Health Reform Presents Challenges,Opportunities for Acute Care NPs

摘要

While the discussion about the impact of the Accountable Care Act has appropriately focused on improving primary care, the health reform law also has important implications for nurse practitioners (NPs) in acute care settings. In fact, it's not overstating the case to say that the success or failure of the health reform effort will be judged in part on whether the new law successfully reduces hospital readmissions, improves transitional care from hospitals to other settings, and achieves better care management and coordination. NPs will be critical to accomplishing these objectives, underscoring how important it is for them to be able to practice to the full scope of their knowledge and clinical preparation and to be recognized as leaders in designing and implementing strategies to improve patient care.