What Are the Influences of Healthcare Policy on Nursing Practice?
Healthcare policy shapes the environment in which nurses operate. Policies related to patient safety, quality of care, and access to healthcare services directly impact nursing practice. For example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States introduced changes that expanded access to healthcare, thereby increasing the demand for nursing services. Nurses often advocate for policies that promote better staffing ratios, improved working conditions, and enhanced patient care standards.
