Physician supervision and insurance reimbursement: policy implications for nurse practitioner practice in North Carolina

The presence of regulatory requirements that physicians supervise nurse practitioner (NP) practice and of policies that affect insurance reimbursement policies create barriers that limit North Carolina NPs from practicing to the full extent of their licensure, education, and certification. This article reviews these barriers and offers policy recommendations to ensure that NPs are equal partners in health reform innovations.     

Newborn bloodspot screening policy framework for Australia

Background

The aim of newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is to identify rare genetic and non-genetic conditions in children soon after birth in order to commence therapies that prevent the development of progressive, serious, and irreversible disabilities. Universal NBS programmes have been implemented in most countries, with minor adaptations to target conditions most relevant to the local healthcare environment.

Aims

In this article, we describe the initiatives of international and Australian governments to develop policies to address the expansion of NBS in their healthcare systems.

Methods

We have reviewed published public policies and literature to formulate recommendations based on clinical, social, legal, and ethical principles to inform a national governance and policy framework for Australia.

Results

Australian policy makers have been slow to develop a coordinated plan. While the experience from other governments can guide our national policy, there are specific areas that require further consideration by Australian health experts. Key reforms involve the separation of policy and operational activities, multidisciplinary decision-making and oversight by the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council for policy direction.

Conclusion

A formal national policy framework will guide the coordination of NBS services that can adapt to the needs of Australian children and families.     

Evidence-based transition to practice: developing a model for North Carolina

To enhance patient safety and increase retention of new nurses, structures and processes should be developed to ensure that newly licensed nurses are afforded the opportunity to gain confidence and competence as they enter the workforce. This commentary provides an overview of the work performed to date in North Carolina to build an evidence-based transition-to-practice model.