Nursing Influencing Health

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.

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.
By understanding these regulatory agencies and their roles, APRNs/DNPs in mental health can ensure they are practicing within the legal and ethical boundaries of their profession, while also staying up-to-date on the latest regulations and standards impacting their ability to provide quality patient care.    

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