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Health Care Reform
BACKGROUND
Our nation's
health is seriously compromised by inadequate health care services, inconsistent
quality of care, and escalating costs. Reform of our health care system is
imperative to assure quality health care that is accessible and affordable to
all. As caregivers in a myriad of settings, nurses are in a prominent position
to assess population health needs and advocate for health care reform.
Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform (ANA) calls
for a "core of care" for all Americans. Components of nursing's "core of care"
include:
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a restructured health care system that improves
consumer access to services and promotes consumer accountability for personal
health;
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a nationally standardized package of essential
services;
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a phasing-in of essential services including a
plan for those who have had limited access to care;
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planned change to anticipate new health needs;
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steps to decrease health costs including
assurance of direct access to a full range of providers;
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case management for those with continuing care
needs;
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provisions for long-term care which provides a
continuum of services;
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insurance reforms to improve access to coverage;
and
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public/private sector review to determine
resource allocation, approaches to reduce costs, reimbursement levels, and
insurance premium levels
POSITION
AASCIN endorses "Nursing's Agenda for
Health Care Reform" and supports the concept of a "core" of essential health
care services for all Americans. Nursing's plan for reform proposes a shift from
a system that focuses on illness and cure to one that emphasizes the promotion,
restoration, and maintenance of health.
AASCIN supports the use of the most appropriate
practitioner to provide care. The reformed plan should include the full
utilization of advanced practice nurses.
AASCIN also encourages a productive
inclusion/alignment of the current VA system into the reformed plan. The
reformed plan should also address malpractice and litigation reform.
AASCIN recognizes the consumer as the focal point
of the health care system and advocates increased consumer responsibility in
health care decision making.
AASCIN supports a restructured health care system
which ensures health services that are effective, cost efficient, and focused on
consumer needs.
(Revised 9/93)
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