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Access to Health Care
BACKGROUND
The U.S.
Health Care System is in crisis. More than 60 million Americans are either
uninsured or underinsured. The system is very costly, its quality inconsistent,
and its benefits unequally distributed. Although the system provides highly
sophisticated care to many, millions of Americans must overcome enormous
obstacles to get even the most basic services.
POSITION
AASCIN
endorses Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform and its "core of care"
components. These components include:
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Ensuring access for all Americans to services by
delivering primary health care in community based settings.
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Fostering consumer responsibility for personal
health, self care, and informed decision making in selecting health care
services.
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Facilitating utilization of the most cost
effective providers and therapeutic options in the most appropriate settings.
As the largest group of health care practitioners
in America, nurses are uniquely positioned to provide insight and suggestions
for health care reform.
REFERENCES
American Nurses Association (1991).
Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform. Kansas City: ANA
(adopted 9/91) |
