients to remain at home while still receiving medical attention.
Further, the ACCESS Act would promote staff training to enhance skills, reduce healthcare costs by minimizing unnecessary hospital visits, and increase patient satisfaction. The adoption of telehealth can lead to early diagnosis, improved quality of care, and timely remote health services, ultimately reducing the risk of infections.
Telenursing, which uses technology to deliver nursing services via computers and mobile devices, has gained prominence as it allows patients to connect with nurses from any location. This trend enhances patient access to care and promotes timely monitoring of chronic conditions. Telehealth also offers cost savings, with studies indicating that telehealth visits are significantly less expensive than traditional office visits. The acceptance of telemedicine is on the rise, as patients find virtual health visits more convenient and comparable in quality to in-person appointments.
If the ACCESS Act is not passed, it could have detrimental effects on healthcare access, particularly for seniors. The potential consequences include:
Lockdowns and transportation issues could further restrict access to healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. Without adequate monitoring systems, nurses may face challenges in providing necessary care, which could increase their workload.
The ACCESS Act would provide significant protections and opportunities for my nursing practice. It would:
Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in reducing infection spread and ensuring timely access to care, particularly during public health crises. With advancements in technology, telehealth systems can improve patient engagement and enhance overall care quality by allowing healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely.
To advocate effectively for the ACCESS Act, the following communication strategies can be employed:
Effective communication is crucial in rallying support for the ACCESS Act, particularly using evidence-based strategies to underscore its importance.
For engaging peers regarding telehealth, consider these communication strategies:
Engaging in dialogue with peers, particularly those with differing opinions, can enhance understanding and promote collaborative solutions to healthcare challenges.
Several concerns related to telehealth must be addressed, including:
Legal and compliance issues can pose significant challenges for healthcare providers. Establishing clear policies and procedures is essential to navigate the complexities of telehealth effectively. Furthermore, addressing privacy and security risks is crucial to safeguard patient information.
The ACCESS Act would have a positive impact on community health by:
Telehealth can significantly improve healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas where access to care is often limited. By leveraging technology, healthcare systems can better serve diverse populations and bridge the gap between healthcare services and community needs.
AlDossary, S., Martin-Khan, M., Bradford, N., Armfield, N., & Smith, A. (2017). The development of a telemedicine planning framework based on needs assessment. Journal of Medical Systems, 41(5). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-017-0709-4
GovTrack.us. (2021). H.R. 596 — 117th Congress: ACCESS Act. Retrieved from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr596
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Mason, M. (2020). Updates on current federal telehealth legislation – National Health Council. National Health Council. Retrieved from https://nationalhealthcouncil.org/blog/updates-on-current-federal-telehealth-legislation/
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Paradis, M., Atkinson, K., Hui, C., Ponka, D., Manuel, D., & Day, P. et al. (2018). Immunization and technology among newcomers: A needs assessment survey for a vaccine-tracking app. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 14(7), 1660-1664. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2018.1445449
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