Nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare delivery process. In addition to performing such functions as diagnosing patients and engaging families in the treatment process, nurses also serve as the face of healthcare. Despite the crucial role that they play, the nurses do not receive proper recognition. For instance, in such states as New Jersey, nurses are not permitted to prescribe medications without the express permission, direction or involvement of a physician. As a result of this restriction, it has become needlessly difficult for nurses to participate fully in treatment. In a bid to empower nurses to prescribe medications, the New Jersey legislature is considering the Consumer Access to Health Care Act. The legislature is strongly encouraged to pass this bill as it holds the key to transforming healthcare in New Jersey.
As is currently worded, the Consumer Access to Health Care Act forbids nurses against prescribing medicine. The bill before the New Jersey legislature seeks to address this provision by doing away with the “requirement of joint protocol with physician for advanced practice nurses to prescribe medication.” (“Current Bills”, n.d.). The bill should pass because it promises to enhance the impact of nurses. According to such scholars as Nascimento et al. (2018) empowering nurses to prescribe medications would free physicians to attend to more pressing matters. Additionally, as they are allowed to prescribe, nurses gain new experiences, insights and competencies. When it passes, the Consumer Access to Health Care Act will undoubtedly lay the foundation for nurses to become more visible, gain respect and expand their skills set.
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It is true that the enactment of the Consumer Access to Health Care Act carries some risks. For instance, as Keighley (2006) cautioned, authorizing nurses to issue prescriptions could be disastrous. According to Keighley (2006), nurses have not received the education and certification required to prescribe medications effectively and safely. While the concerns that Keighley (2006) raised are valid, it should be understood that they can be easily addressed. For instance, the Consumer Access to Health Care Act can be accompanied by a policy which mandates rigorous training and education for nurses. As they undergo further training and are exposed to the rigors of prescribing, nurses should be able to perform this function successfully.
Another reason why the Consumer Access to Health Care Act should pass is that it will not cause massive disruption to the healthcare delivery process. As already noted, the act’s main provision is to eliminate the policy barriers that have made it difficult for nurses to prescribe medications without the involvement of physicians. Already, nurses are performing this role to some degree. For instance, nurses are able to prescribe and issue medications for simple ailments and conditions (Keighley, 2006). Since the act simply eliminates the need for physicians, it will not necessarily change how nurses and other healthcare practitioners operate. Therefore, any facility worried that the bill could disrupt operations should not be concerned. This bill could be an effective tool for shedding light on the indispensability of nurses.
As a clinical nurse, I feel that the Consumer Access to Health Care Act improve how I work. Currently, I am not permitted to issue medications unless I have received direct authorization from the physician in charge of particular cases. I find how I am treated to be demeaning. While I recognize that I may lack the knowledge needed to prescribe, I am convinced that with some training and practical exposure, I can easily acquire this knowledge. Additionally, I think that the act will benefit patients. There have been moments when I am unable to prescribe medications because physicians are unavailable. Patients suffer as a result as they have to wait to receive their prescriptions. Since I am usually available to attend to patients, I believe that I am better placed to prescribe. Therefore, the Consumer Access to Health Care Act is a timely intervention which will improve the service delivery process.
References
Current bills. (n.d.). New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing. Retrieved November 29, 2019 from http://www.njccn.org/policy-legislation/
Keighley, B. (2006). Should nurses prescribe? British Journal of General Practice, 56 (522), 68.
Nascimento, W. G., Uchoa, S. A. C., Coelho, A. A., Clementino, F. S., Cosme, M. V. B., Rosa, R. B., Brandao, I. C. A., & Martiniano, C. S. (2018). Medication and test prescription by nurses: contributions to advanced practice and transformation of care*. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 10.1590/1518-8345.2423-3062
