Health Policies at National, State, and Local Levels, Along with Ethical consequences Capella 4050 Assessment 2 Ethical and Policy Factors in Care Coordination

Health Policies at National, State, and Local Levels, Along with Ethical consequences

Two significant policy provisions that raise ethical questions for care coordination within the American Heart Association (AHA) are privacy and confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA, and health equity initiatives. Privacy and confidentiality laws, while essential for protecting patient information, can sometimes pose ethical dilemmas by potentially hindering practical care coordination efforts. Stricter interpretations of HIPAA regulations may limit the sharing of vital patient information among healthcare providers, leading to fragmented care and compromised patient outcomes (Kaufman, 2022).

Balancing the imperative of patient privacy with information sharing for coordinated care requires careful consideration of ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, and respect for autonomy. On the other hand, health equity initiatives addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, such as prohibiting health insurance discrimination based on existing conditions in ACA’s provisions, may also raise ethical questions related to resource allocation and prioritization of services. One dilemma arises from the tension between promoting patient autonomy and ensuring responsible resource allocation.

Capella 4050 Assessment 2 Ethical and Policy Factors in Care Coordination

While individuals with pre-existing conditions have a right to access healthcare services, their increased healthcare needs may strain limited resources within the healthcare system. Care coordination efforts must navigate this tension by balancing the needs of individual patients with broader considerations of healthcare resource allocation and sustainability (Lucas, 2024). Ensuring these provisions promote fair and just distribution of resources and services is crucial for upholding ethical principles of justice and beneficence in care coordination efforts within the AHA and broader healthcare systems. Zoning laws regulate the distribution of healthcare facilities within a community.

If specific neighborhoods lack access to essential cardiovascular care services, such as clinics or rehabilitation centers, health disparities and inequities can be exacerbated. This raises ethical questions about distributive justice and fairness in resource allocation. Policymakers must consider the moral implications of zoning decisions and strive to ensure equitable access to cardiovascular care services across all communities (Mohtat & Khirfan, 2022).

Analysis of Nursing Code of Ethics and Their Impact on Care Coordination and its Continuum

The nursing code of ethics plays a crucial role in shaping care coordination and the continuum of care within the American Heart Association (AHA) and its affiliated healthcare settings. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, adhere to ethical principles outlined in the code of ethics, guiding their interactions with patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams. Within cardiovascular care, nurses prioritize beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice to ensure patients receive compassionate and high-quality care across the care continuum, from prevention to rehabilitation.

Healthy People 2020 highlights socioeconomic determinants of health as major factors influencing health, health inequities, and access to cardiovascular care services (Horwitz et al., 2020). Nurses, guided by ethical standards, recognize the impact of these determinants and advocate for equitable access to resources and services that address social and economic barriers to cardiovascular health. They engage in community outreach programs and policy advocacy initiatives to improve access to affordable healthcare services for underserved populations (Horwitz et al., 2020).