NURS 6050 Week 6 Discussion

A description of the members of the board of nursing of NH and qualifications will be discussed. How the regulations influence delivery, cost, and access to healthcare will be addressed and if there has been any changes in the past 5 years. This presentation will also describe how the state regulations influences the nurse’s role  and the APRN’s role.

INTRODUCTION

The 10th Amendment of the U.S. says that the states are responsible for the powers that are not “vested in the federal government” (Milstead, & Short, 2019, p. 66). One of these powers are protecting the citizens. There are laws that protect the citizens in healthcare, such as The Nurse Practice Act (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2019). The “regulations are detailed and specify how the law will be put into practice” (Milstead, & Short, 2019, p. 59). The Board of Nursing is responsible to enforce these regulations in nursing (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2019).

DIFFERENCES

The Board of Nursing is more about laws and regulations in nursing. Professional Nursing Organizations are more of an advocate for nurses. Anyone can be a member of the professional nursing organization. They must pay an annual fee. Milstead & Short (2019) says to be a member of the Board of Nursing the governor usually appoints its members. Some boards of nursing appoint specific member representation depending on vacancy (Milstead, & Short, 2019). Not everyone can be a member of the Board of Nursing as in a professional nursing organization.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF NH

All members of the Board of Nursing in NH must be a resident of NH (The New Hampshire General Court, 2015). “The board of nursing shall comprise 11 members to be appointed by the governor with the consent of the council” (The New Hampshire General Court, 2015). The members must consist of 5 RNs, 2 LPNs, 2 LNAs, and 2 public members and must have a minimum of 5 years experience (The New Hampshire General Court, 2015).  The public members must have never been of the nursing profession or a spouse to one (The New Hampshire General Court, 2015). The nursing members must have licenses in good standing (The New Hampshire General Court, 2015).
NURS 6050 Week 6 Discussion Essay

FEDERAL REGULATION

The HIPAA Privacy Rule is a federal regulation to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability ACT of 1996 (HHS.gov, 2017). HHS.gov (2017) states the HIPAA Privacy Rule incorporates “national standards for the protection of individually identifiable health information by three types of covered entities: health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers who conduct the standard health care transactions electronically” (HHS.gov, 2017).

It effects the delivery of health care by promoting patient safety and quality care (HHS.gov, 2013). The patients personal information is properly protected. When providers adhere to this regulation it will help their patients to trust that they won’t share their information to the public or to their family without their consent. Patient engagement is also promoted because it gives patients’ rights to access their own medical records (HHS.gov, 2017). This allows patients to be more involved in their care.

STATE REGULATION

The MA regulation on management of pain guides practicing nurses in “promoting patient access to appropriate, therapeutic and effective assessment, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic pain” (Mass.gov, 2017). Nurses must be “accountable for acquiring and maintaining the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to practice in accordance with accepted standards of care for pain management” (Mass.gov, 2017). Nurses are responsible for an assessment that includes pain level, tolerance, respiratory status, functional status, cardiovascular status, etc. (Mass.gov, 2017). They also need to make a pain management plan of care that involves ongoing pain assessments, types of analgesics administered and their effects, any chemical dependence, etc. (Mass.gov, 2017).NURS 6050 Week 6 Discussion Essay

STATE REGULATION FOR APRNS

APRN’s practice”. This allows APRNs to practice independently and not have to be under the supervision of a physician. Not needing the supervision of a physician gives no restrictions to APRNs and on how they practice. This allows them to be able to fully practice to the extent of their education and experience providing high quality care as an MD would. Neff et. al (2018) says that a benefit to an increase to primary care is better patient outcomes. With the availability of more primary care, people will not have to travel as far, thus reducing costs. Traveling far to see a primary care provider may lead to transportation expenses and the risk of insurance not being covered. Neff et. al (2018) says that most MDs do not practice in rural underserved areas and that APRNs do practice in those areas. When APRNs can practice independently, they allow for more access to primary care services.

CONCLUSION

The Board of Nursing and professional nursing organizations both are responsible for different aspects in the nursing profession. The BON are responsible for laws and regulations in nursing. Professional nursing organizations are responsible for the interests of nurses and are a big advocate for the nursing profession. Every state is different and has different laws and regulations regarding nursing practice. Regulations can either enhance the scope of practice for nurses or restrict them. APRNs can practice independently in some states but are restricted in other states and need physician supervision. Regulations are meant to protect the citizens of the U.S. and are necessary in healthcare.