Government policies’ Impact on the quality of Care and Patient safety

Government policies’ Impact on the quality of Care and Patient safety

Government policies, state board nursing practice standards, and organizational regulations play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of healthcare delivery. These policies can either mitigate or exacerbate the impact of health issues such as obesity on the quality of care, patient safety, and healthcare costs. A synthesis of current literature reveals several ways in which these standards and policies interact with public health problems. Firstly, policies that dictate the scope of nursing practice are integral to the management of obesity. For example, regulations that allow nurses to engage in preventative counseling, prescribe weight management medications, or refer patients to nutritional and exercise programs directly influence the capacity of healthcare professionals to intervene effectively in the early stages of obesity. Such proactive measures can improve patient outcomes and safety while potentially reducing long-term costs associated with obesity-related comorbidities (Pazsa et al., 2022).

On an organizational level, policies that mandate the availability of bariatric equipment in healthcare facilities directly affect patient safety. Adequate equipment ensures that obese patients receive care without the risk of injury to themselves or healthcare workers, which is a common concern when facilities are unprepared for patients of higher body weights. Governmental policies related to healthcare funding also have a profound impact. For instance, policies that expand coverage for obesity treatment can alleviate individual financial burdens and provide more comprehensive care. When patients can afford necessary treatments, they are less likely to delay seeking care, thereby reducing the progression of obesity-related complications. Furthermore, state boards and governments can enforce standards that require the integration of evidence-based practices into nursing care plans. The implementation of these practices improves patient outcomes and care quality (Tchang et al., 2021). For example, guidelines that promote the use of interdisciplinary teams in managing obesity can lead to more holistic and patient-centered care, addressing not just the physical but also the psychological aspects of obesity.

In considering policy impact on nursing scope of practice, nurses are increasingly recognized as primary agents in chronic disease management, including obesity. Policies that support advanced practice nursing roles, such as nurse practitioners, enable these professionals to serve as primary care providers who can address obesity comprehensively, including prescribing medications, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing the overall care plan for patients with obesity. The intersection of nursing practice standards, organizational protocols, and government policies form a framework that can either facilitate a high standard of care for obese patients or create barriers to such care. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, must not only understand these policies but also advocate for changes that enhance their ability to deliver quality care, ensure patient safety, and manage healthcare costs effectively (Tchang et al., 2021). Understanding these policies is crucial in designing and guiding interventions that are feasible within the scope of nursing practice and have the potential for substantial impact on patient outcomes and system-wide healthcare expenditures.

Policy’s Effect on Nursing Scope of Practice

Policies at organizational, state, and federal levels have a profound impact on nursing scope of practice, directly affecting how nurses can contribute to patient care, particularly in relation to public health issues like obesity. State nursing boards set specific regulations that define the scope of nursing practice within their jurisdiction. These standards determine the extent to which nurses can assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate care independently. In states with restricted practice, however, NPs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician to provide certain aspects of care, which can limit their ability to offer comprehensive obesity management services to patients (Wiechert & Holzapfel, 2021).

Policies governing prescriptive authority impact the nurse’s role in managing chronic conditions such as obesity. In states where advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have full prescriptive authority, including for controlled substances, they are better equipped to manage complex patient needs, prescribing medications for weight loss or obesity-related comorbidities. Limitations on this authority can restrict the nurse’s ability to provide complete care, potentially delaying or fragmenting treatment for obese patients. Policies that support the delivery of preventive health services by nurses, such as counseling on nutrition and phy