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NY’s Leadership in Progressive Health Care Protections

In the realm of progressive health care protections, New York is recognized as a national leader. This leadership is mostly credited to the state’s uniquely comprehensive approach that includes initiatives like the Essential Plan, offering low-cost health insurance to residents who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford other plans. This plan and numerous other protections have ensured healthcare access for millions of New Yorkers.

Expansion of Nursing Practice and Scope

New York is also leading the way in enhancing the nursing profession. The state government has expanded the nursing practice’s scope, enabling qualified nurses to diagnose and manage a patient’s treatment independently. There has been a progressive stance on nursing scope, which recognizes the importance of their roles and their critical contribution to health care service.

For instance, the Governor signed a law that allows certified nurse practitioners to provide care without written practice agreements with physicians, having met specific requirements. This ability is particularly beneficial in rural areas where physicians are scarce, allowing nurses to provide a level of health care that was previously unachievable.

Barriers to Independent Practice

Despite these progressive policies, there remain significant barriers for nurses to practice independently. While advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have gained more autonomy to provide care, they are restricted from owning their practices in New York. This policy inhibits the potential of nurses to offer comprehensive care in underserved communities.

This restriction is seen as a significant obstacle, given that nurses, like physicians, invest considerably in their education and training. It’s therefore only fair that they should have the ability to open their practices. Removing this barrier not only would benefit the nurses, but also the communities they serve, particularly in areas where access to quality care is limited.

Access to Primary Care Crisis

A crisis in access to primary care is looming in New York. A recent report indicates that by 2030, a shortage of primary care providers is expected, with the shortage disproportionately impacting minorities and underserved populations. Expanding the nursing scope further to allow nurses to establish their practices could significantly help alleviate this problem.

Nurses, who already play an essential role in patient care, could fill the gaps in primary care, provide timely access to care, and potentially improve health outcomes. The use of their skills and training would be maximized, leading to greater job satisfaction and retention in the profession. Moreover, independent practice would create job opportunities and economic development in underserved communities.

Legislation to Allow Independent Practice

In response to this, legislation has been introduced that would permit APRNs to establish their practices. The Nurse Practitioner Association New York State supports this initiative and believes it would vastly improve health care access and the quality of care provided. This move would further bolster New York’s leading position in progressive health care protections.

Conclusion

New York has done an excellent job so far in advancing health care protections, but it needs to go a step further. Allowing nurses to own their practices would significantly contribute to resolving the primary care shortage while improving the quality of care in underserved communities. It would also create more fulfilling roles for nurses, leading to higher retention and improving the overall health sector. To continue its leadership in health care, New York should consider reforms that allow nurses to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training.


Original Article: https://www.crainsnewyork.com/op-ed/ny-leads-progressive-health-care-protections-its-not-enough