NR 442 Test Matrix for Exam 2

12 August 2024

Community Health - NR 442

Test Matrix for Exam 2

  • Factors Influencing Legislation:
    • Legislation in healthcare is influenced by a variety of factors, including political climate, economic conditions, social dynamics, and technological advancements.
    • Public health emergencies, societal needs, and lobbying by interest groups also play significant roles in shaping health policies and laws.
  • Government’s Role in Health Policy at Local, State, and National Levels:
    • Local Level:
      • Local health departments (LHDs) focus on community health by implementing programs tailored to local needs, funded by state allocations and local taxes, sometimes supplemented by federal funds.
      • LHDs work closely with local officials, businesses, and community stakeholders to address public health issues and report communicable diseases to state health departments.
    • State Level:
      • State health departments receive funding from state legislatures and federal agencies, manage key programs like WIC and CHIP, and are responsible for public health policy and Medicaid administration.
      • State boards of nursing oversee the Nurse Practice Act, licensure, and nursing education.
    • Federal Level:
      • The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) administers most health-related activities at the federal level, with a focus on national health priorities, and is funded through federal taxes.
      • The Veterans Health Administration provides healthcare services to military personnel and their dependents.
    • National Level:
      • The World Health Organization (WHO) provides international health information, sets standards for antibiotics and vaccines, and focuses on global health concerns like infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and primary care.
  • Key Legislative Acts:
    • Hill-Burton Act: Provided federal funds for hospital construction, with a requirement to provide care to underserved populations.
    • COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act): Allows individuals to continue health insurance coverage after employment ends.
    • Social Security Act: Established Social Security and later amendments introduced Medicare and Medicaid, providing healthcare for the elderly and low-income populations.
    • Medicare and Medicaid: Federal programs providing healthcare coverage to specific groups, such as the elderly (Medicare) and low-income individuals (Medicaid).
    • Mental Health Laws: Laws that govern the provision of mental health services, including patient rights, access to care, and funding.

Health Policy

  • Factors Affecting Policy:
    • Policy development is influenced by public opinion, economic conditions, health needs, technological advancements, and the political environment.
    • Policies are also shaped by the effectiveness of current programs, research findings, and health outcomes.
  • Public vs. Private Policy:
    • Public Policy: Formulated by government agencies with a focus on the general population’s health.
    • Private Policy: Developed by non-governmental organizations, including private companies, focusing on specific groups or health issues, often driven by business interests.
  • Nurse’s Role in Policy:
    • Nurses play a key role in advocating for health policy changes at all levels—local, state, and national—by participating in policy development, education, and advocacy efforts to improve health outcomes.
  • Role of Philanthropy and Volunteer Agencies:
    • These organizations contribute significantly to healthcare funding and policy development, often stepping in where government resources are limited, and supporting various health initiatives.

Economics

  • Funding of Health Policy:
    • Health policies are funded through taxes, grants, insurance premiums, and private donations.
    • Economic constraints and budget allocations greatly influence the scope and implementation of health policies.
  • Government Efforts to Control Costs:
    • Measures include implementing cost-saving strategies, improving healthcare efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting preventive care to lower overall healthcare expenditures.

Significant Findings of IOM (Institute of Medicine) Reports

  • Key findings discussed in class likely include recommendations for improving healthcare quality, enhancing patient safety, and addressing disparities in healthcare delivery.

Healthcare System

  • Strengths:
    • Advanced medical technology, a skilled healthcare workforce, and a wide range of specialized services.
  • Weaknesses:
    • High costs, access disparities, fragmentation of care, and inefficiencies in service delivery.

Vulnerable Populations

  • Characteristics and Issues:
    • Elderly: Face challenges such as chronic diseases, mobility issues, and access to appropriate care.
    • Disabled: Struggle with accessibility issues, discrimination, and specialized healthcare needs.
    • Homeless: Experience barriers to healthcare, mental health challenges, and substance abuse problems.
    • Mental Health: Suffer from stigma, inadequate resources, and disparities in access to care.
    • Rural and Migrant Populations: Deal with distance barriers, limited healthcare providers, and economic challenges.
    • Violence & Abuse Victims: Require legal protection, safety services, and healthcare interventions.
  • Legal Issues and Resources:
    • Vulnerable populations face legal challenges related to healthcare access, discrimination, and protection from abuse, with various resources available to assist them, including government programs, non-profits, and community services.