Review the Resources on healthcare policy and regulatory/legislative topics related to health and nursing informatics.
Consider the role of the nurse informaticist in relation to a healthcare organization’s compliance with various policies and regulations, such as the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).
Research and select one health or nursing informatics policy (within the past 5 years) or regulation for further study.
As a professional nurse, you are expected to apply your expertise to patient care. On occasion, you will also be expected to share that expertise.
With evolving technology and continuous changes to regulations designed to keep up these changes, there is usually a need to share information and expertise to inform colleagues, leadership, patients, and other stakeholders.
Full Answer Section
Selecting a Recent Policy for Study:
Here are some options for recent health informatics policies within the past 5 years (further research is recommended to pick one specific to your area of interest):
- 21st Century Cures Act (2016): Focuses on interoperability and information sharing within healthcare systems.
- ONC Information Blocking Rule (2020): Aims to remove barriers to electronic health information (EHI) exchange between providers.
- CMS Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule (2020): Expands patient access to their electronic health data.
Nurse Informaticist's Role in Compliance:
- Policy Knowledge and Interpretation: Nurse informaticists stay updated on relevant policies and regulations, understanding their implications for nursing practice and documentation within EHR systems.
- Workflow Integration: They work with nursing staff and IT departments to ensure EHR workflows support efficient data capture and reporting in accordance with regulations like MACRA.
- Data Quality and Training: Nurse informaticists play a crucial role in maintaining data quality within EHR systems and educating nurses on proper documentation practices to ensure accurate and compliant data recording.
- Patient Education: They can collaborate with patient educators to develop resources explaining patients' rights regarding their electronic health information access and exchange.
Sharing Expertise as a Nurse:
- In-service presentations: Educate colleagues on new regulations and their impact on nursing practice.
- Collaboration with IT: Work with IT teams to identify and address workflow challenges related to EHR use and compliance.
- Patient Advocacy: Inform patients about their rights to access and control their electronic health information.
- Leadership Communication: Advocate for resources and training to support nurses in meeting compliance requirements within EHR systems.
Conclusion:
Nurse informaticists play a critical role in bridging the gap between nursing practice and evolving healthcare policies in the digital age. By staying informed and collaborating with colleagues, they can ensure compliance, optimize workflows, and empower patients in the digital healthcare landscape.
Sample Answer
Nurse Informatics and Regulatory Compliance in Healthcare
Following the recommendations, here's a breakdown of the nurse informaticist's role in healthcare policy and informatics:
Understanding Relevant Resources:
- Review Resources: Explore publications, government websites, and professional associations' websites (e.g., American Nurses Association [ANA]) for the latest information on health information technology (HIT) policies and regulations.
- Focus on MACRA: The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is a key policy that emphasizes value-based care and data reporting. Familiarize yourself with its requirements for healthcare organizations