Identify regulatory agencies that regulate health and the health care system within the US, create a table listing your 5 regulatory agencies and address the following:
Describe the agency, level of regulatory authority (local, state, federal), scope of regulatory authority, and role within the US healthcare system.
Address relevance of the organization or the organization’s authority to the APRN/DNP graduate.
Describe relevance to specialty area, area of practice, or setting of practice. For an example, mental health.
Nursing Influencing Health
Full Answer Section
Additional Considerations:- Scope of Practice: State licensing boards define the specific mental health services APRNs/DNPs can provide (e.g., diagnosis, medication management, therapy).
- Reimbursement: CMS regulations influence how mental health services are reimbursed under Medicare and Medicaid, which can affect practice decisions.
- Quality Standards: JCAHO and other accrediting bodies establish quality standards that mental health facilities, including those employing APRNs/DNPs, must meet.
Sample Answer
Here's a table outlining five key regulatory agencies in the US healthcare system, their functionalities, and their relevance to APRN/DNPs in mental health:
Agency | Level | Scope | Role | Relevance to APRN/DNP (Mental Health) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | Federal | Food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics | Approves medications used in mental health treatment, including psychotropic drugs. | Sets standards for the safety and efficacy of medications used in mental health practice. APRNs/DNPs need to be aware of FDA-approved medications and potential side effects. |
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) | Federal | Medicare and Medicaid programs | Sets standards for healthcare quality and reimbursement for services provided under these programs. | May impact reimbursement for mental health services provided by APRNs/DNPs depending on practice setting and patient population. |
Joint Commission (JCAHO) | National | Accreditation of healthcare organizations | Establishes quality standards for healthcare organizations, including mental health facilities. | Sets quality and safety standards for mental health facilities where APRNs/DNPs might practice. |
State Licensing Boards | State | Healthcare professional licensure | Grants licenses to practice medicine, including APRN/DNP licensure, and sets practice guidelines within each state. | Directly affects APRNs/DNPs' ability to practice in a specific state and defines their scope of practice for mental health care. |
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | Federal | Mental health and substance abuse services | Provides funding for mental health programs and resources, sets national goals, and collects data on mental health issues. | Provides resources and funding for mental health services, potentially impacting the practice environment for APRNs/DNPs |